Roofing

Roofing York

Roofing work covers everything from a single repair after a storm to a full re-roof of an older York property, and it's also a core part of every extension we build, since a new extension is only as good as the roof that keeps it watertight. RW Builders handles roofing both as standalone work and as part of wider building projects across York and North Yorkshire.

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Types of roofing work

Pitched roof repairs – replacing damaged or missing tiles or slates, repairing ridge tiles, fixing sagging or damaged roof structures

Full re-roofs – stripping an existing roof back to the structure and replacing coverings, felt and battens, usually needed when a roof reaches the end of its working life

Flat roofing – for extensions, garages and outbuildings, using modern materials like GRP fibreglass or single-ply EPDM rubber membrane rather than older felt systems, which tend to have a shorter lifespan

Roofing for extensions – built to match or complement the existing roofline, whether that's a pitched roof tying into the original house or a flat roof with a lantern rooflight

Chimney and flashing repairs – a common source of leaks, particularly where old lead flashing has deteriorated or chimney stacks need repointing

Planning permission for roofing work

Repairing or replacing a roof like-for-like generally doesn't require planning permission, since it's treated as maintenance rather than a change to the building. Where a roof is being altered more significantly, such as raising the ridge height, changing the roof shape, or adding rooflights that face a highway on the principal elevation, this can bring the work under Permitted Development limits or require a full planning application, particularly on designated land such as a conservation area. We check this before quoting on anything beyond a straightforward repair or like-for-like replacement.

Oak framed front porch with a tiled roof in Pocklington by RW Builders

Roofing

Emergency and storm damage repairs

Roofing problems don't wait for a convenient time, and a missing tile or damaged flashing after a storm can let water into the property quickly if it's not dealt with. Where a roofing issue is causing active water ingress, we prioritise a temporary fix, such as covering an exposed area, to stop further damage while a proper permanent repair is arranged. It's worth acting quickly on this kind of damage rather than waiting, since water getting into a roof void or ceiling void can cause damage well beyond the original problem the longer it's left.

Choosing roofing materials

For pitched roofs, the main choice is generally between concrete or clay tiles and natural slate, with the right option often depending on what's already on the property and the local area's character, since matching materials matters both for planning purposes and for how the finished roof looks alongside neighbouring properties. For flat roofs, modern options like GRP fibreglass and EPDM rubber membrane offer considerably longer working lives than traditional felt, typically 20 to 30 years compared with felt's 10 to 15, and we generally recommend one of these for new extension roofs.

Signs your roof needs attention

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Missing, slipped or cracked tiles, particularly noticeable after high winds

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Damp patches appearing on ceilings, which often trace back to a roof issue rather than the room itself

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Sagging areas, which can indicate structural problems with the roof timbers

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Deteriorating flashing around chimneys or roof junctions, a common cause of leaks that aren't always obvious from the ground

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Moss and vegetation build-up, which can trap moisture against tiles and shorten their life If you're not sure whether a roofing problem is serious or cosmetic, we'll assess it honestly rather than recommending a full re-roof when a repair would do the job.

What's involved in a re-roof

Scaffolding erected around the property for safe access

Stripping the existing roof covering back to the roof structure

Repairing or replacing damaged timbers where needed

Installing new roofing felt or breather membrane, battens, and the chosen tile or slate covering

Re-fitting or replacing ridge tiles, flashing and guttering

Final inspection and clearance of the site

Why RW Builders

Why choose RW Builders

We're a family-run team based in York, and roofing work is something we handle both as standalone repairs and as an integral part of every extension we build across the city and surrounding villages including Haxby, Strensall, Poppleton and Wetherby. Every quote is clear and written, and we're fully insured for roofing work at height.

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★★★★★

Excellent job from Phil and his team. Both external and internal works finished to an excellent quality. Happy to deal with changes and kept us informed on a day-to-day basis. Definitely recommend.

Colin Chambers

York

Questions

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if I need a repair or a full re-roof?

How long does a roof last before it needs replacing?

Will scaffolding be needed for a repair?

Do you match the existing roof on an extension?

Get a free quote for your roofing project

RW Builders directly on 01904 530941, or send your details through our contact form, and we'll arrange a visit to assess your roof. Quotes are free and come with no obligation.

Request a Free Quote → 📞 Call 01904 530941