The Problem
This full re-roof in Cheltenham was for a returning customer on Swindon Road, close to the St Paul’s area of town. We had worked for them before, and at the time we advised that the main roof would need attention in the near future.
The slates were ageing, heavily covered in moss and starting to slip in places. The roof was still holding, but it was clear that it would not cope with many more hard winters.
Then a storm hit Cheltenham. Wind-driven rain found its way through the weakened roof covering and water came into the property. The customer called us straight away and, rather than patching the damage, decided to have the whole roof put right properly, once and for all.
Our Assessment
We started with a drone survey of the roof and the neighbouring slopes. Swindon Road is lined with tightly packed terraces, so the drone gave us a clear view of every slope, valley and chimney without putting anyone at risk.
The survey confirmed what we expected. The slates had worn thin, moss was holding moisture against the roof, and the old underlay beneath had reached the end of its life. Repairing the storm damage alone would have left the rest of the roof waiting to fail.
We recommended a full re-roof, including:
- Scaffolding for safe access at the front and rear
- Stripping the old slates, battens and underlay
- Checking and preparing the timbers beneath
- New breathable membrane and treated battens
- New slates across the whole roof
- Making good around the chimneys, abutments and roof window
The Solution
Once the scaffold was up, our team stripped the roof back to the rafters. With everything exposed, we could check the timbers properly before any new materials went on.
Next, a new breathable membrane was laid and fixed with new treated battens. This gives the roof a second line of defence against wind-driven rain, which is exactly what failed during the storm.
The new slates were then fixed course by course. We paid close attention to the details where terraced roofs usually let water in, such as the chimney stacks, the party wall lines and the edges of the roof window.
The Result
The finished roof is clean, straight and fully weatherproof. The before and after drone photos show the difference clearly. The moss-covered slopes have been replaced with a crisp new slate finish that sits well alongside the neighbouring terraces.
Most importantly, the customer no longer needs to worry every time a storm is forecast. Our re-roofs also come with a 20-year guarantee.
Why the Customer Came Back to Us
We had told the customer honestly that the roof was nearing the end of its life, without pushing for work that was not yet needed. When the storm arrived, they already knew and trusted us. That is how we like to work with every customer across Cheltenham and Gloucestershire.
Worried About Your Roof?
If your roof is covered in moss, losing slates or letting in water after heavy rain, it may be time to decide between repair and replacement. Our guide on how to decide between roof repair and replacement explains the signs to look for. Alternatively, we can carry out a drone survey and give you an honest answer.
Need a roof replacement in Cheltenham? Contact us for a free survey and quote.
