What to Expect When Installing a New Roof
Whether you are having a full new roof fitted, adding a roof to an extension, or covering a garage or outbuilding for the first time, roof installation is one of the biggest jobs a homeowner will ever commission. Get it right and you will not think about your roof again for decades. Get it wrong and you will be dealing with leaks, cold spots, and repair bills within a few years. Precise Roofing & Guttering has been carrying out roof installations across Morden and the surrounding SW19, SW20 and SM postcodes for many years, and this guide covers what the process actually involves.
This is different from a roof repair or a full roof replacement, though the three are related. Roof installation typically refers to fitting a roof where there was not a proper one before, such as a new extension, a converted outbuilding, or a completely rebuilt roof structure, though people also use the term when talking about replacing an entire existing roof covering. Either way, the fundamentals below apply.
What Roof Installation Actually Involves
A proper roof installation is not just laying tiles on top of a frame. It is a sequence of steps, and skipping or rushing any one of them is usually where problems start later.
Structural check - confirming the roof timbers, trusses, or rafters are sound and correctly spaced for the covering being used
Felt or membrane layer - a breathable roofing membrane goes down first, acting as the main barrier against wind-driven rain
Battens - horizontal timber battens are fixed across the membrane at set intervals to hold the tiles or slates
Tiles or slates - laid from the bottom up, overlapping correctly so water always runs off rather than in
Ridge and hip tiles - fitted along the top and any sloped joints, usually bedded and pointed for a weathertight finish
Flashing - lead or flexible flashing fitted around chimneys, roof windows, and any wall junctions
Guttering - fascias, soffits, and guttering fitted or reconnected once the roof covering is complete
Getting the layering right at the membrane and batten stage matters more than most homeowners realise. A roof can look finished from the ground and still fail within a couple of years if the underlying layers were not done properly.
Choosing Roofing Materials
Part of a roof installation is deciding what to cover the roof with. The right choice depends on the style of the property, local planning considerations, and budget.
Concrete tiles
Typical use: Most common on semis and modern builds. Notes: Durable, cost-effective, wide colour range.
Clay tiles
Typical use: Period properties, conservation areas. Notes: Traditional look, often required to match neighbouring roofs.
Natural slate
Typical use: Victorian and Edwardian terraces. Notes: Long lifespan, higher cost, authentic period appearance.
Felt or single-ply membrane
Typical use: Flat roofs, extensions, garages. Notes: Good for low-pitch or flat sections.
Fibreglass (GRP)
Typical use: Flat roofs, dormers. Notes: Seamless finish, low maintenance.
We will always talk you through which material suits your specific roof, rather than pushing whatever is easiest for us to fit.
Signs You Might Need a New Roof Installation Rather Than a Repair
Not every roof problem calls for a full new installation. Here is a rough guide to when it is worth considering.
The existing roof covering is towards the end of its expected lifespan (concrete tiles typically last 40-60 years, felt roofs considerably less)
Multiple areas are failing at once rather than one isolated spot
You are adding a new room, loft conversion, or extension that needs its own roof structure
Previous patch repairs are becoming frequent and are no longer cost-effective
You want to change the roofline or materials as part of wider renovation work
If only one or two of these apply, a roof repair may well be the more sensible and affordable option, and our team will always tell you honestly which route makes more sense for your situation.
What Affects How Long a Roof Installation Takes
Homeowners often ask us to estimate a timeline before they have even had a quote, so it helps to understand what actually drives the schedule. Roof size and pitch are the obvious factors, but access is often just as important. A roof that scaffolding can reach easily from the street goes much faster than one boxed in by a narrow side return or a shared driveway with neighbours.
Material choice plays a part too. Natural slate takes longer to lay correctly than concrete tiles simply because each piece needs individual attention. Weather is the other major variable. Roofing membrane and flashing work needs dry conditions to go in properly, so a spell of heavy rain can push a job back by a few days even once it has started. We build reasonable contingency into our quotes so there are no surprises, but it is worth knowing this going in rather than assuming a fixed number of days will always hold.
The Local Morden Angle
The mix of housing around Morden, Merton Park, Lower Morden, and out towards Colliers Wood and Worcester Park means roof installation jobs vary a lot from property to property. On 1930s semis, we are often replacing original concrete or clay tile roofs that have simply reached the end of their working life, usually straightforward jobs given the standard pitch and structure of these homes.
Victorian and Edwardian terraces are a different matter. These properties often have steeper pitches, shared party walls with neighbouring roofs, and older timber structures that need a closer look before work starts. Matching materials to keep a consistent street appearance is often a consideration here too.
Newer builds and extensions tend to involve installing a roof from scratch on a new structure, which gives more flexibility on materials but still needs to tie in properly with the existing roofline and guttering.
We take on the same kind of installation work for homes further out in Raynes Park, and it's a job we complete just as often for properties in Mitcham.
What Working With Precise Roofing & Guttering Looks Like
We keep the process simple. You call or email us, and we arrange a visit to assess the job, whether that is Jack Alexander, our roofing team leader who oversees repairs, installations, and maintenance, or Liam Carter, our roofing installer known for his attention to detail on installation and replacement work. We give you a free quote, explain what is involved and roughly how long it will take, and book the work in for a time that suits you.
We are a family run business, owned and run by Perry Parker, and we have extensive experience doing exactly this kind of work in the local area. As a registered LTD company, our details are publicly listed on Companies House, and we've built a track record of five-star reviews on Google and Yell. We also offer a discount for OAPs, and if timing is tight, same-day quotes are often available.
Throughout the job, we keep you updated on progress and any issues that come up, since roof installation can occasionally reveal underlying structural problems that were not visible beforehand. We will never proceed with extra work without talking it through with you first.
Practical Checklist Before You Book a Roof Installation
Get a clear written quote that specifies materials, scope of work, and rough timescale
Ask what happens to waste materials and old roofing debris
Check whether scaffolding is included in the quote or arranged separately
Confirm what weather contingency looks like, since roofing work depends heavily on dry conditions
Ask about guttering, fascias, and soffits, since these are often replaced or reconnected as part of the same job
Check if planning permission or building regulations apply, particularly for extensions, conservation areas, or listed buildings
Keep a note of what was installed and when, for future maintenance and any warranty queries
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a roof installation take?
This depends heavily on the size and complexity of the roof, but most residential jobs take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. We will give you a realistic timeframe as part of your free quote.
Do I need planning permission for a new roof installation?
Often not for a straightforward like-for-like replacement, but it can apply to extensions, roofline changes, or properties in conservation areas. We can help you understand what applies to your specific property.
What is the difference between roof installation and roof replacement?
Roof installation generally refers to fitting a new roof structure, such as on an extension or outbuilding, while roof replacement usually means stripping and replacing the covering on an existing roof. In practice the two overlap and we are happy to talk through which applies to your job.
Can you match the existing tiles on my street?
In most cases yes, particularly for common materials like concrete and clay tiles used widely across Morden. For older or discontinued materials we will discuss the closest realistic match.
Do you handle guttering as part of a roof installation?
Yes, guttering, fascias, and soffits are usually fitted or reconnected as part of the same job, since they need to work together with the new roof covering.
Will bad weather delay my roof installation?
It can, since roofing work needs reasonably dry conditions for materials like felt and membrane to be laid properly. We will always be upfront about weather-related delays and keep you informed.
How much does a roof installation cost?
Costs vary based on roof size, pitch, chosen materials, and site access, among other factors. There are no fixed prices we can quote without seeing the job, but we always provide a free, no-obligation quote based on your specific property.
Do you offer any discounts?
Yes, we offer a discount for OAPs on our services. Just mention this when you get in touch and we will factor it into your quote.
Areas We Cover for Roof Installation
We fit new roofs for homeowners well beyond Morden itself, including the following areas.
Get Your Free Quote
A roof installation is a significant investment in your home, and it is worth getting right the first time. Precise Roofing & Guttering has been doing this across Morden and neighbouring areas including Wimbledon Village, Sutton, Raynes Park, and Colliers Wood for many years, and we are always happy to talk through your options honestly before any work is booked.
Call us on +44 330 133 4111 or visit our contact us for a free quote.
You can also see our other roofing services on the main our services.
If you are not sure yet whether you need a full installation or just some remedial work, a roof inspection is a sensible first step.
And if your roof only needs attention in one area rather than a full new installation, take a look at our roof repair page instead.