PROJECT FOCUS: ROOFS

WHETHER YOU'RE LOOKING TO REPLACE A FEW BROKEN TILES OR YOUR ENTIRE ROOF, OUR SIMPLE GUIDE EXPLAINS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO GET STARTED

- REBECCA FOSTER, NATASHA BRINSMEAD

Q As an integral part of any property, your roof ensures your home remains dry and comfortable, looks beautiful and protects you, your family and all your worldly possessions from the elements.

Few architectural features determine your home's character to the same extent as the type of roof it has. It plays an important role in energy efficiency, too, and can even have an impact on applications for planning permission. Roofs are made up of far more than you see, meaning that while the covering you choose is incredibly important, it is also crucial to look at the structure as a whole, from the timbers and the guttering to the insulation and ventilation. Here we explain what to look for if you think your roof is failing, the cost of a complete refit and how long a new roof might last.

Q. 1 WHEN MIGHT A ROOF NEED TO BE REPLACED?

a There are some obvious signs that a roof needs attention - leaking, internal water damage and missing tiles, to name a few. Other potential issues include failed mortar between ridge tiles or coping stones, sagging, missing tiles or flashing that's loose or damaged. 'The above don't necessarily mean the roof needs replacing in its entirety, but they are signs to look out for,' says Johnny Lovett, project manager and quantity surveyor at Grangeway Partners.

If you're unsure about the scope of the work required, seek the advice of a professional. If you notice that some of your tiles are loose, flaking or breaking off, it could be that they've come to the end of their useful life. If these issues only affect a few tiles, replacing them individually might be sufficient. If you notice a curve in the roofline when viewing your property from the street, this might suggest the rafters or trusses are no longer able to support the weight of the roof structure. Typically, failure of the supporting structure occurs as a result of water ingress.