Questions on Roofing Waterford

If the timber rafters and breathable membrane or felt underneath are still sound and the leak comes from a few slipped slates, a cracked ridge tile or perished chimney flashing, a targeted repair fixes the leak without needing a full re-roof.

Over decades the original iron nails holding the slates rust through (known as nail sickness); once several slates start sliding out on different parts of the roof, re-slating with copper nails onto new treated battens is more reliable than endless patch repairs.

The roofer slides the replacement slate into the gap and secures its lower edge with a copper tingles strap hooked over the batten below.

EPDM one-piece rubber membrane, GRP fibreglass and two-layer SBS torch-on felt all perform well when laid on a dry deck with a proper fall to the gutter, far outlasting older single-layer mineral felt.

Mortar fillets trowelled against a chimney stack crack as the roof timbers move; cutting Code 4 or Code 5 stepped lead flashing into the mortar joints and dressing a lead apron over the slates gives a permanent weatherproof seal.

A dry-fix ridge secures every ridge tile mechanically with stainless-steel screws and clips over a ventilated roll instead of relying on sand-and-cement mortar, which can crack and blow off in Atlantic gales along Tramore and Dungarvan.

Replacing slates or tiles on a normal house with matching materials does not require planning permission, unless the building is a Protected Structure or sits in an Architectural Conservation Area.

The underlay sits draped over the rafters beneath the tile battens to catch any wind-blown rain or snow that gets past the slates while letting warm moisture vapour escape from the attic.

Debris and moss gather in the V-shaped valley trough where two roof slopes meet, holding damp against old lead or fibreglass; clearing the trough or relining a split valley with Code 5 lead stops the water pouring into the attic.

Residential roof repair and replacement is taxed at the reduced 13.5% VAT rate provided the materials cost less than two-thirds of the total net invoice.

A standard 3-bed terraced or semi-detached re-roof (scaffolding, stripping old tiles and felt, breathable membrane, treated battens, new slates or tiles and dry ridge) typically takes 4 to 7 working days depending on weather.

The bottom 150 mm of old bitumen sarking felt rots where it hangs into the gutter; fitting rigid plastic eaves support trays under the bottom row of tiles bridges the gap into the gutter.

Checking that attic mineral wool sits at 300 mm depth with clear eaves vents so airflow above the insulation stays open is good practice whenever the roof space is inspected.

Your request goes to one local roofing company covering your part of Waterford city or county. They inspect the roof and give you a written price.