A new roof is one of the most significant investments you can make in your property. We install new roofs across Ely and the surrounding villages, using quality materials suited to the property - whether that is traditional clay or concrete tiles, natural slate, or flat roof systems for extensions and outbuildings.
Call any time. Calls are answered day and night and passed straight to our roofers.
A new roof is one of the largest single investments a homeowner makes, and getting it right from the start saves a great deal of money further down the line. Whether your existing roof has deteriorated beyond economic repair, you are building an extension, or you are converting a property and need a roof built from scratch, the work demands careful planning and the right materials for your building type. We carry out new roof installations across Ely and the surrounding area.
The process begins with a thorough assessment of the roof structure. On a re-roof of an existing property, we strip off all the old coverings and inspect the timber decking, rafters, joists and any supporting walls. Rot, insect damage or movement in the structure needs to be dealt with before a single tile goes on, otherwise you are laying a new covering over a problem that will come back. We replace or repair any defective timbers at this stage.
Once the structure is sound, we install breathable roofing membrane beneath the battens. This is an important layer that allows moisture vapour to escape from the roof space while stopping wind-driven rain from reaching the decking. On older properties, this layer is often missing entirely, which leads to timber decay over time. Battens are then fixed to the correct gauge for the tile or slate being used, because the right gauge varies depending on the pitch of the roof and the material chosen.
For pitched roofs, the common covering choices are concrete interlocking tiles, plain clay tiles and natural slate. Concrete interlocking tiles are cost-effective and widely used on post-war housing. Plain clay tiles suit older and period properties. Natural slate, either Welsh or imported, gives a more traditional appearance and performs well for decades when laid correctly. We will discuss the options with you and explain which materials suit your roof pitch, your property style and your budget.
Flat roofs on extensions, garage roofs and low-pitch sections are typically covered in either high-quality torch-on felt or EPDM rubber membrane. EPDM is a single-ply rubber system that is flexible, resistant to frost and UV, and carries a long manufacturer life expectancy when installed correctly. Torch-on felt uses heat-welded layers of bitumen felt to create a waterproof surface and is a proven system that has been used in the trade for many years.
Ridge tiles, hip tiles and valley work are finished in mortar or, increasingly, with a dry-fix mechanical system. Dry-fix ridges use plastic components and clips rather than mortar, which means they do not crack and fall away as mortar joints do over time. They are particularly worth considering if you want low maintenance over the life of the roof.
A new roof covering is only as watertight as the details around it. Lead flashings where the roof meets a chimney, a wall or a dormer window are a common source of leaks on older properties. On a new roof, these details are done properly from the start - lead cut and dressed to the correct profile, stepped into the mortar joints on brickwork, and overlapping the tiles below by enough to keep water out even in driving rain.
Valleys, where two roof slopes meet, are another area where poor workmanship shows up quickly. Open lead valleys and close-cut tile valleys both work well when executed properly. We discuss the options with each customer before work starts so there are no surprises.
New roof costs vary considerably depending on size, pitch, material choice and the condition of the underlying structure. As a general guide, a standard three-bedroom semi-detached house in Ely re-roofed in concrete interlocking tiles typically costs in the region of £4,000 to £7,000. Natural slate or clay plain tiles cost more, often in the range of £6,000 to £12,000 or more for the same property, because the materials are more expensive and the laying is more labour-intensive. Flat roof installations on a typical single garage or extension are usually in the range of £800 to £2,500 depending on size and system chosen. These are typical UK ranges and every job is different, so figures will vary.
Scaffolding is normally required for pitched roof work and is usually included in the price, but it is always worth confirming this when you receive a quote. The condition of the roof timbers is the biggest unknown on any re-roof - if the structure is found to need significant work once the old covering is stripped, costs will increase.
A new roof built with the correct underlayer, battened to the right gauge and finished with proper flashings and ridge details can perform without significant maintenance for thirty to fifty years depending on the material. A poorly installed one can start causing problems within a few years - cracked mortar on ridges, slipped tiles, condensation in the roof space or persistent leaks around flashings.
Roofing work at height carries real risk. Working from ladders on a pitched roof is dangerous without the correct access equipment, and cutting corners on safety is how accidents happen. Scaffolding is not just a convenience; on a full re-roof it is essential for working safely and for moving materials efficiently without damage to the property below.
Substandard workmanship is also harder to spot than poor decorating or tiling. A roof that looks finished from the ground can have missing underlayer sections, incorrectly nailed tiles or lead flashings that are only held temporarily with mastic. These problems do not show themselves until the next hard winter, by which time the roofer may be long gone. Asking a contractor to walk you through what they plan to do, and what materials they will use, before work starts is always a sensible step.
We visit the property to look at the existing roof and structure before providing a price. This allows us to give a realistic figure rather than one that changes once work has started. We explain what materials we recommend and why, and we are straightforward about timescales - the duration depends on weather, access and any structural work needed.
We work in Ely itself and across the surrounding area. If you want a roof survey to find out the condition of your existing roof before deciding whether to repair or replace, call us to arrange a visit. We will give you an honest assessment of what the roof needs, not an inflated picture designed to sell you a full replacement if it is not warranted.
When any of these apply, continuing to repair is rarely the most economical choice over a five to ten year horizon. A new roof resolves all the problems at once and removes the cycle of ongoing repair bills.
If you are thinking about a new roof in Ely or any of the surrounding villages, ask for a survey and a clear, itemised price before committing to any work.
No obligation · We'll call you to arrange a free visit
Call any time. Calls are answered day and night and passed straight to our roofers.
Active leaks, storm damage, slipped tiles, lifted ridge tiles and failed flashings need attention before the damage spre
When a roof reaches the end of its life, patching it up costs more in the long run than replacing it properly. We carry
Cracked tiles, leaking flashings, loose ridge tiles - roof problems rarely improve on their own. We carry out roof repai
Flat roofs on extensions, garages and outbuildings need the right material and a proper finish to last. We install and r
