When a roof reaches the end of its life, patching it up costs more in the long run than replacing it properly. We carry out full roof replacements across Ely and the surrounding villages, using the right materials for each property type and age.
Call any time. Calls are answered day and night and passed straight to our roofers.
There comes a point with any roof when repairs stop making financial sense. If you are spending money on the same roof every year, if water is getting in through multiple spots, or if a roofer has told you the underlying felt and battens have given out, a full replacement is likely to be the more economical decision over the next decade.
Each building type presents different replacement considerations.
On older properties, the original roofing felt beneath the tiles is often a dark bitumen-bonded type that was standard for decades. Once this breaks down, the roof space becomes vulnerable to wind-driven moisture even if the tiles themselves look acceptable from the ground. A roof can look visually intact and still be failing beneath the surface. Conversely, some roofs with a few slipped or cracked tiles on top are structurally sound underneath and need only targeted repair rather than full replacement.
A common problem on properties of this age is mortar-bedded ridges. The mortar that holds ridge tiles in place is lime or cement-based and it weathers over the years, eventually cracking and shrinking away from the tiles. When ridge tiles come loose, they can fall and cause injury or damage below, and the exposed ridge allows water to track down into the roof space. Deciding whether to rebed the ridge as a standalone job or to replace the whole roof at the same time is a question of how much life the rest of the roof has left.
None of these signs alone automatically means a full replacement is necessary, but they are all worth having a roofer look at in person. A proper inspection from inside the loft as well as from outside gives a much clearer picture than a view from the pavement.
We strip the old covering completely - tiles, slates, battens and felt - down to the bare rafters. This is when the condition of the timber structure becomes clear. Any rafters or decking boards showing rot, insect damage or movement are replaced at this point. There is no value in covering over a failing structure.
New breathable roofing membrane goes on first, running from ridge to eaves. Unlike the old bitumen felt, breathable membrane lets water vapour out of the roof space while stopping liquid water from getting in. Battens are then fixed at the correct gauge for the tile or slate being used - the gauge determines how much each tile overlaps the one below, which is critical for weathertightness. Get this wrong and the roof will leak in heavy rain even with undamaged tiles.
We discuss tile and slate options with you before the job starts. For most post-war properties in the Ely area, concrete interlocking tiles are a practical and cost-effective choice. For older or period properties, plain clay tiles or natural slate look more appropriate and add to the character of the building. Imported slate is significantly cheaper than Welsh slate and performs well when it comes from a reputable source; Welsh slate is the premium option and can last well over a century when laid correctly.
Ridge and hip tiles are finished using either traditional mortar bedding or a dry-fix mechanical system. Dry-fix is increasingly popular because the clips and plastic components do not shrink or crack the way mortar does, which reduces long-term maintenance. We will recommend the appropriate finish for your roof type.
Lead flashings around chimneys, soil pipe collars and abutments with walls are replaced or dressed as part of the job. Flashings are a common weak point, and cutting corners here undermines the rest of the work.
Pricing depends on the size of the roof, the pitch, the material chosen and the condition of the timber structure underneath. A full replacement on a typical three-bedroom terraced or semi-detached house in the Ely area using concrete interlocking tiles is generally priced in the range of £4,000 to £7,500. Natural slate or clay plain tiles add to the cost, both in materials and laying time, and can bring the total to £7,000 to £14,000 or more for the same size property. These are typical UK figures and individual quotes will vary. Scaffolding is normally required and should be clearly included or itemised in any price you receive.
Any structural timber work found to be needed once the roof is stripped will affect the cost. A roofer who gives you a firm price without having seen inside the loft space is making assumptions. It is always worth asking how a contractor handles the discovery of rotten timbers mid-job, before you agree to anything.
Replacing a roof with the same or very similar materials is generally covered by permitted development rights and does not require a planning application. If your home is in a conservation area or is a listed building, the position is different and you should speak to the local planning authority before work begins.
Yes. Previous roof work sometimes fails to hold up, or is left incomplete by a contractor. When we look at the roof, we assess what has been done and what needs correcting. In some cases the previous work can be built on; in others, material needs to come off and be redone. We will tell you honestly what we find rather than automatically recommending the most expensive option.
Storm damage sometimes makes a roof replacement urgent rather than planned. Wind can lift large sections of tile, dislodge ridge tiles or tear away flat roof coverings, leaving the interior exposed. Call us to discuss what has happened and we will advise on the best approach.
If your roof is giving you problems or you suspect it is coming to the end of its life, call us to arrange a roof inspection. We cover Ely and the surrounding area including Soham, Prickwillow, Haddenham, Stuntney and Queen Adelaide. We will look at the roof properly - inside the loft as well as from outside - and give you a straight answer on what it needs and what it will cost.
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.
A new roof is one of the most significant investments you can make in your property. We install new roofs across Ely and
Active leaks, storm damage, slipped tiles, lifted ridge tiles and failed flashings need attention before the damage spre
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
