Roofers in the UK are typically required to:
• Perform site inspections on a regular basis (usually at least weekly)
• Make sure that all materials meet building control standards for installation and use
• Inform themselves of any specific requirements for roof coverings such as tiles or slates installed with cement mortar beds etc. This usually means working closely with each manufacturer’s technical department where available, so they can provide guidance if needed; although this is something which you will not normally need to do yourself unless your project requires it
• Ensuring that all work carried out is accurate and that roofing guidelines and roof construction advice is followed;
• Ensure that there are no serious defects in all roof coverings before they leave the job site. This means ensuring that ‘tiles or slates installed with cement mortar beds etc’ meet building control standards for installation and use
• When making repairs to roofs ensure materials meet current building regulations when supplying them, so this will include getting approval from manufacturers where require
• For flat roofs, any fixings used must be suitable for fixing to the roof covering and should not damage it in any way. Fixings such as screws can puncture roof membranes if left exposed after installation of roof insulation boards or batts
Is Involvement of Building Regulations required when re-roofing an old pitched roof?
If the roof is being replaced, owners should hire a contractor that has experience. If less than 25% of your old shingle or tiles need to be removed before new ones can go up then you don’t have to worry about building regulations as much and it’s good for avoiding future complications down the line if they come across an issue later on with their project
A lot goes into installing every type from tile roofs all-way through siding so make sure whoever does this work knows what he/she’s doing by seeking approval first from a local building control officer for approval.
You will need to involve building regulations if:
• you carry out any structural alterations, i.e., replacement of large structural timbers such as the rafters, joists or purlins. This includes installing a new roof in most cases but also might apply when re-roofing an existing house with different material retention specifications from what is already there; replacing windows & doors where these cannot withstand wet conditions
• you want your roof to withstand a fire
• the dead load of a new roof covering can be different from the existing. This would influence other parts of the building, causing movement and thus creating a whole array of problems/defects that you may not have thought about before. If there are plans to change your roofs’ weight I recommend consulting an engineer who specializes in design factors like these so they know exactly how much work needs to be done structurally during their proceedings
• you are doing more than 25% of the roof replacement and want better insulation.
None of these regulations has anything to do with the cost of roofing or any similar considerations.
Will I need planning permission If I am changing my old roof to a new one?
In general, there won’t be a need to involve planning permission for a regular roof replacement, although the planning portal does state the conditions are as follows:
• “Any alteration to project no more than 150mm from the existing roof plane.”
• “No alteration to be higher than the highest part of the roof.”
• “Side facing windows to be obscure-glazed; any openings to be 1.7M above the floor.”
You may also insert skylights and roof lights without planning permission. However, it is likely you will require planning permission if the property is either a listed building or situated in a conservation area.
On whom does the responsibility fall to meet government guidelines?
Both the client and the roofing contractor are responsible to comply with roofing construction guidelines.
It is the responsibility of both the client and roofing contractor to meet government roofing construction guidelines.
The client as well as roofer are responsible for meeting roofing construction guidelines for hiring roofing contractors. This includes consulting with a planning officer if your project will require it before beginning work on your property, since there may be specific aspects which you must adhere to in order to ensure compliance.
In general terms: The owner (in this case the homeowner) and the design professional (the architect/engineer) share equal responsibility under UK building regulations and guidance notes; but ultimately it is up to the local authority whether or not they wish to enforce them – how strictly varies between councils depending upon their interpretation of what can be reasonably upheld.
