How Do You Re-Roof an Edwardian or Interwar House in Barry?

Much of Barry grew in the Edwardian period and between the wars, so there are rows of terraces and pairs of semis whose roofs are now well past their best. Re-roofing one is not just a matter of laying new tiles over old timber. The work needs planning around the structure, the details and the street. Here is how we go about it.

Start with what is under the covering

Before quoting we look at the roof structure from the loft, the gutter line and the ground. Older houses can have rafters and battens that have dried, bowed or been attacked by damp, and the original felt, if there is any, is usually long gone. We note anything that needs repairing, because a new covering is only as good as the timber carrying it. Call us for a proper survey.

Stripping and what we find

The old covering comes off section by section, so the house is never left open to rain. Once stripped, we see the true state of the rafters, wall plates and any chimney or party wall details. Repairs to timber are agreed with you before we carry on.

Terraces and semis share roof lines with neighbours, so we work carefully at the party walls, protect the join between the two roofs and make sure nothing is left exposed at the end of each working day. If a neighbour's roof needs attention at the join, we tell you so it does not come as a surprise.

Choosing tile, slate or fibre cement slate

Many homes here were built with slate or clay tile, and keeping a similar look often suits the street best. Natural slate gives the traditional finish, fibre cement slate is a lighter and more economical alternative, and concrete or clay tiles suit others. The right choice depends on the pitch, the weight your structure can carry and how the house looks. We talk it through with you.

• Natural slate for a traditional appearance on older frontages.
• Fibre cement slate where weight and budget matter.
• Clay or concrete tile where the roof pitch suits it.
• Whatever you choose, fixed to suit exposed coastal weather.

The details that make the difference

On these houses the details matter as much as the main slopes. Chimney flashings, valleys, bay window roofs, porch hips and the junction between neighbours are where leaks start. We replace leadwork rather than patching it, fit a new breathable underlay and new treated battens, and renew fascias, soffits and guttering at the same time so the edge of the roof is done once.

Planning the job around your home

A re-roof is noisy and untidy for a few days, so we explain the order of work, protect the property and tidy up as we go. Some houses, especially those in conservation areas, may need planning or Building Regulations checks — we advise before work starts. Ask us anything about the work before you commit.

Why Choose T & T Roofing South Wales

We're new roof installation specialists covering South Wales, using premium tile and slate roofing systems and honest advice — not a generic call-out. Every job starts with a free quotation and guaranteed workmanship throughout.