New Roofs in Mildenhall - How to Choose the Right Roofer

Expert New Roofs
in Mildenhall

What a New Roof Actually Involves

A new pitched roof means stripping the old covering back to the bare timber structure, inspecting every rafter and batten, replacing anything that has rotted or failed, then re-laying a breathable underlay before fixing new tiles or slates. On a flat roof for an extension or outbuilding, the deck boards are checked, any damp or soft spots cut out and replaced, and a new waterproofing layer - typically torch-on felt or EPDM rubber - is fitted over the top.

For loft conversions and extensions in particular, the roof needs to be designed to suit the pitch, the load and any planning conditions before a single tile is lifted. Getting that right at the start avoids expensive corrections later.

How to Choose a Contractor in Mildenhall

Choosing a roofer is not like choosing a painter. The work is out of sight, the consequences of a poor job take months or years to show, and by then the contractor may be long gone. Taking a bit of time at the quote stage protects you far more than any amount of chasing afterwards.

Start by getting at least three written quotes for like-for-like work. A quote that does not specify the tile type, the underlay specification, the batten gauge or what happens to the old materials is not a proper quote - it is a rough figure that can balloon once work starts. Ask each contractor to set out exactly what they intend to do, not just a total price.

Questions to Ask Before You Agree to Anything

The questions below are not about catching anyone out. They are the straightforward things that separate a contractor who knows the job from one who does not.

• What materials are you specifying and why? The answer should name the tile or slate, the manufacturer or source, and the underlay type. If they cannot tell you, push harder.
• How will you fix the battens and at what gauge? Batten gauge determines how much each tile overlaps the next. Too little overlap and rainwater gets in. This is a technical question, and a roofer who goes blank when you ask it is a warning sign.
• What do you do if you find rotten timbers once the old covering is off? The answer should cover how they price additional timber work and whether that is included or charged separately. Get it in writing.
• Who will actually be on site doing the work? Some contractors quote and then subcontract to whoever is available. That is not automatically a problem, but you should know who is turning up.
• How do you protect the roof if rain arrives mid-job? Any experienced roofer has a plan for this - temporary sheets, phasing the strip, working in sections. If they shrug it off, that tells you something.
• What access arrangements do you need and how long will the job take? Scaffolding is almost always needed for a full re-roof. Ask who arranges it, who pays for it and whether it is included in the figure quoted.
• Can I speak to a previous customer whose roof you have done? A contractor who has done good work in the area should be able to point you to at least one satisfied homeowner nearby.

Reading the Quote Itself

A solid quote should set out the scope of works, the materials by name and specification, the scaffolding arrangement, how skips or waste disposal is handled, and a payment schedule. Payment in stages tied to progress is normal. A demand for a large cash payment upfront before any work starts is a red flag.

Check whether VAT is included. Some smaller contractors quote ex-VAT; others include it. If you are comparing three quotes and one is ex-VAT while two are inclusive, the one that looks cheapest may not be once you add 20%.

Tile and Slate - Which Is Right for Your Property?

For most houses, concrete or clay interlocking tiles are the standard choice. They are reliable, widely available and straightforward to replace if individual tiles are damaged in future. Natural Welsh slate is heavier and costs more but suits older or more formal properties well, and it has a longer lifespan than most concrete tiles when fitted correctly.

If your property is in a conservation area or close to a listed building, the local authority may specify a particular material or colour. Check planning requirements before you agree a specification with any contractor - you do not want to strip a roof and then find out the tiles you ordered are not acceptable.

Flat Roofs for Extensions

Extensions and single-storey outbuildings often need a flat or low-pitch roof. Modern EPDM rubber systems and torch-on felt systems both outperform the old three-layer felt that failed on so many extensions from the 1970s and 1980s. A well-fitted EPDM membrane can last 30 years or more under normal conditions. Ask the contractor which system they are proposing and why, and ask how the edges and upstands are finished - these are the areas most likely to fail if the detailing is poor.

What a Good New Roof Costs

For a standard semi-detached house, the cost of a full re-roof with concrete interlocking tiles depends on size, pitch, access and the specification chosen. Natural slate adds to that cost. Flat roof replacement for a typical single-storey extension runs from around £1,200 to £3,500 depending on area and system. These are current market ranges - any figure significantly below them should prompt questions, not celebration.

One Final Check Before You Sign

Once you have a quote you are happy with, read it again and confirm that everything discussed verbally is in writing. Verbal agreements about extra work, timber replacement or skips are worth nothing if something goes wrong. A contractor who objects to putting agreed terms in writing is not someone you want on your roof.

If you are ready to get the process started, call us for a roof survey in Mildenhall and we will give you a clear, itemised quote with no pressure to proceed.