New Roofs & Re-Roofing | Ipswich, Colchester & Suffolk

New roofs and re-roofing

A new roof is a big decision, and it shouldn't be one you're pushed into. If your roof can be repaired, we'll say so. When the felt has perished, the battens are rotten or the tiles have reached the end of their life, re-roofing is the job that stops the repair bills.

We re-roof houses, bungalows, extensions, porches and outbuildings in natural slate, clay and concrete tiles. You get a written quote that sets out what's included, and photos as the job goes along.

Signs it's time for a new roof

Repairs every winter, in different places each time
Felt in the loft that's brittle, torn or hanging down
Lots of slipped or cracked tiles across the roof, not just one area
Sagging between rafters, or soft and rotten battens
Slates that are delaminating, flaking or sliding
Daylight visible through the roof from the loft

Sound familiar? Get a quote

How we do it

Done properly, step by step

01
Survey and quote

Lee measures up, checks the timbers and talks you through materials. You get a written quote with everything included.
02
Scaffold up

Safe access goes up first, with protection for your garden, drive and neighbours.
03
Strip to the rafters

Old coverings, battens and felt come off, and we check the timbers underneath. Any problems are photographed and agreed with you before we fix them.
04
Rebuild properly

New breathable membrane, treated battens, tiles or slates, mechanically fixed ridges and verges, and new lead where it's needed.
05
Clear up and sign off

Waste removed, gutters cleared and a final walk round with photos of the finished roof.

Slate or tile?

Natural slate is long-lasting and suits Victorian and Edwardian homes; many older terraces in Ipswich and Colchester were built with it. Clay tiles suit period cottages and conservation areas. Concrete interlocking tiles are the most common choice on post-war and modern homes and are good value for larger roofs. We'll recommend what suits your house, your budget and any planning rules.

What goes into a new roof

Under the tiles is where a roof is really made. A breathable membrane keeps water out while letting moisture escape, so the loft doesn't sweat. Treated battens are fixed at the right gauge for your tiles. Ventilation at the eaves and ridge keeps air moving. Ridges, hips and verges are mechanically fixed to current standards, and lead flashings are replaced rather than reused.

Building Regulations and planning

Replacing a roof like for like doesn't usually need planning permission, unless the building is listed, in a conservation area, or you're changing the look or materials. Re-roofing does come under Building Regulations, especially if you're replacing a large part of the roof, and you may need to improve the insulation at the same time. We'll explain what applies to your roof before you commit.

Prices

What affects the price

Every roof is different, so we don't put prices on a website and then add extras later. Lee looks at your roof and gives you a written quote, free, with everything included.

Get your free quote

The size and shape of the roof: hips, valleys and dormers add work
The tiles or slates you choose
Scaffolding, which depends on the height and access
The condition of the timbers once the old roof is off
Chimneys, lead work, roof windows and fascias included in the job

Checkatrade reviews

What customers say about our new roofs work

9.81/10 from 220 verified reviews

★★★★★10/10
"We contacted Lee about a leak in our conservatory roof and he came to have a look within a couple of days and offered competitive quotes for a repair or a replacement. As we eventually planned to replace the roof we went with that option. The guys were friendly and professional, the roof was completed very quickly and the new skylight looks fantastic. If anyone is looking for any roof work I wouldn't hesitate to recommend LM Roofing."
Conservatory roof replacementsouth-west of Colchester, CO5 · Checkatrade, verified
★★★★★10/10
"Leigh and the team did a great job replacing my roof. The team were hard-working and polite. Leigh himself was very responsive and I am delighted with the results"
Roof replacementWivenhoe and Brightlingsea area, CO7 · Checkatrade, verified
★★★★★10/10
"Needed a new roof membrane installed as the old felt one had disintegrated. Leigh and his team did a great job in resolving this with new batons and dry ridge system, removed our old chimney and replaced our old tiles without damage. Great team and a good clean up after."
New membrane, battens and dry ridgeThetford area, IP24 · Checkatrade, verified

Where we work

New roofs across Ipswich, Colchester and beyond

We're based in Colchester and cover Suffolk and north Essex. Find your area for local information and reviews, or put your postcode in the quote form.

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FAQs

New roofs: your questions

Something else? Call Lee on 07864 367325. He's happy to talk it through.

Do I need planning permission for a new roof?

Not usually for a like-for-like replacement, unless the building is listed or in a conservation area, or you're changing the materials or shape. Building Regulations normally apply to re-roofing. We'll talk you through it.

Can my roof be repaired instead?

Often it can. We only recommend a new roof when the felt, battens or tiles have failed across the roof, and we'll show you photos so you can see why.

Do you remove the old roof and take the waste away?

Yes. Stripping the old roof and taking all the waste away is part of the job.

Can you add roof windows while the roof is off?

Yes, and it's the best time to do it. We can also replace fascias, soffits and gutters as part of the same job.

What if you find rotten timbers?

We photograph anything we find once the roof is stripped and agree the repair and cost with you before doing it.

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