Re-roofing - DIY or not?

Edz · 17 Feb 2006

Hi

I am extending my Victorian cottage which has clay tiles. The original part needs new battens, a membrane and tiling. The new part is two gables at right angles to each other with therefore two valleys.

Question: As a keen and fairly competent DIY chap I thought i'd read up on the subject and do it myself rather than pay a roofer. A good idea? Or am I mad? Any advice welcome.

Roofer · 17 Feb 2006

I'm not being rude but although roofing may look basic (in common with many other building trades) it is a skill that has to be learnt which takes time and teaching, it cannot be learnt from a book.

Having said that, it depends on your standards; I mean what could be easier than laying a brick, but your wall wouldn't look pretty or how about spreading plaster, but you wouldn't get a flat finish. similarly you can install your roof but it wouldn't be to a roofer's standard. (And it may leak)

Often DIY is false economy, your best option may be to find a friendly roofer and do the donkey work for him and let him do the skilled stuff, however most tradesmen resent the interference.

Daywork rate £20 per hour
If you watch £25 per hour
If you help £30 per hour

Edz · 17 Feb 2006

You are right about the bricklaying or plastering, I certainly wouldn't attempt those techniques as having worked in a car body shop I realise some things take time to get the feel. You may be right about the roofing too. I'll get some quotes and see what it looks like then, thanks.

Is there anyone out there who has done a clay tile roof with no previous>??

Freddie · 17 Feb 2006

Edz said:
You are right about the bricklaying or plastering, I certainly wouldn't attempt those techniques as having worked in a car body shop I realise some things take time to get the feel. You may be right about the roofing too. I'll get some quotes and see what it looks like then, thanks.

Is there anyone out there who has done a clay tile roof with no previous>??

I did a tiled one and never got any snow blow under my tiles unlike Roofer

Roofer · 19 Feb 2006

http://www.harcon.co.uk/vpu/index.aspx

Purpose No 2

Freddie · 19 Feb 2006

Roofer said:
http://www.harcon.co.uk/vpu/index.aspx

Purpose No 2

I dont doubt it Roofer but come on in all reality if you had a roof that let snow blow under the tiles you would whip the lot off and put it right.

b21playa · 10 Mar 2006

Edz said:
You are right about the bricklaying or plastering, I certainly wouldn't attempt those techniques as having worked in a car body shop I realise some things take time to get the feel. You may be right about the roofing too. I'll get some quotes and see what it looks like then, thanks.

Is there anyone out there who has done a clay tile roof with no previous>??

Replaced the small rof ontop of the front bay window, a very simple roof

Been 4yrs and no problems at all.

I replaced all wood, then felted and put on new battons

Nige F · 11 Mar 2006

Edz said:
You are right about the bricklaying or plastering, I certainly wouldn't attempt those techniques as having worked in a car body shop I realise some things take time to get the feel. You may be right about the roofing too. I'll get some quotes and see what it looks like then, thanks.

Is there anyone out there who has done a clay tile roof with no previous>??

I "Done" loadsa Kent Peg tiles, wiv my mates..an` sold em to a Geezer from Essex...called Roofer..may`ve been Rufus, or Ruthless-What ever

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Re-roofing - DIY or not?

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