Repair or replace zinc flat roof

[pred02]

Hi,

I have been living for 3 years in the 1900s style upper maisonette that has an old zinc flat roof covering the kitchen and 1 bedroom extension of the house with total area of approximately 40 sq meters. I had not had any issues with the roof until recently when last week I discovered a watermark on the part of the kitchen where the recess light is.

I had 3-4 roofers come in to give me the estimate, they all recommended due to age and zinc not being used anymore to replace the flat roof entirely. Three of the roofers recommended felt, one recommended GRP.

Doing a little research, I notice that felt roof can last potentially much less than the current zinc roof, so I am wondering how much is it roofers trying to up sell a bigger job that they are comfortable then troubleshoot a repair.

I have no doubt that zinc roof is old and has been patched before the house purchase, but just need to understand if its worth scrapping completely as investing in a new roof (felt or not) is a big capital investment and I want to make sure I do the right thing.

I am not sure how long I would hold onto this property, probably 5 or so years until I move into a bigger house but then not sure if I would sell or rent.

Thanks

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

I had 3-4 roofers come in to give me the estimate, they all recommended due to age and zinc not being used anymore to replace the flat roof entirely. Three of the roofers recommended felt, one recommended GRP.

They all said that because they'd don't do zinc roofs which are a specialist roofer installer. Zinc roofs are widely used and should last 100 years or more. You will need a specialist roofer who specializes in metal roofs. I think https://www.diynot.com/diy/members/hardmetalking.125896/ works in London so maybe worth sending him a PM.

 

[Tigercubrider]

They recently replaced a massive copper roof near me with zinc ( assume due to cost)
the copper one was about 70 years old

 

[pred02]

Thanks, I posted in the other area if anyone know of roofers that work/repair zinc in South London please send through the referral.

 

[chappers]

All Metal Roofing work in your area and are pretty good. I've worked with them before

 

[hardmetalking]

Zinc should last a few hundred years. The problems occur with poor installation usually poor design or build up issues. It always makes me laugh when people say zinc isn't used anymore....
I've been installing zinc everyday for the past 20 years!
I'd be happy to quote for either repair or replace. Either way I would suggest getting a professional job whatever material you choose.

 

[pred02]

All Metal Roofing work in your area and are pretty good. I've worked with them before

Hi

I contacted these guys but they do not do small time residential contracts. If anyone knows of a good metal roofer in South London area please let me know.

Thanks

 

[Nige F]

I'd be happy to quote for either repair or replace. Either way I would suggest getting a professional job whatever material you choose.

AFAIK hardmetal covers many areas including S. London

 

[palaceray]

You could try LMQ Roofing they cover all S,London