When repairs aren't enough, a full roof replacement gives you decades of protection. We survey, quote and install across Cambridge — using quality materials with a written 10-year workmanship guarantee.
Tell us the job in 30 seconds. No pushy sales, no call-out fee.
A full roof replacement in Cambridge costs £4,000–£15,000 depending on property size, with scaffolding, breathable membrane and stainless steel fixings included. Every re-roof carries a 10-year workmanship guarantee and manufacturer warranties. NFRC registered and fully insured. Call 0122 366 6465 for a free survey and written quote.
Whether it's a 1960s concrete tile roof past its design life or a Victorian slate roof beyond repair, we deliver full re-roofs to the highest standard.
When Does a Cambridge Roof Need Replacing?
Concrete interlocking tiles installed on 1960s and 1970s estates across Arbury, King's Hedges and Cherry Hinton are now reaching 50–60 years old — well past their typical 40-year design life. When nail sickness sets in and tiles start slipping across the whole roof rather than in isolated spots, a full replacement is more cost-effective than ongoing repairs. We survey every roof thoroughly before recommending replacement.
Materials and Options
For most residential re-roofs in Cambridge we use modern clay or concrete interlocking tiles with a 50-year manufacturer warranty. On period properties in conservation areas — particularly around the city centre, Newnham and De Freville Avenue — we source natural slate to match the original specification. Every re-roof includes new battens, breathable membrane, and replacement lead flashings.
Need a Roofer in Cambridge? Call Now for a Free Quote
We survey your roof structure, measure the roof area, check the timber condition from the loft and assess the chimney and flashing requirements. We then specify the tile type, membrane, battens and fixings appropriate for your property and location.
02
Scaffolding and Strip
Scaffolding is erected around the property. We strip all existing tiles, battens and felt, inspect the timber structure and replace any rotten or weakened timbers. Nothing is left to chance — the structure must be sound before any new materials go on.
03
Membrane, Battens and Tiles
We fit breathable roofing membrane, new treated softwood battens at the correct gauge for the tile profile, and install the tiles from eaves to ridge. Every tile is mechanically fixed with stainless steel nails — no reliance on mortar alone.
04
Flashings, Ridge and Completion
All lead flashings are renewed at chimney abutments, wall junctions and valleys. Dry fix ridge, hip and verge systems are installed. We clean up, remove the scaffold and conduct a final inspection with you before handover.
Customer Reviews
What Our Customers Say
★★★★★
"Full re-roof on our 1970s semi in King's Hedges. The old concrete tiles were shot — nails had rusted through on half of them. New roof looks fantastic, no more worrying every time it storms. Excellent team."
Steve B. · King's Hedges, Cambridge
★★★★★
"Replaced the slate roof on our Victorian terrace. They sourced matching Welsh slate and the finish is beautiful. Neighbours have asked for their number. Well worth the investment."
Helen R. · Romsey Town, Cambridge
★★★★★
"Had three quotes for a full re-roof. These were the most thorough in their survey and the clearest in their pricing. Job completed in four days, no mess, no fuss."
Call our team on 0122 366 6465 for a free, no-obligation quote
Honest advice
How to Tell You Need Roof Replacement
A full re-roof is a major investment, so it is worth being sure you need one. These are the signs a roof is genuinely at the end of its life rather than just needing a repair.
Tiles slipping across the whole roof, not just one area (nail sickness)
Repeated repair call-outs in a single year
A visibly sagging or dipping roofline
Widespread damp or daylight visible across the loft
When it is not the answer: If the covering is sound and only a localised area has failed, a targeted repair is far cheaper and buys many more years — do not let anyone sell you a re-roof you do not need. Read the full guide.
Nail sickness — the iron fixing nail rusts and crumbles while the slate itself stays sound, so the covering can usually be relaid with new copper or stainless fixings.The process
How a Cambridge Roof Replacement Job Runs
1. Survey
We measure the roof, inspect the loft and timbers, and confirm the right covering for your Cambridge property and any conservation constraints.
2. Written quote
You receive an itemised quote covering scaffolding, strip-off, membrane, battens, tiles, lead and VAT — nothing hidden.
3. Scheduling
We agree a start date and confirm the specification and fixed price in writing.
4. Access day
Scaffold goes up and the old covering is stripped and removed; timbers are inspected and made good.
5. The work
New breathable membrane, treated battens, tiles or slate, ridge and all lead detailing go on, kept weathertight each night.
6. Cleanup & sign-off
Scaffold comes down, the site is cleared, and you get the 10-year workmanship guarantee and manufacturer warranties.
Timescales
Job Durations at a Glance
Job
Typical duration
Mid-terrace re-roof
3–5 days
Semi-detached re-roof
5–8 days
Detached / complex roof
1–2 weeks
Natural slate (Victorian terrace)
1–2 weeks
Stripping is planned around dry spells; the roof is kept protected overnight and in poor weather throughout.
Access
Access, Scaffolding & Permits in Cambridge
A full re-roof always needs scaffolding on at least two elevations; we arrange and itemise it, never bundling it invisibly into the headline rate. Scaffold is specified for: every re-roof — the only question is how many elevations and whether a loading bay is needed - always itemised in your written quote, never a hidden extra, and we arrange it.
Victorian terraces around Romsey Town and Petersfield mean rear access is tight and pavement scaffold often needs permit-controlled space. Pavement scaffold and skip permits go through Cambridge City Council; allow a few working days on streets like Mill Road, Gwydir Street, the terraces off Petersfield where space is tight.
Pricing
What Roof Replacement Costs in Cambridge
Job
Typical range
Notes
Mid-terrace re-roof (concrete tile)
£4,500 – £7,000
Incl. scaffold & VAT
Semi-detached re-roof (concrete tile)
£5,500 – £8,000
3–5 day job
Semi-detached re-roof (clay tile)
£7,500 – £10,500
Longer material life
Detached re-roof
£8,000 – £15,000
Size & complexity
Victorian terrace (natural Welsh slate)
£9,000 – £14,000
Conservation match
Conservation-area premium
+20% – 40%
Matching natural materials
What moves the price
Roof area — the single biggest driver, measured in m² of roof surface not floorspace
Roof complexity — hips, valleys, dormers and chimneys all add labour and lead
Material choice — concrete tile is cheapest, natural Welsh slate the dearest
Access — a mid-terrace with no rear access costs more to scaffold than a clear detached plot
Worked example: A three-bedroom 1960s semi on the Arbury estate, ~100m² of roof, in concrete interlocking tiles with new membrane, dry-fix ridge, replacement chimney lead and full scaffold, typically comes in around £6,500–£7,500 including VAT. Swap to matching clay and it moves toward £9,000.
Staged payments on re-roofs — nothing up front before materials are on site, a fair stage on commencement, balance on completion. VAT included; written fixed quote.
Covering CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4, CB5 and surrounding postcodes.
Guarantee
The Guarantee in Plain Terms
The complete re-roof carries a 10-year workmanship guarantee in writing, transferable if you sell, with manufacturer warranties on the tiles and membrane on top.
Covered: workmanship for 10 years, in writing, transferable if you sell.
On top: manufacturer warranties on materials (terms vary by product).
Not covered: storm or impact damage - that is an insurance matter, and we will document it for your claim.
If a fault appears in covered work, we come back and put it right. No quibbling, no re-charge.
The NFRC notes that concrete and clay tiles installed to BS 5534 should achieve a 40–60 year service life, meaning a properly specified re-roof is a once-in-a-generation investment rather than a recurring cost.
Source: NFRC guidance / BS 5534:2014+A2:2018
Good to know
Living Around the Work
A re-roof means scaffold up for the duration, some noise during strip-off and tiling, and a skip on or near the property — we agree placement and protect your garden and drive first. You do not need to stay home for external work - we just need power and access agreed in advance.
Re-roofing runs year-round in Cambridge, scheduled around severe weather; the property stays weathertight at the end of every day. Cambridge's low, exposed Fen-edge position drives wind hard against gable ends, and riverside humidity near the Cam slows autumn drying.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A typical 3-bed semi in Cambridge costs £5,000–£9,000 for a full re-roof depending on size and materials. Larger detached properties or natural slate roofs can reach £12,000–£15,000. We provide a detailed breakdown in every quote.
A standard 3-bed semi takes 3–5 working days. Larger properties or complex roof shapes may take up to 7 days. Weather can extend timelines but we always keep you informed.
In most cases, a like-for-like replacement doesn't require planning permission. However, properties in Cambridge's conservation areas or listed buildings may need approval for material changes. We can advise during the survey.
All roof replacements come with our written 10-year workmanship guarantee. The tiles and materials also carry their own manufacturer warranties — typically 20–50 years depending on the product.
Yes. All scaffolding is arranged, erected and removed by us. The cost is included in every re-roofing quote — never listed as a surprise extra.
Yes. A modern re-roof with breathable membrane and improved insulation detailing significantly reduces heat loss. Many Cambridge homeowners notice lower heating bills immediately.
Yes. There will be noise and some disruption, but we keep the property weathertight at the end of each working day. You don't need to move out.
A quality re-roof is more than just new tiles. From the timber structure up, every layer is specified to work together as a system. We start with the rafters — checking for rot, insect damage and structural adequacy. Any weakened timbers are sistered with treated softwood or replaced entirely. The rafter structure must be sound before anything else goes on top.
Next comes breathable roofing membrane — a vapour-permeable layer that keeps rain out while allowing moisture from inside the roof space to escape upward. This prevents the condensation problems that plague older roofs with non-breathable felt. Treated softwood battens are fixed at the precise gauge specified by the tile manufacturer — typically 343mm for Marley Modern or 345mm for Redland 49. Getting the gauge wrong means tiles don't interlock correctly and water finds its way in.
Fixings and Finishing
Every tile is fixed with stainless steel nails — two per tile minimum, three on perimeter courses and all tiles on slopes exposed to prevailing wind. Dry fix ridge, hip and verge systems replace traditional mortar bedding — they're mechanically secured, maintenance-free and far more durable in Cambridge's exposed conditions. All lead flashings are renewed using code 5 sheet, properly stepped into chased brickwork joints. The result is a roof system that will protect your home for 50+ years with minimal maintenance.
Next Steps
Ready to Get Started?
Getting your roof sorted starts with a single phone call. We answer the phone ourselves — no call centres, no automated menus. Tell us what you need, and we will arrange a free site visit at a time that works for you. During the visit, we inspect the roof in person, take photographs of any issues, and discuss your options face to face. You will receive a detailed written quote within 48 hours — itemised, with materials specified by name and a clear timeline for the work.
There is no pressure to proceed and no obligation. If you decide to go ahead, we schedule the work at a time that suits you and confirm everything in writing. Most repairs are completed within two weeks of booking. Larger projects like re-roofs are typically scheduled 3-4 weeks ahead, depending on the time of year. Call 0122 366 6465 today — we are here to help.
