Pitched Roof Replaced in Bromley: Case Study
“Every roof tells a different story, and sometimes the biggest problems are hidden beneath the tiles.”
The Challenge
One of our new customers had a complete pitched roof replaced in Bromley after years of poor repairs and weathering, which had left the roof with significant underlying problems. The entire roof had been painted over, including all of the roof tiles and the joints, rather than the tiles being properly replaced. The property also required the removal and later reinstallation of its three solar panels on the back roof.
Once our team at Level Roofing began stripping the existing roof, it became clear that several serious hidden problems could not have been identified from the outside.
The rear addition had suffered significant water ingress and weathering, leaving a number of the rafters and roof timbers rotten. There were also issues with the existing chimney stack, a large shared chimney that had previously been altered without being properly supported.
The shared chimney was particularly concerning. A previous contractor had removed the chimney breast from one of the upstairs bedrooms without adequately supporting the remaining chimney structure above it. This had left the chimney in an unsafe condition and required careful attention before the roof work could continue.
Our Solution
Level Roofing carried out a complete roof replacement while also addressing the structural and weatherproofing issues discovered during the project.
The existing roof was carefully stripped back so the condition of the underlying timbers could be assessed. Rotten rafters and other damaged timbers were removed and replaced with new timber, along with new roof battens.
The large shared chimney stack was carefully taken down and rebuilt to ensure it was secure, structurally sound and protected against the weather. Before carrying out this work, Level Roofing liaised with the neighbouring property to make sure their side of the chimney could continue to be used throughout the project.
We also rebuilt and weatherproofed the neighbour’s side of the shared chimney, ensuring the work was completed properly for both properties.
Roof Repairs & Structural Work
- Removed rotten and damaged roof timbers and replaced them with new timber.
- Installed a new wall plate across the full width of the wall where the previous chimney breast had been removed.
- Rebuilt and secured the chimney stack and addressed the surrounding masonry.
- Re-pitched the rear section of the roof where years of water ingress had caused deterioration.
- Installed new roof battens throughout.
The chimney was also packed out where required and rendered over reinforcing mesh to provide a durable finish and help prevent future cracking.
New Roof Tiles
For the new roof, we used Marley Ludlow Plus interlocking tiles in Old English Dark Red.
These tiles provide a traditional appearance while offering the practical benefits of a modern interlocking roof tile.
Ludlow Plus tiles are also available in a range of other colours, including Antique Brown, Dark Red, Smooth Brown and Smooth Grey.
Professional Roof Installation
The property also required careful attention to the roof verges and hips.
A cement fibre undercloak was installed beneath the main brickwork at the verge (which was previously missing), and securely bedded using a sand and cement mortar mix. A fibre cement board was also installed beneath the verge to provide a watertight finish.
The baby hips were then installed using hip irons, forming a five-pointed peak. The front section was finished with small plain tiles, while the side cheeks were finished with larger tiles to match the main roof.
GRP valleys were incorporated into the roof construction and securely bedded, with hip irons installed at the bottom of the hips for additional support.
Solar Panel Reinstallation
The existing solar panels were carefully removed before the roofing work began and reinstated once the new roof was complete.
As part of the reinstallation, Level Roofing fitted protective mesh around the panels to help prevent birds from nesting underneath them. This provides additional protection for the roof and solar panel installation while helping to prevent debris and nesting material from accumulating beneath the panels.
Safe & Efficient Roof Replacement
Because of the condition of the existing roof and the structural issues discovered during the work, safety was a priority throughout the project.
A Tile Bumpa hoist was used to safely and efficiently move roof tiles between ground level and the roof. This portable conveyor system enabled the quick movement of materials while reducing the need for manual lifting.
The entire project was carefully managed to ensure the property remained safe and secure throughout the works.
The Result
What initially appeared to be a straightforward roof replacement revealed many significant problems hidden beneath years of previous repairs and poor workmanship.
By stripping the roof back properly and addressing the underlying issues rather than simply covering them up, Level Roofing was able to provide a complete and long-lasting solution.
The roof now has new tiles, battens and structural timbers where required, a secure and weatherproofed chimney, properly finished verges and hips, and safely reinstated solar panels.
Most importantly, the previously unsafe and deteriorated areas of the roof have been repaired and rebuilt correctly, giving the homeowner a secure, weather-resistant roof for years to come.
Another Roof Rebuilt Properly
Every roof tells a different story, and sometimes the biggest problems are hidden beneath the tiles.
This project is a good example of why experienced roofing contractors need to look beyond the surface. Previous repairs and alterations had concealed structural and weatherproofing problems that only became apparent once the existing roof was removed.
At Level Roofing, we don’t simply cover up problems. We identify them, explain what needs to be done and carry out the work properly.
