Most homeowners want to know two things before agreeing to a new roof: what it will involve and how long the house will be disrupted. There is no single answer, because the time a new roof takes depends on the size and shape of the roof, the covering chosen and what is found once the old roof comes off. A small, simple roof can be done far faster than a large one with several slopes, dormers and a chimney.
What affects the timescale
The main factors are the roof area, the number of separate slopes and details such as valleys, hips, dormers and rooflights, and whether the timbers underneath need repair. Natural slate generally takes longer to lay than large-format tiles because each slate is smaller and fixed individually. Access matters too: a house with limited space for scaffolding or deliveries can slow things down.
The usual order of work
Scaffolding goes up first so the team can work safely at the eaves and get materials onto the roof. The old covering, battens and any failed underlay are then stripped. The timbers are checked, and any rotten or damaged sections are repaired or replaced before anything new goes on. New underlay and battens follow, then the tiles or slates, with ridge, hips and flashings finished last.
Weather and the unexpected
South Wales weather can stop roofing work on days of heavy rain or strong wind, and a good roofer will not leave a roof open to the weather. A roof is normally stripped and covered in sections so the house stays watertight each evening. Sometimes the strip-back reveals rotten timbers or poor earlier repairs, and that has to be put right before carrying on. We tell you as soon as we find something, so there are no surprises.
Getting a realistic estimate
The honest way to get a timescale is for a roofer to see the roof. When we visit for a free quotation we look at the size, the access and the condition of the roof, and give you a sensible estimate of how long the work should take, along with what could change it.
If you are planning a new roof, see our New Roof Installations section, or call us on 07766 547309 to arrange a free visit.
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