Flat to pitched roof conversions
If you have patched the same flat roof three times in ten years, you are not unlucky. You are paying instalments on a job that wants doing once.
A conversion puts a proper pitched roof over the flat one, usually on a lightweight timber frame, finished in slate or tile to match the house. The leaking stops because water runs off instead of sitting.
- Covering
- East Lancashire & Craven
- Quotes
- Free, no pressure
- Ring or text
- 07840 031508
Where it makes sense
- Rear extensions and kitchen extensions that have never been right
- Garages, especially attached ones where a leak gets into the house
- Dormers
- Porches and utility rooms
- Any flat roof where the fall was wrong from the day it was built and cannot be economically corrected
What it involves
- A survey of what is holding the roof up. A pitched roof weighs more than a flat one. The existing walls and lintels have to take it, and that is the first thing we check.
- The flat covering comes off, back to the deck or joists.
- A timber frame is built to create the pitch, tied into the existing structure and to the house wall.
- Battens, breathable membrane and covering, in slate or tile chosen to match the main roof.
- Leadwork where the new roof meets the house wall, plus new flashings, valleys and abutments.
- Fascias, soffits and guttering to finish, and the rainwater taken into the existing system.
What you get out of it
- It stops leaking permanently
- A pitched roof sheds water. That is the whole point, and it is why almost nobody builds a new house with a flat roof over a habitable room.
- It looks like part of the house
- Matched to the main roof, a conversion reads as original rather than as an extension with a lid on.
- Insulation gets easier
- With a void above the ceiling there is room to insulate properly, which a shallow flat roof rarely allows.
Planning and building regulations
Most conversions on a rear extension or garage are permitted development, but not all, and it depends on height, position and whether the property is listed or in a conservation area.
In a conservation area, and there are several in this area including around Skipton and parts of Clitheroe, expect the covering material to be specified rather than chosen.
What a conversion costs
More than re-covering the flat roof, less than most people fear. The variables:
- Size and span, and whether the walls need strengthening
- Whether it ties into the house wall, which means leadwork
- The covering, matching an existing slate roof costing more than a plain tile
- Scaffold
- Building control, where it applies
The things people ask us
That is the first thing we check, and we will tell you before you spend anything. Most single-storey extensions built in masonry are fine.
Normally yes. There will be a day or so when the roof is open and covered with sheeting, and we plan that around the weather.
For a while. The maths turns once you are paying for scaffold more than once, or once water has started getting into the structure rather than just the ceiling.
What people said about the work
Read the reviews, then ring us and see if we match up.
Alex has just repaired chimney (putting right someone else’s bad work mainly) and ridge. Used Alex before after storm in 2022 brought guttering down on my 300 yr old cottage. Measured, made and fitted within about a week thankfully after months of others roofers either not showing or making out how difficult the job was
Very pleased indeed. Alex was responsive, helpful and, as chance would have it, was able to do the repair to the guttering at our daughter's bungalow, promptly. The charge was minimal for two tradesmen. Would certainly use again and have no hesitation in recommending him to others.
Alex and his team did a first class repair job on my roof. Excellent value for my money. Kept me informed at all stages of the job, clean and tidy on completion.
Alex replaced our leaking guttering. The guttering was measured, ordered and all replaced within a week! The job was done very professionally and at a great price! Great guys, who left the area spotless, when finished. Fantastic job! Great, honest, genuine tradesman. We would highly recommend to all!!!!!
We met Alex by chance one rainy afternoon on the local canal towpath. We were both sheltering from the rain under the same bridge. My husband and I had, earlier, been discussing our garage roof which was new a few years ago, but which had been leaking for some time. We think our chance meeting with Alex was meant to happen as, for some reason, I mentioned our leaky roof to him. We have always had difficultly finding reliable…
Excellent job, lovely people, very good roofers and sensible prices
Absolutely brilliant service from start to finish. The work was completed to a really high standard they were reliable, professional and tidy throughout. It’s clear they take pride in their work, and the finished roof looks fantastic. Would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a trustworthy, hardworking roofer. Thank you to Alex, Jeff, Ryan & Junior Kath & Eric at Number 6
Great job done by Alex, Jason and Alfie on our chimney stack and roof. They provide a very professional friendly, service and are a pleasure to work with. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend their services. Thank you so much.
Excellent work done by a superb team. Alex, Geoff and Luke have done an incredible job on my roof and front of house. The roof no longer leaks (when living in Preston that's an important thing!) and the front of the house appearance has been transformed from an old tired look to a clean and more modern feel. They provide great advice, give you a quote detailing what they are going to do and then crack on and do a brilliant job…
Alex replaced our guttering, reset all the ridge tiles on the roof and capped the chimney properly. Alex and Luke were a breathe of fresh air to deal with. Alex was very friendly, he kept us informed of progress and what they were doing. He attended at the specified time and always kept everything clean and tidy. Quotes were accurate and were stuck to. Quality work throughout so if you want half a job doing don't call him. Personally I…
Alex and Geoff took great care inspecting the roof and deciding on a plan of action. Geoff and Luke worked seamlessly together to repair the numerous faults they discovered. They were cheerful and courteous at all times and were always ready to explain how the work was progressing and the issues they were dealing with as they arose. Jason and Alfie did a good job with the rendering. Photographs were provided, documenting their…
Alex and Luke have pointed our chimney and replaced pots. All the ridge tiles have been removed and replaced. Nothing has been too much trouble for these guys. We are more than happy with the end result. Totally reliable and trustworthy. Very friendly lads. I would 100% recommend their services.
Other things we do
Roof slating
Welsh blue slate and Yorkshire stone slate. Individual slates, patch areas, and full re-slates on the stone terraces round here.
Read moreRoof tiling
Concrete and clay tiles. Re-bedding ridges, replacing cracked tiles, and full re-tiles on the post-war housing.
Read moreFlat roofs
Extensions, dormers, garages and porches. Repairs where a repair will hold, replacement where it will not.
Read more