Renovation and repairs
How to approach the refurbishment of a roof covering
In brief
Begin the roof covering renovation by identifying the cause of the leak and assessing the condition of the structure, not by choosing new sheet metal. Check whether the problem lies in the covering itself, the substrate, ventilation, flashings and drainage, and whether replacement is necessary at all. Verify the formalities separately: the type of building and scope of work determine whether a notification suffices or a permit is needed. For a notification, there are in principle 21 days for objection, but exceptions exist. Also plan protection of the house against rain and securing of the work area.
Where should the assessment of an old roof begin?
First, it is worth gathering information about leaks, dampness and previous repairs. The inspection should cover external details and the attic. A stain on the ceiling need not lie directly beneath the point where water enters. Water can travel through the layers. The roofer should establish its path before proposing to paint over the stain or replace a random sheet.
The structure, condition of the timber and support are assessed separately. Deflections, rot or spreading joints require inspection by a person with the appropriate qualifications. A lighter covering does not repair a weakened roof truss. A distinction must also be made between rainwater leakage and moisture condensation. The second problem may result from a leaky layer from the inside and blocked ventilation.
How should the necessary formalities be established?
The scope of works may be a renovation, reconstruction or extension. Restoring the covering is not the same as changing the shape of the roof and the structure. Not every renovation requires a permit, but not every one is exempt from notification either. The type of building and the elements covered by the works are significant. Changes concerning a listed building may require additional approvals.
Before ordering the crew, it is good to describe the scope and check its qualification with the designer or the relevant authority. For a standard works notification, as a rule there are 21 days for raising an objection. There are, however, exceptions and separate procedures. The start date of the renovation must therefore be determined on the basis of one’s own case, not a general assurance from the contractor.
How should the new covering be matched to the existing structure?
T18, T35 and tile-effect metal roofing may have similar applications, but they require a different arrangement of supports. The minimum pitch, spacing of battens or purlins and fixing points must be checked. The old substructure may need to be replaced or adjusted. Ordering metal sheeting on the basis of the building area alone is not enough. A measurement of the actual roof slopes and details is needed.
For a complicated roof, modules may be convenient, while for simple slopes sheets cut to size are suitable. The decision should result from the cutting plan and work organisation. At the same time, the coating, colour and complete set of flashings are determined. Replacing the covering is a good moment to plan roof access and snow guards, if the conditions of the building require them.
How should the building be protected during the works?
Dismantling should be divided into stages that can be secured against changes in weather. The crew should have covers prepared and a method of fixing them. A loosely laid tarpaulin will not always protect the attic during wind. A place for setting down materials must also be designated and the area below secured. Residents should not pass under the zone where works are being carried out.
Old asbestos-containing roofing must not be treated as ordinary rubble. It requires proper removal, packaging, transport and disposal. The possibility of financial support must be checked locally before commissioning the works. Funding for asbestos removal does not automatically mean covering the price of new steel sheeting or reimbursing expenses incurred at any time.
What should be replaced under the metal roofing for the renovation to make sense?
Once the covering has been removed, layers that were previously inaccessible can be inspected. A damaged membrane, wet insulation and a blocked ventilation gap must be resolved before the roof is closed. The junctions at the eaves, roof valley, chimney and windows are particularly important. Repairing these areas after the new sheets have been screwed down usually means dismantling part of the work again.
Flashings, fasteners and gutter components may also need replacing. They should not be left simply because they are still holding in place. Their condition and fit to the new covering geometry must be checked. Attic insulation can be supplemented at the same time, but the new assembly should retain continuity and proper protection against moisture ingress.
How to accept a completed renovation?
The acceptance inspection covers the condition of the surface, completeness of the fixings, details and free flow of the drainage. Swarf, foil remnants and waste must be removed from the roof. It is worth taking photographs of the layers before they are covered. They allow the course of the membrane and fixings to be reconstructed later. The findings of the acceptance inspection should be recorded, together with any defects and the deadline for rectifying them.
The contractor should provide material documents, warranty conditions and maintenance instructions. It must also be clear who is responsible for the individual parts of the works. After the first heavier rainfall, it is worth inspecting the accessible attic interior and the water drainage. A well-planned renovation ends with orderly documentation and a clear plan for roof inspections in the coming seasons.
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