Pitched Roof Replacement in Tile and Slate
New Roofs and Re-Roofing in Liverpool
A roof replacement, or re-roof, means stripping the old tiles or slates, battens and felt back to the rafters and laying a completely new roof covering. Roofer & Builder replaces pitched tiled and slate roofs on homes, rental properties and commercial buildings across Liverpool, Merseyside, Wirral and the wider North West.
A new roof is the right choice when repairs no longer hold, not simply because a roof is old. We inspect first and tell you honestly whether roof repairs would still do the job. If a new roof is the better option, we explain the materials, Building Regulations and work involved, and give you a clear written quotation.
What a Full Strip and Re-Roof Involves
A proper re-roof replaces the whole system, not just the covering you can see. Once suitable scaffolding is in place, the old tiles or slates are removed, along with the battens and the original felt. This exposes the rafters, so the roof timbers can be checked and any rot, damage or sagging dealt with before anything new goes on.
A breathable membrane is then laid across the rafters, with ventilation provided where the membrane and roof design require it, followed by new treated timber battens set out to suit the chosen tile or slate. The new covering is laid and fixed in line with current standards, with ridge and hip tiles mechanically fixed rather than relying on mortar alone, as BS 5534 requires.
Verges, valleys and abutments are detailed at the same time, and chimney and wall junctions are weathered with new lead flashings where needed. When the roof is complete, old materials are cleared from site and the property is left tidy.
Building Regulations and Insulation When You Re-Roof
Replacing the covering on more than 25% of a roof is classed as renovating a thermal element under the Building Regulations (Approved Document L). This usually means:
- insulation has to be brought up to current standards, where that is technically and economically feasible
- the work must be notified to Building Control, or carried out by a member of a competent person scheme who can self-certify it
In many houses the upgrade means adding insulation at ceiling level in the loft, while a loft used as a room may need insulating at rafter level instead. We will explain what applies to your roof when we quote. Read more in our article Do I need Building Regulations to replace my roof?
Choosing Materials for Your New Roof
The right covering depends on the house, the pitch of the roof and the character of the street. The main options are:
- Concrete interlocking tiles – common on post-war and modern homes, in many profiles and colours
- Clay tiles – plain or interlocking, weathering naturally over time
- Natural slate – the traditional covering on many Victorian and Edwardian terraces across Merseyside
- Man-made slate – fibre cement and similar slates, often at a lower material cost than natural slate
Every tile and slate has a minimum pitch set by its manufacturer, so not every product suits every roof. Our guide to the best roofing materials for UK weather compares the options.
Signs Your Roof May Need Replacing
A roof nearing the end of its life usually shows it in several places at once:
- tiles or slates slipping and cracking on more than one slope
- widespread nail fatigue on a slate roof, with many slates already held on by tingles
- torn, brittle or missing felt seen from inside the loft
- rotten battens or damp rafters in several areas
- a dipping or sagging roof line (see why a roof sags or bows)
- porous, flaky or heavily eroded concrete tiles
One sign on its own does not always mean a new roof is needed.
Roof Replacement
Our Roof Replacement Services
Tiled Roof Replacement
We re-roof in concrete and clay tiles, from the interlocking tiles common on post-war and modern homes to traditional plain tiles. The tile is chosen to suit the pitch of the roof, the structure beneath it and the look of the street.
Slate Roof Replacement
Slate is laid in overlapping courses and fixed individually, with the lap set to suit the pitch and exposure of the roof. We re-slate period and modern homes and can talk you through natural and man-made slate options.
New Battens and Membrane
A full re-roof includes new treated battens and a breathable membrane in place of the old felt. The membrane helps water vapour escape from the roof space and gives the new covering a sound, dry base.
Ridge and Hip Fixing
Ridge and hip tiles are secured with a dry ridge system or mechanically fixed mortar bedding, so the most exposed part of the roof is held in line with BS 5534 instead of relying on mortar alone.
Leadwork and Flashings
Chimney flashings, wall abutments, back gutters and lead valleys are renewed as part of the re-roof where needed, so the new covering is properly weathered wherever it meets walls, chimneys, dormers or other roof slopes.
Roof Timber Repairs
With the roof stripped back, the rafters and other timbers can be checked properly. Damaged sections are repaired or replaced, and because we are builders as well as roofers, structural work is handled by the same team.
How It Works
How We Approach a Roof Replacement
Inspect and Advise
We inspect the roof and the loft, confirm whether repair is still realistic, and talk through materials, insulation and any Building Regulations requirements that apply to your roof.
Quote in Writing
You receive a clear written quotation covering the strip, materials, battens and membrane, leadwork, ridge fixing and access, so you can see exactly what is included.
Strip and Prepare
Once the scaffolding is up, we strip the old covering, check and repair the timbers, then lay the new membrane and battens, planning each stage around the weather.
Re-Roof and Finish
We lay the new tiles or slates, mechanically fix the ridges and hips, complete the leadwork and clear away the old materials, leaving the site tidy.
Why Us
Why Choose Roofer & Builder for Your New Roof?
Repair Before Replace
We only recommend a new roof when repairs will no longer give you good value. If a repair will genuinely do the job, we will tell you so.
Builders as Well as Roofers
Timber repairs, chimney work, masonry and loft alterations are all handled in-house, which matters when stripping a roof uncovers more than expected.
Over 20 Years on Pitched Roofs
Our team brings more than 20 years’ roofing experience to every re-roof, on the slate and tiled roofs found across Liverpool and the North West.
Accredited Roofing Contractor
We are TrustMark registered and members of the NFRC and the Federation of Master Builders, a VELUX Certified Installer and a Restec Approved Installer.
Clear Quotes, No Pressure
Quotations are free, no-obligation and set out in writing, and we explain them in plain terms so you can make the decision in your own time.
Tidy, Considerate Working
A re-roof is a big job on someone’s home. We keep the site organised throughout and clear away the old roof materials when the work is finished.
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FAQs
Roof Replacement FAQs
How do I know whether I need a new roof or just repairs?
The deciding factor is whether the problems are isolated or spread across the roof. A few slipped tiles or one failed flashing can usually be repaired. If tiles or slates are failing all over, the felt has perished throughout or the battens are rotten in several places, repeated repairs tend to cost more over time than a new roof.
Do I need Building Regulations approval to replace my roof?
Usually, yes, if you are replacing the covering on more than 25% of the roof. That counts as renovating a thermal element, so the work must be notified to Building Control or done under a competent person scheme, and insulation normally needs upgrading where feasible. Changing to a noticeably heavier covering can also bring the roof structure into scope.
Can I stay in my house while the roof is replaced?
In most cases, yes. The work is carried out from scaffolding outside, so you can usually carry on living at home. Expect noise and some dust while the old roof is stripped, and clear or cover anything stored in the loft before work starts, as dust and debris can fall from the old covering.
Can I change from slate to tiles, or from tiles to slate?
Often, yes, but it needs checking first. Concrete tiles are generally heavier than slate, so the roof timbers must be able to carry the extra load, and each product has a minimum pitch. If your home is listed or in a conservation area, check with the local council before changing the appearance of the roof.
How long does a re-roof take?
It depends on the size and shape of the roof, the covering being laid, how much timber repair is needed, the number of chimneys and junctions, and the weather. A simple terraced house roof is a very different job from a large hipped roof with several valleys. We will discuss the expected timescale when we quote.
Can roof windows be fitted at the same time as a new roof?
Yes. A re-roof is a practical time to add them, because the covering is already off and the windows and flashing kits can be fitted as the new roof goes on. As VELUX installers, we can advise on sizes and positions. See our VELUX roof windows page for more.
Areas We Serve
Roof Replacement Across Merseyside
From our base in Maghull we cover Liverpool and the surrounding towns. Find your local page:
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Head Office
Maghull Business Centre, 1 Liverpool Road North, Maghull, Liverpool L31 2HB
Opening Hours
Office: Mon–Sat 10:00–18:00
Emergency line: 24/7