Re-Roofing in Bridgwater
A full strip and re-cover, matched to the clay or slate on your street and fixed to current standards. Done once, done properly, and guaranteed in writing for 20 years.
When a new roof earns its place
The fixings have gone everywhere
When nails have rusted through across the whole roof rather than in patches, tiles keep slipping wherever you look. Repairs chase the problem without ending it.
The battens or underlay have failed
Old roofs were often laid on bitumen felt or no underlay at all. Once the felt has perished or the battens have rotted, re-laying on new is the only lasting fix.
Repairs cost more than they save
If you are paying for a repair every winter, the sums eventually favour a new roof with a 20 year guarantee behind it.
The covering is wrong for the house
A clay roof replaced in concrete decades ago is heavier, and on a Georgian or Victorian street it rarely looks right. A re-roof is the chance to put back what the house was built with.
Clay, slate and conservation areas
Bridgwater Town Council’s history of the brick and tile trade names double Roman roof tiles as one of the town’s main products, and Somerset’s Extensive Urban Survey lists the town’s building materials as brick, tile, Ham stone and slate. On a period house the right re-roof usually means clay double Roman tiles, reclaimed where possible, with new or compatible tiles on less visible slopes.
Bridgwater has three conservation areas: Bridgwater Central Area and Dock, Bridgwater St John’s, and Bridgwater Northfield. In those, like-for-like is the sensible default, and listed buildings need listed building consent for most roof work. St John’s also carries an Article 4(2) direction, added when the area was extended in 2019 (London Gazette notice). Its published notice does not say what it covers, so check with Somerset Council before changing a material there, and anywhere else you are unsure.
On interwar and post-war estates such as Sydenham and Hamp there is more freedom. We will talk you through clay, slate and modern tiles honestly, including the weight of each.
Four stages, no surprises
Survey and written quote
We get on the roof, check the timbers from the loft, and give you a written quote describing the covering, underlay, battens, leadwork and ventilation.
Scaffold and strip
Scaffold goes up, the old covering comes off, and sound clay tiles are set aside to reuse. We check the rafters before anything goes back.
New roof
Breathable membrane, treated battens, and the covering mechanically fixed to BS 5534, with ridges and hips mechanically fixed rather than bedded in mortar alone.
Sign-off and guarantee
We clear up, walk you through photos of each stage, and issue your 20 year written guarantee.
Re-roofing FAQs
How long does a re-roof take?
A typical terraced or semi-detached house is usually a week or two of roof work, weather permitting. You get a realistic time on the quote.
Can you reuse my old clay tiles?
Often some of them. Sound double Roman tiles can be cleaned and reused, usually on the front, with matching reclaimed or new tiles at the back.
Do I need planning permission?
Usually not for like-for-like. In a conservation area, or on a listed building, changing the material or profile can need permission or consent. Check with Somerset Council first.
What does a new roof cost?
It depends on access, scaffold, covering, chimneys and lead. Our roofing cost guide explains what drives the price.
Can I stay in the house?
Yes. We work from outside and keep the roof weathertight at the end of every day.
Sources: Bridgwater Town Council on the brick and tile trade, Somerset Extensive Urban Survey: Bridgwater, planning.data.gov.uk conservation area register, Somerset Council Article 4 directions, Marley on BS 5534.
Thinking about a new roof?
Get a free site visit and a written quote. If a repair will do, we will tell you.