Full Roof Replacements — North London
Complete Roof Replacement
That Ends Repairs
Once and For All
When patching costs more than replacing, it's time for a full re-roof. We strip to the timbers, fix what's hidden, and install a roof that won't need touching for decades.
★ Building regs compliant · Written guarantee · Scaffolding included in every quote
When Is a Full Roof Replacement the Right Decision?
A roof replacement — also called a re-roof or strip and re-tile — involves removing the entire existing roof covering down to the timbers, inspecting and replacing any damaged structural elements, and installing a completely new roof from scratch.
This is the right decision when your roof has reached the end of its natural lifespan, when multiple areas are failing simultaneously, or when the cost of ongoing repairs exceeds the cost of doing the job properly once. Most tile and slate roofs in London have a lifespan of 50–80 years, and many properties in areas like Islington, Camden, and Hackney are approaching or past that age.
A full roof replacement also makes sense if you're buying a property and the survey flags the roof, if you're remortgaging and the lender requires it, or if you want to add value before selling. A certified new roof is one of the strongest selling points a property can have.
AC Roofing & Carpentry Ltd carries out full roof replacements across North London. We handle everything from scaffolding and skip hire to building control sign-off, leaving you with a roof that's structurally sound, thermally efficient, and built to last.
The Hidden Dangers Beneath an Ageing Roof
The tiles you see from the street are only the outermost layer of your roof. Beneath them sit battens, felt (or breathable membrane), rafters, purlins, and insulation. When the outer layer fails, every layer beneath it begins to deteriorate — and this process is invisible until the damage is severe.
We've stripped roofs in Hackney and found rafters so rotten you could push a screwdriver through them. We've found felt that had disintegrated to dust, leaving nothing between the tiles and the interior. These are the kinds of problems that accumulate silently over years of minor leaks and poor ventilation.
A failing roof also destroys your home's energy efficiency. Old roofs with no membrane, degraded insulation, and ventilation gaps can lose 25–30% of your heating through the roof space. That's hundreds of pounds a year in wasted energy — money that could be paying for the roof replacement itself.
Perhaps most critically, delaying a roof replacement when it's clearly needed risks a structural failure. Weakened purlins and rafters can sag, crack, or in extreme cases collapse under the weight of snow or wind load. This transforms a planned project into an emergency — with emergency pricing to match.
How We Work
Our Roof Replacement Process
Full Survey
Detailed roof survey with written specification of materials and scope.
Scaffolding & Setup
Full scaffolding erected, skips arranged, and the project plan confirmed.
Strip & Timber Inspection
Old roof removed, every timber inspected, and any rot replaced.
New Roof Installation
Membrane, battens, tiles/slates, and all flashings fitted to standard.
Sign-Off & Guarantee
Building control sign-off, final clean-up, and guarantee issued.
Why It Matters
What a Full Roof Replacement Gives You
50–80 Year Lifespan
A properly installed new roof won't need major work for decades.
Hidden Problems Fixed
We inspect and replace damaged timbers that you can't see from outside.
Lower Heating Bills
New membrane and insulation reduce heat loss by up to 30%.
Increased Property Value
A new roof can add £10,000–£20,000 to your property's market value.
Full Compliance
Building regulations, fire safety, and thermal standards all met.
Total Peace of Mind
Written guarantee plus material warranties — no more worrying about the roof.
Roof Replacement: What's Involved in Detail
The Strip Process
Stripping a roof is a controlled process. We remove tiles row by row from the ridge downward, separating reusable materials from waste. Old felt and battens are removed completely, exposing the timber structure for a thorough inspection. Any tiles or slates in good condition can be reused or returned to you. All waste is loaded directly into skips — we never leave debris on your property overnight. The strip is completed in a single day wherever possible, with the new membrane laid the same day to weatherproof the building.
Timber Repairs and Replacement
With the roof stripped, we inspect every structural element. Rafters, purlins, wall plates, ridge boards, and hip rafters are all checked for rot, woodworm, and structural integrity. Softened or damaged timbers are replaced with treated softwood to the same specification. If widespread timber damage is found, we discuss the scope with you before proceeding — there are never surprise charges. On average, a typical London re-roof requires 10–20% of the battens to be replaced and occasionally one or two rafters.
Membrane and Battens
We install breathable roofing membrane (typically Tyvek or equivalent) across the entire roof, lapped and taped at all joints. This membrane allows moisture vapour to escape from the loft space while preventing rain from penetrating. Treated softwood battens are then fixed at the correct gauge for the chosen tile or slate. Batten gauge is critical — too wide and tiles sag, too narrow and tiles don't sit properly. We set out every roof precisely before fixing to ensure clean, even courses.
Tile and Slate Installation
Tiles or slates are fixed from eaves to ridge, with every course checked for alignment. Under current BS 5534 standards, all tiles in exposed positions (perimeters, ridges, verges) must be mechanically fixed with nails and/or clips. We fix all tiles as standard, not just the minimum — it adds minimal cost and significantly increases wind resistance. Ridge tiles, hip tiles, and verge details are completed using dry fix systems where appropriate.
Finishing Details
The details make the difference between a roof that lasts and one that leaks within five years. We install all lead flashings, soakers, valley linings, and abutment details by hand using code 4 or code 5 lead. Dry ridge and hip systems are fitted with stainless steel fixings. Ventilation is designed and installed to meet Building Regulations Part F. Guttering is checked and replaced if necessary. Every project ends with a thorough clean-up, a final walkthrough, and your written guarantee.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Protect Your Property Today
Speak to our team for honest advice and a no-obligation estimate. Most quotes delivered within 24 hours.