Project
Insulated EPDM Roof Terrace, Paddington
A documented roof refurbishment combining an insulated build-up, EPDM membrane, walk-on rooflights and a decked terrace finish.
Residential Roof Refurbishment
Residential Roof Refurbishment for Private Homes
Planned roof renewal
Treat the roof as a complete construction
A roof refurbishment may be appropriate when the roof needs more than another isolated repair, but does not necessarily require every element to be replaced. The correct scope depends on condition, access, materials, previous repairs and the way each roof detail connects to the next.
Work can include retained and replacement coverings, leadwork, flashings, valleys, gutters, roof junctions, drainage details, insulation or interfaces with other refurbishment work where those elements form part of the agreed scope.
The correct approach depends on visible condition, previous repairs, access, the existing roof build-up and any wider refurbishment, heritage or professional-team requirements.
Some conditions remain hidden until areas are opened, so a useful proposal should make assumptions, exclusions and decision points clear before delivery begins.
When refurbishment may be appropriate
Project triggers that merit a wider roof review
The recommended work follows the inspection findings, the roof construction and the visible condition of the property. A site review is needed before advice can be specific to an individual roof.
Widespread Ageing
A broader review may be appropriate where coverings or weathering details show deterioration across more than one local area.
Recurring Defects
Repeated local repairs can indicate that the wider roof condition needs to be considered.
Previous Repairs
Multiple repair campaigns may need to be understood before further work is planned.
Failed Coverings
Slate, tile or flat-roof areas may require renewal where condition or compatibility no longer supports retention.
Deteriorated Leadwork
Flashings, valleys, gutters, chimneys, parapets and roof junctions can form part of the refurbishment review.
Water Ingress in Several Areas
Ingress at different points should be assessed in the context of the wider roof rather than assumed to share one cause.
Wider Property Refurbishment
Roofing may need to be sequenced with facades, interiors, structure, rooflights, drainage or other trades.
Heritage or Appearance Requirements
Period properties and prominent roof slopes can require closer attention to materials, visible character and approved project requirements.
Survey and planning
Clarify condition, assumptions and constraints
Survey & planning
Understand the roof before delivery
The inspection brings together visible roof condition, access, coverings, junctions, drainage, penetrations, existing fabric and adjoining work. The aim is to identify whether a local repair, refurbishment or fuller replacement route is most proportionate.
- Existing roof condition and access
- Coverings, junctions, penetrations and drainage
- Previous repairs and known defects
- Heritage or visual constraints
- Connections with other trades
- Assumptions and exclusions
Hidden conditions
Opening-up can change what is known
Initial inspection can establish visible condition, but concealed defects may only become apparent once roof areas are safely opened. The proposal should explain what is known, what remains concealed and how further decisions will be handled.
- Visible inspection findings
- Potential concealed defects
- Weather exposure and temporary protection
- Deck, battens, fixings or timber condition
- Project-team decisions where required
- Scope changes recorded before proceeding
Roofing elements
Roof coverings, leadwork, drainage and detail
Roof coverings
Retain where suitable, renew where required
Slate, tile or flat-roof coverings are considered around condition, compatibility, the agreed design and whether retention is appropriate. A roof refurbishment should not assume everything must be stripped unless the evidence supports that route.
- Condition-led review
- Material compatibility
- Retention where suitable
- Renewal where required
- Appearance and project specification
- Interfaces with retained areas
Leadwork
Flashings, valleys and weathering details
Leadwork is reviewed at abutments, valleys, chimneys, parapets, dormers, gutters and other junctions where water must be directed safely away from the building.
- Valleys and flashings
- Roof junctions
- Chimneys and abutments
- Lead-lined gutters and parapets
- Visible detailing
- Coordination with the roof covering
Roof details
Junctions and penetrations
Edges, abutments, penetrations, rooflights, dormers and transitions need to work with the existing construction and any new refurbishment packages.
- Edges and abutments
- Roof penetrations
- Rooflights and dormers
- Wall and chimney interfaces
- Connections with other trades
- Future maintenance access
Drainage
Water paths, gutters and outlets
Gutters, outlets, falls and drainage routes are reviewed where they affect the refurbished roof and its weathering details.
- Gutters and outlets
- Falls and water paths
- Roof geometry
- Parapet and box gutter details
- Lower roof interfaces
- Above-ground rainwater goods
Roof build-up
Insulation, ventilation and moisture control
Insulation, ventilation and moisture-control considerations are reviewed with the proposed roof construction and wider project design where they form part of the agreed work.
- Roof build-up review
- Existing construction
- Ventilation and moisture considerations
- Insulation where in scope
- Project specification
- Coordination with the design team
Property character
Visible finish and traditional detail
Where the roof contributes strongly to the building’s appearance, material choice and visible detailing are considered alongside the existing property character and any project-specific requirements.
- Traditional materials
- Architectural detailing
- Prominent roof slopes
- Sensitive property context
- Listed or conservation considerations where relevant
- Professional or approval requirements
Materials and appearance
Materials chosen for the roof and property
Slate
Existing or replacement slate is considered around condition, fixing, compatibility, appearance and specification.
Tile
Clay or concrete tiled areas are considered around profile, pitch, matching, ridges, verges and existing roof character.
Lead
Lead may form part of refurbishment at flashings, valleys, abutments, gutters, parapets and other weathering junctions.
Flat-Roof Areas
Flat-roof sections are reviewed with their substrate, drainage, upstands and transitions as part of the wider renewal.
Material Compatibility
New and retained materials need to be considered together rather than specified in isolation.
Visual Character
Prominent roof slopes and traditional details are reviewed against the property and any project-specific requirements.
Occupied and sensitive properties
Planning around homes, neighbours and finishes
Site Access
Scaffolding, delivery routes and safe movement through or around the property are planned early.
Interior Protection
Occupied rooms and finished interiors may require additional protection and sequencing.
Weather Planning
Temporary protection is planned before vulnerable roof areas are opened.
Dust and Debris Control
Work areas, access routes and cleaning expectations are considered for occupied or highly finished homes.
Landscaping and Neighbours
Gardens, paving, external finishes and adjoining property can influence site setup.
Communication and Phasing
Clients and professional teams need clear updates around sequencing, decisions and changes.
Architect and designer coordination
Supporting the wider refurbishment team
Drawings and Details
Available drawings and specifications are reviewed where they affect the roofing work.
Connected Details
Roofing may need coordination with structure, facades, drainage, rooflights, interiors and other trades.
Design Intent
Material and visible-finish decisions are coordinated with the appointed design team where one is involved.
Sequencing
Roofing work is planned around dependencies in the wider refurbishment programme.
Decision Records
Important decisions, findings and changes are recorded clearly.
Professional Coordination
Design, structural and statutory matters are coordinated with the relevant appointed professionals.
Quality controls
Clear planning, protection and handover
Survey-Led Planning
Visible condition, access and material context inform the proposed refurbishment.
Clear Proposal
The work, assumptions, exclusions, sequencing and decision points are set out clearly.
Detail Checks
Coverings and critical junctions are reviewed at sensible stages of the work.
Property Protection
Occupied homes, interiors, finishes, landscaping and neighbours are included in the protection plan.
Communication
Clients and project teams are kept informed around progress and changes.
Handover
Completion addresses outstanding items and relevant maintenance or aftercare information.
Related Projects
Project
Grade II* Listed Roof Replacement, Lonsdale Square
A documented roof replacement involving natural Welsh slate, renewed leadwork, insulation, structural remedials and parapet repairs.
Project library
Our Work
Explore documented roofing and refurbishment projects across ER Group London’s published project library.
Refurbishment FAQs
Residential Roof Refurbishment Questions
-
A roof refurbishment may include retained or replacement coverings, leadwork, flashings, roof junctions, drainage details, insulation where in scope and coordination with other work.
-
A local repair addresses a limited defect. A refurbishment considers a wider roof area, the connected details around it and whether planned renewal is more proportionate.
-
Complete re-roofing usually replaces the principal covering across the agreed roof area. Refurbishment can combine retained and renewed elements where condition and compatibility support that approach.
-
Yes, where condition, compatibility and project requirements support retention. The decision should follow inspection rather than assumption.
-
Yes. Visible condition, access, materials and practical constraints are reviewed so the recommended work and its limitations are clear.
-
Yes. ER Group London coordinates roofing with appointed professionals and other trades wherever their work meets the roof.
-
Yes. Existing fabric, material character and any professional or statutory requirements are reviewed before the work is agreed.
-
ER Group London undertakes residential roofing and refurbishment across Prime London, Surrey and selected surrounding areas, subject to project fit, access and scope.
-
Please send the property location, known roof condition or defects, the work you are considering, approximate timing and any drawings, reports or professional-team information already available.
Next Steps
Plan a residential roof refurbishment
Tell us where the property is, what you know about the roof and whether drawings, reports or photographs are already available.