A new roof is one of the most significant investments you can make in a property. We install new pitched and flat roofs on homes across Cambridge and the surrounding area, using materials suited to the building and the local weather.
A full roof replacement is needed when repairs are no longer cost-effective, when a roof has reached the end of its serviceable life, or when a building is being extended or substantially altered. Whether you have a Victorian terrace, a 1960s semi, a bungalow or a newer detached house, the approach to a new roof should always start with the structure underneath, not just the covering on top.
Each roofing material behaves differently, ages differently, and demands a different approach when the time comes for a full replacement.
Not every deteriorating roof needs to come off entirely. A survey matters before any decision is made. We look at the condition of the timber structure, the battens, the felt underlay, and the tiles or slate themselves. If the timbers are sound and only the covering has failed, the cost is lower than if the roof structure also needs work.
Common indicators that a new roof is needed include:
If two or three of those apply at once, the economics of patching rarely add up. Money spent on repeated call-outs and materials for a failing roof is money that would have been better put toward a complete replacement.
The choice of roofing material affects the look, the weight loading on the structure, the maintenance requirements, and the cost. We fit the following on new roofs in Cambridge and the surrounding area.
Natural slate is a premium option with excellent longevity when good-quality slate is specified and properly fixed. Spanish and Welsh slate are the most common sources. The fixing method matters: each slate must be nailed correctly and the laps set to suit the pitch of the roof.
Concrete interlocking tiles are widely used across many types of housing. They are robust, relatively affordable, and available in a range of profiles and colours. The weight per square metre is higher than slate, so the roof structure needs to be confirmed as adequate before fitting.
Clay plain tiles suit older or traditionally styled properties and are often required on listed buildings or in conservation areas.
Flat roof coverings on extensions, garage roofs and some bungalow sections are typically EPDM rubber membrane or torch-on felt systems. EPDM in particular has become a popular choice for flat sections because it is a single-piece membrane with good weather resistance and a long manufacturer-rated lifespan.
The work follows a clear sequence. After the survey and agreement on materials, we strip off the existing covering and clear the roof of old tiles, slate, battens, and underlay. This also gives us proper sight of the timber structure so any damaged rafters or ridge boards can be identified and dealt with before the new covering goes on.
New roofing felt or a breathable membrane is laid first. This is the secondary line of defence against water and is an area where cutting corners has long-term consequences. Battens are then fixed at the correct gauge for the chosen tile or slate, and the covering is laid from the eaves up to the ridge.
Lead flashings at chimneys, abutment walls, valleys and roof-to-wall junctions are cut and dressed on site. Preformed lead alternatives are sometimes used in certain locations, but hand-cut lead dressed to the specific shape of the detail is the most reliable approach for complex junctions.
Ridge and hip tiles are bedded and pointed, or mechanically fixed dry-ridge and dry-hip systems are used. Dry-fix systems eliminate the mortar that traditionally cracks and lifts over time, and they are now widely specified on new roofs.
Scaffolding is required for any roof work at height.
Each job is quoted individually because roof sizes, pitch angles, access conditions and material choices all affect the price.
A new pitched roof on a standard three-bedroom semi-detached house in Cambridge typically costs between £5,500 and £10,000, depending on the size of the roof, the materials chosen and the condition of the underlying structure. Larger or more complex roofs, or those with chimneys, dormers and valleys, will cost more. These are general figures and a proper quote requires a site visit.
A poorly installed roof will fail early, regardless of the quality of the materials. The most common problems on new roofs that have been done badly are: insufficient batten gauge leading to tiles slipping in frost, inadequate laps on the underlay allowing wind-driven rain to penetrate, and poor flashing work at junctions that lets water track down walls. None of these failures are visible from the ground until water is already inside the building.
This is why it pays to understand what is involved in a good installation and to ask the right questions of any roofer before work begins. Ask about the underlay specification, the batten treatment, how flashings will be formed, and whether a dry-ridge system will be used. A roofer who can answer those questions clearly and confidently is more likely to do the job properly than one who cannot.
If your roof is failing, leaking or simply past its best, call us to arrange a survey. We will assess the structure, discuss the material options, and give you a clear picture of what the job involves and what it will cost before any work is agreed.
No obligation · We usually respond within 2 hours
Storm damage, active leak, damaged ridge - we aim to be on-site within 24 hours.
A failing or end-of-life roof needs more than a patch. We carry out full roof replacements across Cambridge and the surr
Slipped tiles, cracked flashing, persistent leaks - roof repairs in Cambridge carried out properly, with the right mater
Flat roofs need careful installation and the right membrane to stay watertight for years. We work on extensions, garages
Damaged or rotting fascias, soffits and guttering can let water into your roof structure and cause serious damage to you
