Roof Replacement in Old Town
Roof replacement in Old Town is a significant investment — and getting the specification right for local conditions is as important as getting the price right. We survey every property before quoting and give you a detailed breakdown of materials, labour and timescale. No surprises on the bill.
Old Town has historic core around St Mary's Church with a mix of Victorian, Edwardian and some pre-Victorian properties; conservation area designation applies to the historic streets. The dominant roof covering is Welsh slate and clay peg tile on period stock; some plain concrete tile on 1930s–50s infill; lime mortar required on all pointing in the conservation area. The local elevated above the town centre with some South Downs wind exposure; less direct salt loading than the seafront but still coastal climate influence; code 4 lead standard throughout. This combination means that a Old Town re-roof is not a generic job — material specification, fixing method and mortar type all need to be matched to the property's age and the local conditions.
We will always tell you honestly whether repair or replacement is the right answer. If your roof has a further 10 useful years in it with targeted repairs, we will tell you that. If the combination of nail sickness, batten condition, felt degradation and tile wear means re-roofing is the right call, we will explain exactly why before you commit.
What a Old Town Re-Roof Involves
Full strip and survey of the existing roof covering and batten condition. Report and any structural concerns identified before work begins. New roofing felt laid to BS 5534. New treated timber battens. New tiles or slates — matching period properties or upgrading spec on modern properties. Ridge and hips bedded or dry-fixed depending on exposure. All lead valleys, flashings and soakers replaced as part of the job. Full scaffold erection and removal included. Site cleaned daily throughout. 10-year workmanship guarantee in writing.
Survey and Specification for Old Town Properties
Every re-roof quote in Old Town starts with a full deck survey. We check batten condition, sarking felt or board, rafter integrity and any evidence of previous water ingress. If battens are soft or sarking is degraded, we include replacement in the spec — not as an upsell, but because a new tile covering on a failed substrate will not last. You receive a written report and itemised quote.
The Re-Roofing Process in Old Town
Strip and survey takes one day on a typical Old Town semi. Battening and felt follow immediately. Tiling proceeds from eaves to ridge — dry-fix ridge as standard on exposed elevations. Scaffold stays until snagging is complete. We work clean — skips booked, gutters protected, daily clear-up. Most 3-bed semis in Old Town are complete in 4–6 working days.
How Long a New Roof Will Last in Old Town
A correctly specified re-roof in Old Town should last 40–60 years on concrete tile and 80–100 years on natural slate. The variables are specification quality, fixing type, and ridge/flashing detail. Dry-fix ridge on all exposed elevations, code 4 lead minimum, stainless nails throughout — these decisions at point of installation determine lifespan. We will not cut these corners to win on price.
Roof Replacement Costs in Old Town
2-bed terraced: £5,500–£9,000 · 3-bed semi: £7,000–£12,000 · 4-bed detached: £10,000–£16,000 · Conservation/matched materials: add 30–60% · All prices include scaffold, skip and VAT
Free re-roof survey and quote for Old Town properties
0132 336 5960We have completed full re-roofs on properties throughout Old Town including Church Street, High Street and Manor Road. Every job has a written guarantee and we are fully insured to £5m public liability.