New roofs and re-roofing in Kent

How a re-roof is done

1. Scaffold and protectionScaffold goes up around the roof so the work is done from a safe edge, and the house below is protected.
2. StrippingThe old tiles or slates come off. Sound ones can be set aside where they are to be reused.
3. Timbers checkedWith the old battens and felt removed, the rafters are open to view and any rot or damage can be dealt with.
4. Membrane and battensA new membrane goes on, then new battens to hang the tiles or fix the slates.
5. Covering and finishingThe tiles or slates are laid and the ridges, hips, valleys and verges finished.
6. Clearing upGutters are checked, the scaffold comes down and the site is cleared.

Tiles, slate or a change of material

Re-roofing in the same material keeps the look of the house and is the simplest route through planning: the Planning Portal says work that does not materially change a roof's appearance will usually not need planning permission.

Changing material is a bigger decision. A heavier covering, such as concrete tiles in place of slate, puts more load on the roof timbers, and the Planning Portal says building control approval is needed where a new covering adds 15 per cent or more to the weight of the roof covering.

Building regulations when you re-roof

Re-covering half or more of a roof normally needs a building control application, and the work can then extend to the whole roof, for example making sure the insulation is sufficient. Structural alterations need approval whatever their size. The detail is on the Planning Portal.

Bats and re-roofing

Every bat species, and the places bats breed and roost, is protected by law. GOV.UK lists repairing or replacing a roof among the building work that can affect bats, and advises a bat survey before the work where they may be present. If you have seen bats around the roof or in the loft, mention it when you ask for a quote.