Cost of re-mortaring an entire roof

james_joyce · 25 April 2011 at 12:23AM

Hi

I own a small Victorian terraced house. The mortar from the roof seems to be crumbling so whenever we open the loft door, some more debris falls down!

I have no idea how serious this might be but I am hoping it can be resolved just by replacing the loft mortar - at worst remortaring the entire roof.

Am I right in thinking this should be cheaper than getting all the actual tiles replaced?

Any ideas please on the likely approximate cost of getting this remortaring done? The entire loft area is boarded ie there is no problem with access.

Thanks
James

asbokid · 25 April 2011 at 12:44AM

it's not clear what mortar you mean. you don't normally use much mortar on a tiled roof. what sort of tiles are they? is it the mortar that beds the ridge tiles, or is it mortar flashing? the size of the area is pertinent. can it be done from a ladder, or will it need scaffolding? explain a bit more, jim.

phill99 · 25 April 2011 at 7:35AM

I lknow what you are on about. Many years ago, instead of using under (or sarking) felt on a roof, they would use someyjing called 'haunching'. It when mortar is pushed in between the tiles from the inside of the roof.

This is a very old roof and you will be lucky to find someone to do this.

It sounds as though you need a good roof inspection. All roofs now have underelt and they way to do this is to remove all the tiles, hjave the felt put on and the tiles replaced.

james_joyce · 25 April 2011 at 8:25AM

Many thanks phill99, yes I think that's exactly the issue with my roof. Any ideas about the ballpark price of the job you mention please?

ormus · 25 April 2011 at 8:47AM

a small terraced house will cost about 2k-5k to refelt and retile.
costs will vary according to how many tiles/slates are reusable.

james_joyce · 25 April 2011 at 9:06AM

Thanks ormus - I will start getting some quotes from local firms.

So does that mean it should be about £2k for the basic job and then up to £3k for new tiles?

ormus · 25 April 2011 at 9:23AM

no. it means the price varies a lot according to where you live too.
ive heard of basic refelt/roofs from 2k and up. terraced house, using all the old slates.
a complete new retile (semi detached house) is 6k around here.

Mankysteve · 25 April 2011 at 11:35AM

I wouldn't ruh a head in replaceing an entire roof. Just becuse the haunching has/no felt it just there are secoundary protection. I would as others have susgetsed get it survived but as long as it not leaking and you've not got any rot problems. Just a clean up should service.