Roofing: What Every Homeowner Should Know

A concise guide to roofing materials, common problems, when a full replacement is necessary, and what a proper quote should include. ## When Does a Roof Need Replacing? A well-maintained pitched roof can last 60–100 years depending on the material. Replacement is warranted when: - Underlay has perished (causes water ingress even if tiles look sound) - Battens are decayed beyond localised repair - Multiple areas show sagging or structural movement - Ongoing patch repairs are becoming uneconomical **Age alone does not mean failure.

** Moss does not mean collapse. A slipped tile does not mean structural decay. ## Common Roofing Materials | Material | Typical Lifespan | Cost Range | |---|---|---| | Concrete tiles | 50–70 years | £40–60/m² | | Clay tiles | 80–100+ years | £60–90/m² | | Natural slate | 100+ years | £80–120/m² | | Fibre cement slate | 30–50 years | £50–70/m² | | Flat roof (EPDM/GRP) | 25–40 years | £60–100/m² | ## What a Proper Quote Should Include - Full strip or overlay specification clearly stated - Underlay, battens, and ventilation specification - Ridge, hip, and valley detail - Lead flashing specification - Scaffolding - Waste removal - Building Regulations notification or sign-off - Guarantee terms (material and workmanship separately) ## Warning Signs to Watch - Daylight visible in the loft space - Damp patches on upstairs ceilings after rain - Excessive moss or lichen (cosmetic, but may indicate poor drainage) - Ridge tiles loose or re-bedded with cement rather than dry ridge systems - Condensation in the loft (often a ventilation issue, not a roof covering issue) --- ### What to do next If you are planning a roof replacement or repair, EvoHome Improvements can help you organise the details, understand the right next step and, where appropriate, connect the project with suitable independent installers or specialists.

EvoHome does not carry out the works directly. Start here: [/start](/start). You can also read more about how this service works at [/services/roofing](/services/roofing). ## Common mistakes to avoid - Choosing a "tile over tile" overlay without checking timber condition. Overlays can hide rot. - Accepting a quote that bundles labour and materials with no breakdown.

You cannot compare quotes you cannot read. - Skipping scaffolding. Ladder-only roofing work is rarely safe or compliant for a full re-roof. - Using cement-bedded ridge tiles instead of a modern dry ridge system. Dry ridge is now the expected standard on new roofs. - Forgetting ventilation. A new roof without adequate eaves or ridge ventilation can create condensation problems in the loft.

- Trusting a verbal guarantee. Material guarantees and workmanship guarantees should both be issued in writing, and should name the parties responsible. A short pre-quote walkaround with a chartered surveyor is often cheaper than discovering issues after the scaffold goes up.