A new roof starts with taking the old one off, and many homeowners are unsure what that involves. It is a messy, noisy stage, so it helps to know what to expect and how a careful roofing team keeps the disruption under control.
Stripping the old covering
After the scaffolding is up, the old tiles or slates are removed, along with the battens and any tired underlay. This is usually done in sections so that no more of the roof is exposed than can be covered again the same day. Loose material is lowered or chuted down into a skip rather than dropped, which keeps the garden and the neighbours' property safe.
Checking what is underneath
Once the covering is off, the timbers can be seen properly for the first time. Rafters, wall plates and ridge boards are checked for rot, woodworm and movement. Old repairs sometimes turn up too, such as patched sections or ill-fitting flashings. Anything unsound is repaired or replaced before the new roof goes on, because a new covering over weak timbers is a poor investment.
Keeping the house dry
A roof should never be left open overnight. Sections are stripped and re-covered with new underlay quickly, and temporary protection is used if weather turns. In a wet South Wales winter this planning matters more than speed, because water getting into the loft or ceilings can cause far more trouble than a day's delay.
Clearing away
Old roofing materials, broken battens and offcuts are taken off site. The scaffolding comes down only after the roof, the flashings and the gutters have been checked and the site has been cleared of nails and debris. The garden should be left as it was found.
If you want to know how we would handle your own roof, we explain the process at the free quotation stage. See our New Roof Installations page or call 07766 547309.
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