Roofing work: repairs, re-roofing and flat roofs in Ireland

Clay plain tiles and natural slate are common on older houses and last much longer, but the nails, battens and underlay beneath them often wear out first. When a roofer talks about nail fatigue on a slate roof, the slates themselves may be reusable while the fixings are not.

A good roofer explains whether the problem is local or general. Replacing a handful of tiles, rebedding or dry-fixing a ridge, or renewing lead flashings around a chimney are repairs. When the underlay has perished across the roof or battens are rotten, stripping and re-covering is usually the honest answer.

Built-up felt is the traditional flat roof covering, now usually modern torch-on or cold-applied systems in several layers. EPDM is a synthetic rubber membrane laid in one sheet, suitable for garages, dormers and extensions. GRP, or fibreglass, is laid wet and cures into a hard, jointless surface that can take light foot traffic. Liquid-applied coatings are also used for repairs and overlays.

Every system depends on the deck beneath it and on falls that drain water away. If the timber deck is soft or the roof holds puddles, a new membrane on top will not last. Replacing a flat roof with integral insulation can also trigger the requirement to improve its insulation.

Roof work is work at height.

Ask who pays for it and how long the scaffold will stand.

Bats roost in roof spaces and under tiles and are protected by law. Starting work first and finding out later can bring the job to a stop.

• repair or full re-roof, and which roof slopes are included
• covering, underlay, battens, ridge and verge system, flashings and valleys
• insulation upgrade and ventilation where required
• scaffolding, licence and skip, and how long they are needed
• guttering, fascias and soffits, and what happens to rotten timber found on stripping
• guarantee on materials and workmanship

Whether the roof or wall work needs planning permission depends on what is built and where. Many small works on a house are exempted development within set limits, but that exemption does not apply everywhere, for example to protected structures. Ask your county or city council's planning office before you commit if you are unsure.

Electrical work in homes is carried out by Registered Electrical Contractors, and gas work by Registered Gas Installers; ask to see the registration before work starts. Check whether the quote includes VAT, which Revenue charges at different rates depending on the goods and services involved.

Source: revenue.ie

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