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Semi-detached house with half its roof stripped and new battens being fixed

Re-roofing in Leicester

Roof replacement in Leicester, explained before you commit

A new roof is a big spend, so you should understand it first. We explain what needs doing, what it involves and what is included in the quote.

  • Slate, clay and concrete tile roofs
  • New battens, membrane and flashings
  • Written quote with the work itemised

Step 1 of 3

What do you need?

What does a roof replacement in Leicester involve?

A full re-roof means taking the old covering off and building a new one on the same structure. It is more than swapping tiles. The work usually runs in this order:

  • Scaffold goes up around the house so the crew can work safely and your gutters are not used as a ladder rest.
  • The old slates or tiles, battens and any felt are stripped and taken away.
  • The rafters and timbers are checked. Rotten sections are cut out and replaced.
  • A new breathable membrane goes over the rafters, followed by treated battens.
  • New tiles or slates are fixed, then the ridge, hips and verges are bedded or dry-fixed.
  • Lead flashings are fitted around chimneys, abutments and valleys, and fascias, soffits and guttering are renewed if they are part of the job.

Many older Leicester roofs were built with no felt at all, so the new membrane is often a real improvement to the loft as well as to the roof.

How do I know my roof needs replacing and not just repairing?

Look for patterns, not single faults. One slipped tile is a repair job. These signs suggest the whole roof is reaching the end of its life:

  • Tiles flaking or crumbling across a whole slope, not just in one spot.
  • Slates slipping because the fixing nails have rusted through, often called nail sickness on older slate roofs.
  • A sagging ridge or a dip in the roof line, which can mean the timbers underneath are weak.
  • Daylight showing through the roof boards from the loft.
  • Leaks that come back after each repair.

If you are not sure, a roof inspection will give you a written view before you decide. For smaller faults, roof repair may be the sensible choice.

What affects the cost of a new roof?

We do not publish prices, because two roofs that look alike from the road can cost very different amounts. The main things that change the figure are:

  • Size and shape. A small terrace is much simpler than a large detached house with hips, valleys and dormers.
  • The covering you choose. Concrete tile, clay tile, natural slate and artificial slate sit at different price levels.
  • Access and scaffold. Tight streets and terraces with shared access can add time.
  • Hidden timber work. Rot or woodworm only shows once the old covering is off, so a good quote explains how extra timber will be charged.
  • Extras. Chimney work, lead flashing, fascias, soffits and guttering all add to the job.

You will get the details in a written quote, so you can compare like with like.

A typical house takes several days, and larger or more complicated roofs take longer. Weather decides a lot of it. A good crew will not strip a roof in the rain unless it can be covered the same day.

On the first morning, expect scaffold and a skip, and some noise as the old roof comes off. Cars should be moved off the drive. Furniture in the loft is best covered or cleared. Each evening the roof should be left watertight. At the end of the job the garden is cleared and the scaffold is taken down.

If your plans depend on a date, tell us when we first speak so we can say honestly whether it is realistic.

Do I need planning permission or building regulations approval?

Replacing a roof like for like usually does not need planning permission, but there are exceptions. Homes in a conservation area or listed buildings often have extra rules, and parts of Leicester fall under these. If your house is in one, check with Leicester City Council before choosing materials.

Building regulations can apply when a large part of the roof is replaced, for example around insulation levels. A reputable contractor should be able to tell you what applies to your property. Terraced and semi-detached homes can also involve a shared wall or boundary, and the Party Wall Act may come into play. If you are unsure, ask the council or a surveyor. You can also return to our Leicester roofing home page to see the other work we do.

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Step 1 of 3

What do you need?

Questions about roofing in Leicester

How long does a new roof last?

It depends on the covering and how well it is fitted and looked after. Natural slate and good clay tiles are long-lived, concrete tiles usually last a good while, and flat roof coverings such as GRP and EPDM tend to have shorter lives. Moss, blocked gutters and exposure to wind can all shorten the figure. We can tell you what to expect for the material you are considering.

Can you put new tiles over my old roof?

Usually not. Laying new tiles over old ones adds weight, hides the condition of the timbers and does not allow a proper membrane to be fitted. Stripping back to the rafters costs more at the start but lets us check and fix the structure underneath. We will explain why if a particular roof is a special case.

Will I need to move out while the roof is replaced?

No, most people stay at home. The noise is the main nuisance, especially on the first day. If you work from home or have young children or pets, mention it when we quote. We can often plan the noisiest stages around you. The roof should be left watertight at the end of each working day.

What is the difference between slate and tile?

Natural slate is thin, split stone and has a fine, even appearance. Tiles are made from clay or concrete and are thicker and cheaper to supply in most cases. Older Leicester terraces often have slate, and 1930s semis often have clay tiles. A like-for-like match matters in some streets and conservation areas.

Should I replace my fascias and guttering at the same time?

Often it makes sense, because the scaffold is already up and the roof edge is exposed. Old fascias, soffits and gutters can be rotten or cracked, and fitting a new roof edge to failing boards is a poor use of money. We will list them as separate items in the quote so you can choose.

How do I compare roof replacement quotes?

Look at what each quote includes: scaffold, stripping, waste removal, membrane, battens, tile type, lead work, ridge, fascias and what happens if rotten timber is found. A very low figure often leaves things out. Ask each firm to explain the difference between its quote and others you hold.

How it works

  1. Step 1

    Call or request a quote

    Tell us what is happening with the roof.

  2. Step 2

    Free inspection

    A roofer checks the roof and gives a written price.

  3. Step 3

    Work done right

    Clean crew, nail sweep, warranty in writing.

Ready when you are. Call now or request a quote online.

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