Domestic Roofing Guide – Re-Roofing

This guide covers common faults with old roofs, the options for repairing them, and advice on whether to repair or re-roof, along with a dictionary of roofing terms.

The first signs of deterioration are broken or delaminated slates and tiles, or daylight showing through the loft. Uneven roof surfaces, slipped slates or tiles, and cracking bedding mortar all indicate decay in the roof structure and fixings.

Small areas of damage can sometimes be patched by replacing slates or tiles, though matching old materials can be difficult and patching is only a short-term solution. Surface coatings can seal gaps but do not address decay in battens and rafters and are not recommended by British Standard BS 5534.

Re-roofing allows rafters to be examined and repaired, new felt, battens and tiles to be fitted to current standards, and ventilation products installed in line with Building Regulations.