Having your roof replaced is a big investment, both in time and money. Because of this, there are a number of important factors to consider to ensure you get it right first time and minimise the risk of regular maintenance and repair bills.
Your Budget
The first step to any investment in a new roof is to understand how much it is likely to cost. Every aspect of your roof from your tiles to your insulation will come down to budget in one way or another. To keep within yours, it’s best to prioritise certain aspects that you need the most. From there, you can allocate your budget until you have a final maximum price that you are happy with.
The Location of Your Home
Where your home is situated can have a drastic effect on the type of roof you need. This is usually down to weather patterns in certain areas, so it is important to understand how different types of roofing material fare under different conditions. For example, whilst slate tiles may look great, how will they fare in areas known for high winds compared to lead roofing. Taking a bit of time to research roofing materials best suited to the needs of your geographic location will help you come to an educated decision as to the best materials to choose.
What Your New Roof will Look Like
Installing a new roof has the potential to drastically change the general appearance of your home. You should therefore try to match what you choose to the character of your home as much as possible. Every roofing material looks different and final choice can positively or negatively change your homes aesthetic. It’s advisable that choice of colours and finishes on roofing components such as tiles, shingles, fascias and guttering should match as closely as possible to your home’s overall style. This is especially important in older homes, where the classic architecture and authenticity must be protected.
Building Regulations
All new roofs or replacement roofs need to ensure their materials, dimensions and performance properties comply with Building Regulations standards for:
- resisting weather
- resisting the spread of fire from one property to another
- supporting loads (weights)
- energy efficiency (providing resistance to heat loss)
- providing ventilation to protect from condensation
- having adequate drainage
Pitched roofs and flat roofs have different regulations, as do new roofs (for example on new extensions) and replacement roofs, so it is important to understand which set of regulations apply to your particular project.
For example, if you are replacing a flat roof, you will likely need to upgrade your thermal insulation element to meet energy efficiency requirements. Whereas with a pitched roof, if your new roof is a different material to your original roof (e.g. tile to slate) then Building Regulations may require that you have to have the roof structure strengthened or modified to adequately meet the weight of the new material.
More details on planning permission and Building Regulations applicable to new and replacement roofs can be found here
Your Roofing Contractor
Taking the time to carefully plan your new roof is pointless if the contractor you choose is not up to scratch. You should always trust who is doing your work, or you may be paying out for repairs and maintenance for years to come. Always hire a qualified roofer, who is happy to show proof of their work.
At Keay Roofing Services, we pride ourselves on our services and aftercare. We are CompetentRoofer, Which? Trusted Trader, SafeContracter and NRFC approved. For more information on how we can help replace your roof, or for any other enquiries, please call us on 01753 358267 or send us an email.
