New Roofs Richmond

• Richmond Green & Palace Gate Conservation Area (TW9): Landmark Georgian and early Victorian residences. Re-roofing demands authentic Welsh Penrhyn or Grade-A Spanish slate, hand-bossed Code 5 lead dormer cheeks, parapet gutter overhauls, and period-compliant ridge capping to meet strict Richmond upon Thames heritage controls.

• Richmond Hill & Terrace Gardens (TW10): Imposing Victorian villas and gabled family residences. Re-roofing focuses on handmade plain clay tiles, natural slates, structural rafter reinforcement, Code 5 lead valleys, and traditional mortar-bedded ridge detailing.

• Petersham Village & Ham Common Fringe (TW10): Historic period cottages and expansive Arts & Crafts properties. Demands small-format plain clay tiles, timber gable overhauls, hand-bossed lead valleys, and period-correct clay ridge tiles.

• Sheen Road & Kew Foot Corridor (TW9): Densely built Victorian terraced streets requiring natural slate overhauls, party-wall firewall rebuilds, hand-bossed lead soakers, and breathable membrane underlayment.

Strict Article 4 Conservation Standards in Richmond upon Thames

Properties located within designated conservation areas across Richmond Green, Richmond Hill, and Petersham are governed by strict Article 4 directions enforced by the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. Replacing an authentic slate or handmade clay tile roof with modern synthetic alternatives violates heritage controls and can trigger enforcement notices. We source genuine SVT Welsh Slate, Grade-A Spanish slate, and handmade clay plain tiles, pairing them with traditional leadwork and mortar-bedded ridge caps to ensure 100% compliance and a 75+ year operational lifespan.

Timber Rafter Deflection & Sagging on 18th & 19th Century Rooflines

The grand period rooflines across Richmond Hill and Petersham were originally clad in heavy plain clay tiles or thick slates. Over more than a century of sustained dead load and damp exposure, the original softwood rafters bow and sag. When our six-man team strips your roof to bare timbers, we evaluate every structural joist, sistering bowed rafters with treated timber and reinforcing hip beams to guarantee a perfectly flat, structurally sound foundation before laying new tiles.

"Nail Sickness" & Corroded Fixings on Historic Slate Mansards

Many Victorian and Georgian properties across Richmond still feature original slate roof coverings. After 100+ years, the original iron fixing nails corrode through—a condition known as "nail sickness." While the slates themselves may appear sound, individual slates begin slipping down the roof during windstorms, tearing through old bitumen underlay. During a complete re-roof, our crew strips the covering to bare timbers, replaces failing battens, installs high-performance breathable roofing membranes, and fixes new slates with corrosion-proof copper nails.

A complete pitched roof replacement on a standard Richmond townhouse or villa typically takes 5 to 10 working days, weather permitting:

1. Scaffolding Setup: Full, safe perimeter scaffolding is erected around your property to provide secure working access for our six-man team.

2. Stripping to Bare Timbers: Existing tiles or slates, old battens, and degraded underlay are stripped away down to bare rafters and loaded into skips.

3. Timber Inspection & Structural Repairs: Rafters, wall plates, and valley boards are checked for rot or sagging, with compromised timbers cut out and replaced.

4. Breathable Membrane & Treated Battens: Modern breathable underlayment and counter-battens are secured to current Building Regulations standards (Part L).

5. Tile or Slate Precision Laying: Your chosen natural slates, clay tiles, or concrete tiles are laid to precise weather-tight gauge lines.

6. Leadwork & Ridge Finishing: Hand-bossed Code 4 and Code 5 lead aprons, step flashings, side soakers, and dry-ridge or mortar-bedded caps are installed.

7. Scaffolding Dismantling & Site Clearance: All site waste is removed, scaffolding comes down, and your 25-year CORC insurance-backed guarantee certificate is issued.

Do I need planning permission for a new roof in Richmond Conservation Areas?

Like-for-like roof replacements generally fall under Permitted Development and do not require formal council planning permission. However, because areas like Richmond Green and Richmond Hill are designated conservation zones, material approvals apply. We ensure all slates, clay tiles, and leadwork match local heritage guidelines during our free survey.

How do you handle shared party-wall roof sections with neighbors on Sheen Road?

We liaise with your neighbor before work begins. We install clean bonding gutters or shared lead valleys along the party line, ensuring a seamless, watertight junction between your new roof covering and the adjoining property.

Do I have to upgrade my loft insulation when getting a new roof in TW9 or TW10?

Yes. Under UK Building Regulations (Part L), replacing more than 50% of your roof covering requires upgrading loft thermal insulation to current standards (typically 270mm). We incorporate this directly into our itemized written quotes.

What happens if rain falls while my roof is stripped off?

We strip roofs in manageable daily sections. At the end of every working afternoon, exposed timbers are completely covered and sealed with high-grade, waterproof breathable membrane, keeping your home 100% watertight throughout the project.

Are your on-site roof surveys in Richmond completely free?

Yes. John Quilligan visits your property in TW9 or TW10 in person, inspects the roof structure, loft timbers, and chimney leadwork, and provides a clear, itemized written estimate with zero call-out charges.