New roof or re-lay existing tiles?

Beeblebr0x

I've had a quote from a reputable roofing company for a new roof. The quote is several thousands more than I'd imagined it would be. Someone suggested that in order to keep costs down, to reuse the existing tiles. Would this be a waste of time, as the house is 90 years old, has no membrane, therefore the battens will need replacing and the ridge tiles likely broken in the removal process?

EssexExile

I suppose it depends how much of the cost is new tiles. Best ask your roofer.

GardenBirdWatcher

Beeblebr0x said:

ridge tiles likely broken in the removal process?

Ridge tiles can be removed without breaking them, I did it myself when I re-roofed our extension. If I can do it with virtually non-existent roofing experience, I'm sure an experienced roofer could manage it. And if any of them (or the main tiles are damaged, you can probably pick up replacements from a reclamation yard.

But if you do go ahead with getting them replaced, don't let the roofer "do you a favour" by disposing of them for you - you'd probably be able to get a few hundred £ for them if you sold them to a reclamation yard (and even more if you sold them yourself on FB Marketplace or similar)

Section62

Beeblebr0x said:

I've had a quote from a reputable roofing company for a new roof. The quote is several thousands more than I'd imagined it would be. Someone suggested that in order to keep costs down, to reuse the existing tiles. Would this be a waste of time, as the house is 90 years old, has no membrane, therefore the battens will need replacing and the ridge tiles likely broken in the removal process?

What kind of tiles are they proposing to fit if you go for new ones?  A 90 year old roof structure might not have the strength to support some modern types, especially not concrete ones. Likely to be less of an issue if the old ones can be reused.

Also the work sounds like you'll need building regs signoff... make sure you know the requirements (e.g. for insulation) which will probably apply to the job.

Albermarle

What are the current tiles made of?

I would guess at 90 years old, they are not slate. Maybe a clay type tile?

Beeblebr0x

Yes, flat and made of clay.

stuart45

Is your roof leaking?

Beeblebr0x

No, but it has no membrane and the weather seems to getting more unpredictable.

Beeblebr0x

Section62 said:

Beeblebr0x said:

I've had a quote from a reputable roofing company for a new roof. The quote is several thousands more than I'd imagined it would be. Someone suggested that in order to keep costs down, to reuse the existing tiles. Would this be a waste of time, as the house is 90 years old, has no membrane, therefore the battens will need replacing and the ridge tiles likely broken in the removal process?

What kind of tiles are they proposing to fit if you go for new ones?  A 90 year old roof structure might not have the strength to support some modern types, especially not concrete ones. Likely to be less of an issue if the old ones can be reused.

Also the work sounds like you'll need building regs signoff... make sure you know the requirements (e.g. for insulation) which will probably apply to the job.

Redland plain tiles. The insulation is 30cm deep.

Albermarle

Beeblebr0x said:

No, but it has no membrane and the weather seems to getting more unpredictable.

Many older homes have no membrane fitted and the roofs are fine.
AIUI, the membrane is only really a secondary back up in case the actual roof leaks a bit.

Not sure the British Weather was ever predictable !

Beeblebr0x

It turns out I was quoted for plain tiles and interlocking tiles but the latter was missed off the quote. I asked for interlocking as I feel they'll stay in place longer, plus they're cheaper as I won't need so many of them.