What does a roof replacement involve?
The steps are much the same on most houses, whatever the covering.
- Scaffolding. Sheffield streets can be steep and narrow, so access and safe working at height need planning before the first slate comes off.
- Strip. The old slates or tiles, battens and felt come off in sections, so the house is not left open to the weather.
- Check the timbers. Rafters, purlins and wall plates are inspected. Rotten timber is replaced, not covered over.
- Underlay and battens. A breathable membrane and new treated battens go on. Many older roofs only had old bitumen felt or none at all.
- New covering. Slates, stone slates or tiles are fixed with fixings that suit an exposed, windy site.
- Details. Ridges, hips, valleys, verges and lead flashings around chimneys and abutments are completed, then fascias, soffits and guttering as agreed in the quote.

