What to Expect During a Roof Replacement in Guildford

Replacing your roof is a major project, but with proper planning and the right team in place, it can be completed quickly, safely, and with minimal disruption. Whether you own a detached home in Burpham or a period terrace in central Guildford, understanding what the roof replacement process involves can help you prepare and feel confident every step of the way.

This guide explains what to expect before, during, and after your roof is replaced with insights specific to properties and conditions in Guildford and the surrounding area.

Initial Survey and Roof Assessment

The process begins with a professional inspection. At Countrywide Roofing & Insulation, we carry out a full site survey before any work starts. This includes:

Assessing the condition of the existing roof covering, battens, and underlay
Checking for signs of internal water damage, rot, or structural weakness
Measuring ventilation and insulation performance
Identifying any risks, such as asbestos or unstable structures

If the roof needs replacing, we'll provide a clear written quotation and talk you through materials, regulations, and timing.

Planning and Building Regulations

In many cases, re-roofing will require Building Regulations approval, particularly if you're:

Replacing more than 25% of the total roof area
Making changes to insulation or structure
Using different materials (e.g. switching from tile to slate)

Under Part L of the Building Regulations, upgraded insulation is often required. We manage this process through either direct liaison with building control or via our registration under relevant Competent Person Schemes.

What Happens Before the Work Starts?

Once the quote is accepted and approvals are in place, we begin preparation. This usually includes:

Scaffolding: Erected a day or two before work begins, to ensure safe access.
Material Delivery: Tiles, membranes, battens, insulation, and fixings are delivered to the site.
Site Protection: We may protect gardens, driveways, and neighbouring areas using sheeting or boards.

For homes in tight access areas such as Guildford's older streets, we plan all deliveries and waste removal carefully to minimise disruption.

The Cost of Removing Spray Foam

Many people contact the Countrywide Coatings team to ask if there is a set price for spray foam removal, but unfortunately, there is not as there are so many variables that need to be considered.

From the location and the quantity of spray foam to the type of foam that needs to be removed, each factor needs to be carefully considered to ensure that you get an accurate quote and timescale to consider. Rather than blindly agreeing to a company providing this service, let us come and offer you a no-obligation quote so that you know what you are facing.

Step-by-Step Roof Replacement Process

1. Strip-Off of Existing Roof
The old tiles or slates, underlay, battens, and any damaged timberwork are carefully removed and disposed of using approved waste carriers. If asbestos is found, we'll follow the appropriate legal procedure, including testing and safe removal.

2. Timber and Structural Inspection
We inspect the exposed structure for signs of damage, rot, or weakness. Where needed, rafters or joists are repaired or reinforced to meet structural requirements.

3. Installation of New Underlay and Battens
We install a breathable membrane and new treated battens. These provide the first layer of protection from water ingress and are installed in line with current industry standards.

4. New Roof Covering
Whether you've chosen concrete tiles, clay tiles, or slate, the new covering is laid with precision. All detailing around chimneys, valleys, ridges, and verges is handled to manufacturer specifications.

5. Insulation and Ventilation
Where required, insulation upgrades are completed to meet thermal efficiency targets. Ventilation is installed at the eaves or ridge to prevent condensation in the loft space.

6. Final Checks and Clean-Up
Once the roof is complete, we inspect all fixings, leadwork, and rooflines. Waste is cleared, scaffolding removed, and a final walkthrough is carried out with you to ensure satisfaction.

How Long Does It Take?

Most roof replacements in Guildford take 3–5 working days, depending on:

Size and complexity of the roof
Weather conditions
Access requirements
Any underlying structural or insulation issues discovered during work

We schedule work carefully to avoid unnecessary delays, and in most cases, your home remains fully habitable throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I need to move out during the work?

No. In most cases, you can stay in your home. There will be noise during working hours, but we plan around your schedule where possible.

Can work continue in wet weather?

We monitor the weather closely. Light rain may not delay progress, but heavy rain or strong winds can temporarily halt roof covering stages. We use temporary protection to prevent any water ingress during this time.

What if my neighbour's roof is affected?

For terraced and semi-detected homes, we always take steps to protect adjoining properties and ensure compliance with party wall obligations where applicable.

Why Choose a Local Specialist?

Guildford homes vary widely in age, style, and materials. Using a local roofing contractor ensures the work is sympathetic to your property and meets local planning requirements where applicable. We understand the architectural styles in the area and have worked on roofs in:

Onslow Village
Burpham
Shalford
Worplesdon
Godalming
Farnham
Woking and surrounding towns

We also have experience working in conservation areas where roofing materials and ridge styles must match local guidelines.

Arrange Your Roof Assessment Today

A successful roof replacement starts with a clear plan and trusted advice. At Countrywide Roofing & Insulation, we provide professional roof inspections, accurate pricing, and fully compliant installation across the Guildford area.

To book your free assessment or ask about our upcoming availability, call 0808 134 2352 or visit our contact page.

All our work is insured, guaranteed, and carried out by qualified teams with years of experience in residential roofing.