The Roof Replacement Process, Step by Step

What Does a Full Roof Replacement Actually Involve?

A full roof replacement is one of the larger jobs we carry out for homeowners across Dereham and the surrounding villages. It is not simply a case of laying new tiles over old ones — a proper replacement means stripping everything back to the timber structure, assessing what lies underneath, and rebuilding the roof correctly from the rafters up.

Many Dereham properties are older Norfolk brick-and-pantile homes where the original timbers may have been in place for decades. Before a single new tile goes on, our team inspects every batten, rafter, and ridge board for rot, movement, or insect damage. Skipping this stage is where corners get cut — and where problems return within a few years.

Step 1 — Stripping the Old Roof

We start by removing the existing covering, whether that is concrete interlocking tiles, traditional clay pantiles, natural slate, or worn flat roofing membranes. All material is loaded into a skip or bag, and we protect your guttering, fascias, and garden throughout. This is also the point at which we can properly assess the condition of your existing fascias, soffits, and guttering — often these need replacing at the same time, which makes sense to do while the scaffolding is already up.

During stripping, we also uncover the felt or underlay beneath the tiles. Older properties in villages like Swanton Morley and Mattishall often have brittle, dried-out felt that has long since stopped doing its job. Norfolk's cold winters and driving east winds mean underlay works hard — by the time a roof is 20–30 years old, the felt layer is usually past its useful life regardless of how the tiles look from the street.

Step 2 — Inspecting and Repairing the Roof Structure

Once the covering is off, we carry out a thorough structural inspection. Any timber that shows signs of rot, sagging, or woodworm is cut out and replaced with treated softwood before anything else happens. This is the foundation of a long-lasting roof — no new tiles will perform well if the structure beneath them is compromised.

If there is lead work around chimney stacks, valleys, or dormers, we inspect and replace it at this stage too. Lead that is cracked, lifted, or poorly dressed is a common source of hidden water ingress in Dereham's older housing stock. We replace it with code-compliant lead flashing dressed to current standards, ensuring it sits neatly and seals properly for decades to come.

Step 3 — Installing New Battens, Underlay, and Tiles

With the structure confirmed sound, we fix new treated timber battens at the correct gauge for the chosen tile. Modern breathable underlay is laid across the rafters before battening — this allows moisture vapour to escape from the loft space while preventing wind-driven rain from entering. In a climate like mid-Norfolk's, where damp winters and variable winds are the norm, breathable underlay makes a genuine long-term difference to loft conditions and timber health.

New tiles or slates are then fixed to the battens, starting at the eaves and working upward. Ridge tiles are bedded or mechanically fixed at the top. Mechanically fixed dry-ridge systems are now widely recommended because mortar-bedded ridges are vulnerable to frost heave — a real concern in Norfolk where ground temperatures drop sharply in January and February.

A full roof replacement on a typical three-bedroom semi-detached house in the Dereham area generally costs between £5,000 and £10,000, depending on pitch, access, tile choice, and the extent of structural repairs needed. Larger detached properties or those with complex roof forms will sit at the higher end of that range.

Step 4 — Ridge, Hips, and Final Checks

Once the main field of tiles is complete, we turn to the ridge, hips, and any verge details. These are the areas most exposed to wind uplift and are frequently the first to fail on an ageing roof. Ridge and hip tiles are fixed securely, and verge edges are finished neatly — either with a traditional mortar bedding or a proprietary dry-verge system for long-term reliability.

We carry out a final inspection from ground level and scaffold before signing off. Every completed roof replacement meets the requirements set out by the National Federation of Roofing Contractors. Where works affect a listed building or fall within a conservation area — there are several such properties in and around Dereham town centre — we advise on any planning permission requirements before work begins.

How Long Does a Roof Replacement Take?

Most standard residential roof replacements in Dereham take between three and seven working days, depending on the size of the roof, weather conditions, and whether any significant structural repairs are needed. We schedule work to avoid prolonged exposure to the elements — if rain is forecast, we stage the strip and cover accordingly so your home is never left open overnight.

We always leave the site clean and tidy at the end of each day. Skips, tools, and off-cuts are managed throughout so your driveway and garden are not disrupted for the duration of the job.

If your roof is showing signs of age — slipped tiles, persistent damp patches in the loft, or crumbling ridge mortar — it is worth getting a proper assessment before minor issues become major ones. Contact Dereham Roofers for a free local roof survey and we will give you an honest, no-pressure assessment of what your roof actually needs.

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