Ely Roofers provide professional Roofing services in March and the surrounding area.
We carry out the full range of roofing work in March and the surrounding Fenland villages. That covers everything from a small repair after storm damage to a complete re-roof on an older property.
Older properties were often built with natural slate or plain clay tiles. Over time, the nibs (the small lugs that hook slates and tiles onto the battens) wear away, and individual units slip or drop. A slipped slate doesn't always mean a full roof replacement; in many cases, individual slates can be re-fixed or replaced if the batten and underlay beneath are still sound.
Many post-war properties have concrete interlocking tiles. These can last well, but the mortar bedding on the ridge and hip sections deteriorates after 20 to 30 years. Once the mortar cracks, wind gets underneath the ridge tiles and lifts them. Repointing or re-bedding the ridge is a straightforward job that prevents water tracking down into the roof void.
Flat roofs are common on extensions and outbuildings. Felt flat roofs have a practical lifespan of around 10 to 15 years before they begin to crack and blister. At that point, the options are a new felt system or an upgrade to EPDM rubber membrane, which typically lasts significantly longer. We can advise on which is the more cost-effective route depending on the size of the roof and the condition of the deck beneath.
A full re-roof becomes the right option when slates or tiles are failing in large numbers, when the timber battens have rotted, or when the sarking felt beneath has broken down completely. We strip the roof, inspect the timbers and replace any that are damaged before the new materials go on.
We always recommend getting a like-for-like specification in writing so you can compare quotes accurately. The tile profile, batten gauge and underlay type all affect the final cost and the long-term performance of the roof.
Repair work is often the most cost-effective route, particularly on roofs that are otherwise in reasonable condition. Common repair jobs across March properties include:
Repair costs vary with access and the extent of the damage, but a single slate replacement typically costs £50 to £150, and a full ridge re-bed on a terraced house is usually in the £300 to £700 range. These are rough guides - we look at the job before giving a figure.
Many older properties still have chimney stacks standing. Even where the chimney is no longer used, the stack and its flashing still need to be weathertight. Common problems include cracked pointing on the brickwork (known as repointing the stack), failed lead flashing at the base where the chimney meets the roof slope, and damaged chimney pots. Left unattended, a leaking chimney can allow water to track down into the ceiling below without any obvious sign of where it's entering.
If a chimney is unused and you want to remove the maintenance burden, capping off the pot and installing a ventilated terminal is a practical option. Alternatively, full chimney removal down to below the roofline and making good the roof covering is worth considering if the stack is in poor structural condition.
A common problem is ponding water, which forms when the fall on the roof is insufficient or when the deck has sagged. Standing water accelerates felt deterioration and can push through any existing cracks.
EPDM rubber roofing has become the standard choice for flat roof replacement because it is applied in a single sheet with no seams over most domestic roof sizes.
Damp conditions encourage moss and lichen growth on north-facing and shaded roof slopes. Moss holds moisture against the surface of tiles and slates, accelerating surface erosion and, on clay tiles in particular, contributing to frost damage during cold snaps. Soft washing (low-pressure chemical treatment) followed by a biocide application deals with moss without the risk of pressure washing, which can force water under tiles and damage older materials.
After treatment, a biocide helps slow regrowth.
As well as March itself, we cover the Fenland villages and settlements in the surrounding area. We also work regularly between March and Ely, and across to neighbouring towns. If you are in Chatteris, Whittlesey or any of the smaller Fenland settlements nearby, get in touch and we will confirm whether we cover your postcode.
A repair is usually sufficient when damage is isolated to a small number of tiles or slates and the rest of the roof is structurally sound. Replacement becomes the better option when more than 20 to 25 per cent of tiles are failing, when the batten or underlay has deteriorated across most of the slope, or when the roof is approaching 60 to 80 years old without having been re-covered. A roof inspection will give you a clear picture before you commit to either route.
Often, yes. There is a reasonable supply of reclaimed natural slate and second-hand clay plain tiles available through specialist merchants, which is important on a conservation property or where the existing tiles have a distinctive profile. We can advise on sourcing and whether a close match or a like-for-like match is achievable for your property.
The time a job takes depends on its size and on access to the roof.
Storm damage can leave a roof open to the weather and needs attention quickly. Where the full repair cannot be completed immediately, temporary weatherproofing can protect the property while materials are sourced or conditions allow the full repair to proceed.
Ask each roofer to specify exactly what work they are quoting for - the number of slates, the length of ridge to be re-bedded, the type of materials being used. Vague quotes make it impossible to compare fairly. Also ask whether the quote includes scaffold or tower access, as this is sometimes left out of an initial price and added later.
If you are concerned about your roof - whether you have seen a damp patch inside, noticed slipped tiles from the ground, or just want an honest assessment before winter - call us to arrange a roof survey. We cover March from our Ely base.
No obligation · We usually respond within 2 hours
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