Full roof replacement and re-covering
Full roof replacement from Topmark property maintenance provides a complete new covering for your home, stripping away worn tiles and failed underlay to leave the building dry and secure.
When replacement is the right call
- Patch repairs make sense for isolated damage, but recurring leaks across multiple rooms point to failing felt or rotted timber underneath.
- Older roofs across Newbury and Thatcham often have traditional bitumen felt that turns brittle and tears over time. Once the felt fails, rainwater that blows past cracked tiles runs directly into your loft space.
- Water leaking beneath the tiles rots the wooden battens holding them in place. This causes roof tiles to slip out of line and leaves the roof vulnerable to high winds.
- When you are continually paying for chimney repointing, individual slipped slates and valley repairs, a full re-covering solves the underlying issues in one project.
What a replacement includes
Every replacement strips the roof down to the rafters to build up a dry, fully ventilated covering from scratch.
Part of the rebuild
- Stripping all existing tiles, slates, battens and rotted felt down to the rafters
- Visual inspection of the exposed roof timber framework and wall plates
- Fitting breathable roofing membrane across the entire deck
- Fixing treated counter battens and tile battens to the correct gauge
- Laying new concrete tiles, clay tiles or natural slate
- Fitting dry ridge and dry verge systems for mechanical weather protection
- Installing code 4 lead flashings around chimneys and abutments
Quoted separately when needed
- Replacing major structural roof timbers or roof trusses
- Loft insulation upgrades inside the attic space
- Rebuilding brick chimney stacks below the roofline
How the job runs
A full re-roof requires clear access around the perimeter of the building and careful coordination of deliveries and waste.
- 01
Site setup and scaffolding
Independent scaffolding goes up around the eaves to provide a safe working platform. Please ensure driveways and pathways beneath the working area remain clear for materials and waste skips.
- 02
Stripping and membrane installation
We remove old tiles and felt in sections, keeping the exposed roof weather-tight. The new breathable underlay is rolled out and secured with treated battens to protect your home from rain straight away.
- 03
Tiling and ridge fixing
New tiles or slates are loaded onto the roof and fixed mechanically according to current building standards. Dry verges, dry ridges and lead valleys are completed to seal all joints.
- 04
Site clearance and sign-off
All old materials, broken tiles and packaging are loaded into skips and removed. We carry out a ground-level sweep with magnetic tools to collect stray nails before the scaffold comes down.
Replacement pricing
Each roof replacement quote reflects the exact size of the building, scaffold requirements and chosen tiles or slates. We inspect the roof structure first so you know the full cost before work begins.
- Scaffolding, waste skips and removal of all old tiles, battens and underlay
- New breathable vapour-permeable underlay and graded treated timber battens
- Installation of replacement tiles or slates with dry verge and ridge systems
- Structural rafter repairs or chimney rebuilding are quoted separately if damage is found
What you get at the end
A complete roof replacement delivers a weather-tight roof covering built to modern British standards.
- A working membrane
- A tear-resistant, breathable underlay replaces old bitumen felt. It lets moisture escape from your attic while acting as a secondary water barrier if wind drives rain between the tiles.
- Sound battens
- Treated timber battens are fixed securely into the rafters at the correct gauge for your specific tiles. This keeps all rows straight and prevents tiles from shifting in storms.
- A ventilated roof space
- Modern replacements incorporate eaves and ridge ventilation that prevents damp, condensation and rot from forming on your roof timbers.
- Mechanically fixed edges
- Verges and ridges are mechanically screwed and clipped rather than relying solely on mortar bedding that cracks and falls out over time.
Why homeowners choose Topmark property maintenance
We focus on clean, thorough roofing work using durable modern materials. Our phone is answered any time, day or night, so you can always log a query or arrange a site visit without hassle.
Recent work from Topmark property maintenance
These photographs show work completed across the wider service area covered by Topmark property maintenance; they are not all presented as full roof replacement work.
Roof replacement coverage
Based in Thatcham, we replace roofs across Berkshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire within twenty miles. Our core coverage includes Newbury, Tadley, Basingstoke, Reading, Didcot, Wantage, Andover, Wokingham and Abingdon-on-Thames.
Roof replacement questions
Common questions about replacing domestic roofs in Berkshire and North Hampshire.
How do I know if my roof needs replacing instead of repairing?+
If leaks occur in several locations or you see bitumen felt crumbling into your loft, the underlay has reached the end of its lifespan. Minor issues like a single cracked tile or loose flashing can be repaired, but widespread water ingress means the whole covering needs replacing.
— Thomas
Do you need planning permission to replace a roof?+
Most roof replacements do not need planning permission because they fall under permitted development, provided the replacement materials are similar in appearance. Properties in conservation areas or listed buildings may have special restrictions.
— Thomas
Can we stay in the house while the roof is replaced?+
Yes. Work takes place outside on the scaffold and the house remains habitable. There will be noise from stripping tiles and hammering battens, but the ceiling line inside is never breached.
How long does a full roof replacement take?+
An average terraced or semi-detached house typically takes three to five working days, depending on weather and roof complexity. Larger detached properties or slate roofs take slightly longer.
What happens if it rains during the replacement?+
We strip roofs in manageable stages and immediately install waterproof breathable underlay. We also keep heavy-duty tarpaulins on hand to cover any open timber work during unexpected downpours.
Roof replacement enquiries in Thatcham
Arranging an assessment for your property is straightforward. You can Book Online to schedule a thorough roof inspection and receive a detailed quote for replacement.