Commercial and residential roofing are one of the biggest investments a property owner makes, so it pays to understand your options first. Common roof coverings include tiles (clay or concrete), natural or artificial slate, flat-roof systems like EPDM rubber, felt and fibreglass, and metal such as zinc. Whether you need a repair or a full replacement usually comes down to the roof’s age and the extent of the damage. A localised leak can often be repaired, while widespread or long-standing damage points to re-roofing. Costs vary with roof type, pitch and condition, and most coverings last 30 years or more when properly installed.
BPS Facilities handles both residential and commercial roofing across South Wales, the South West and the M4 corridor.
Residential & Commercial Roofing: Materials and FAQs
BPS Facilities’ Roof Construction covers both residential and commercial roofing, from single homes to large-scale commercial and industrial buildings.
This guide focuses on the materials and questions most relevant to homeowners, but if you’re enquiring on behalf of a business, a commercial landlord, or a site with a flat or low-slope roof, please visit our commercial roofing services page for specification details, case studies and commercial-specific advice.
If you’re a homeowner looking to repair or replace your roof, read on below or get in touch with our residential team for a free quote.
What types of residential roofing materials are there?
Here are some examples of the more common types of roof coverings available for homes.
Roof Tiles are probably still the most used and most popular for residential roofing in the UK and are available in concrete and clay. They come in many different shapes and colours and these all offer a different look. The tile shape you choose depends on the angle of your roof. Residential roofing tiles are one of the cheaper options when replacing your roof.
Types of Roof Tiles
- Baked Clay Tiles, which are extremely solid with a long lifespan
- Plain Tiles, which are flat tiles without ripples
- Concrete Tiles, which are cheaper than baked tiles and offer a wider choice of styles and colours
Slate Roof Tiles, also known as roof shingles, have been used as a residential roofing material for decades. Artificial roof slates have become really popular because of their lower price compared to roof tiles. Natural slates are more expensive; however, they last a lifetime and are not as prone to moss. All types and ages of buildings can have slate roofs.
Types of Slate Tiles
- Natural slate is the more expensive tile but the more authentic, and will last the longest of all slate tiles
- Artificial slate is made out of fibre cement and is the cheaper option, though it doesn’t normally last as long as natural slate
Thatched Roofing is a traditional roofing method that involves using dry vegetation such as straw, water reed, rushes and sedge to create a roof. Thatched roofs are uncommon in new homes now, so there are limited contractors who specialise in constructing them. When built properly by a specialist, the main thatch should last 40 to 50 years, matching other roof types, although the ridges normally need replacing every 8–10 years. The materials are natural insulators, keeping a building cool in summer and warm in winter.
EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) is an extremely durable synthetic rubber roofing membrane widely used on low-slope or flat-roofed buildings, common on both home extensions and commercial premises. It has low maintenance, lasts a lifetime, doesn’t crack and can be walked on in all seasons. It’s the most expensive material for a flat or low-sloped roof, but the best quality and longest-lasting, often 50 years or more. Newer formulations are resistant to UV damage, wind, rain and hail.
Zinc Roof is normally used on roofs with unconventional shapes, as it’s a flexible material well suited to round or spherical roofs. Zinc roofs are becoming popular again thanks to their unique appearance, long lifespan and recyclability. A zinc roof can last 80 to 100 years, as it naturally develops a protective surface layer over time.
Common Roofing Questions
Roof types
What is residential roofing underlayer? Roofing underlayer, also known as felt paper, is installed underneath your tiles and over the wood structure of your roof. It protects your roof from driving rain that can get underneath the tiles and cause damage.
When having my residential roofing replaced, how do I know which type of roof to have? This depends on the style of your home and the properties around it, as your new roof should complement your home and its features. You should also consider the material used, how long it will last, and the cost.
Repairs vs replacement
How do you know if your roof has problems or needs replacing? You usually know you have a problem when you have a leak or storm damage, though a leak can go unnoticed for some time. It’s worth checking your roof space periodically for leaks or damage, or asking a roofing contractor to inspect both the inside and the outside of your roof. An experienced contractor will check for cracked, warped or missing tiles, loose seams, deteriorated flashings and granules building up in the gutters. Catching problems early limits the damage a long-term leak can cause, and a good contractor will always give you a fixed cost for any repair or installation.
What are my options for a roof replacement or a new roof on a new build? There are two options, and a reputable contractor will advise on the most economical for your situation:
- Complete replacement — removing the whole existing roof system and replacing every component, including the air barrier, insulation, membrane, flashing and accessories.
- Re-covering (a “re-roof”) — layering new tiles or slate over the existing ones. This can only be done once, so it isn’t an option if your roof already has more than one layer. It works well if the roof is otherwise in good shape, with no missing or soggy shingles and no significant water damage. If you’ve already had one re-cover, you’ll likely need a full replacement next time, depending on the condition of the other roof components.
Do I need a whole roof replacement if my roof is leaking? Not always. Leaks are often caused by loose flashings or a damaged section that can be repaired rather than replaced. A full re-roof is usually needed for excessive or long-standing damage, improper installation, the wrong roof type for the property, or simply the age of the roof. Make sure you understand the actual issue and the repair cost before committing to a full replacement.
Can my residential roofing be repaired if I have a leak or damage in one area? In most cases, yes. Missing, cracked, broken or curling tiles can usually be repaired or replaced to stop a leak. Older roofs with more widespread damage, or damaged insulation and structure, are more likely to need a full replacement.
Can you repair a residential roof yourself? Major roof repairs or a full replacement require specialist skills and should always be left to a professional, to avoid further damage or injury.
What can cause a residential roofing problem or a complete roof replacement? Common causes include severe weather, direct sun, algae and mildew growth, defective tiles, and incorrect installation, among others. Darker, more vibrant tile colours also tend to fade faster than lighter colours due to UV damage.
If I have a leak in my residential roof, how do I find it? Leaks can be hard to trace, as water finds the path of least resistance and can travel some distance before it shows through your ceiling or roof beams. You can check your attic with a torch during rain to try to spot it, but the quickest way is to have a roofing professional locate it, as they’ll know where leaks most commonly originate.
Why is my roof leaking when I’ve only just had it repaired or replaced? This can happen for several reasons: incorrect installation, tiles laid over an existing layer without adequate coverage, or new damage from recent weather. Ask the contractor who did the work to come back and assess it, and if you’re not satisfied with their response, get a second opinion from another contractor.
How do I know if the wood structure of my roof needs replacing? If the wood beneath your tiles shows signs of water damage, it may be unsafe and need replacing. A reputable contractor will be able to advise you on this.
Costs & lifespan
How much does it cost to repair or replace residential roofing? Costs vary widely depending on your roof’s pitch, tile type, and the condition of the existing roof and beams. It’s best to get quotes from three or more roofing professionals so you can compare cost, advice, service and check recommendations and reviews before inviting anyone to quote.
What is the life expectancy of a new roof? This depends on the roofing type and several other factors. There are two types of warranty to be aware of. A manufacturer’s warranty covers defects or premature ageing in the materials themselves, typically ranging from 10 to 30 years, though most roofs outlast this cover. A workmanship warranty from your contractor covers installation errors, usually for a year or more. A longer workmanship warranty isn’t automatically better. Check exactly what’s covered, what isn’t, and whether it covers any resulting damage from a workmanship-related leak.
How long does it take to replace a roof? This varies depending on the size of the roof and the scope of work, from a few days to a few weeks.
Choosing a contractor
How do I find the best residential roofing contractor? Ask family, friends or local businesses for recommendations, and look for companies with strong reviews and a professional website. Get a detailed written quote from at least three NFRC-approved contractors, ask for manufacturer and workmanship warranty details, and compare them. Some companies will suggest a full replacement when it isn’t needed, so always get more than one opinion from a reputable, professional business. Speaking to a contractor’s previous customers is also worthwhile. Ask whether they cleared up after themselves, finished on time, communicated well, and resolved any issues promptly.
How should I decide which contractor to choose?
A clear, detailed quote should be broken down into separate line items covering:
- Type of roof covering, including material, manufacturer and colour
- Materials included (underlay, felt, insulation, membrane, etc.)
- Scope of work, including removal or replacement of the existing roof
- Flashing work (replaced, re-used, or new, and the metal type)
- Ventilation and insulation work
- Responsibility for repairing any exterior or interior finishes damaged during the work
- Installation methods, start and completion dates, and payment terms
- Length and detail of manufacturer’s material warranty (typically 10–30 years) and workmanship warranty (1 year or more), including what’s covered and excluded
Always confirm the contractor is NFRC approved, either by asking directly or checking the NFRC website.
What is NFRC? The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) is the UK’s largest roofing trade association. With a history spanning over 125 years, it ensures members maintain high standards of workmanship and sound business practice through a strict code of practice, vetting procedure and site inspections, in line with Government-endorsed standards.
Why is it important to use an NFRC roofing business? The NFRC’s vetting and code of practice give you confidence that a member business meets recognised standards of workmanship. Whatever the size of your project, from minor repairs to a full installation, you’ll be able to find an NFRC-approved contractor to suit your needs. The NFRC also operates the National Heritage Roofing Contractors Register for specialist heritage roofing work.
Are you an IKO roofing contractor? Yes. BPS Facilities is an IKO registered roofing contractor. IKO is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of roofing and waterproofing systems, and their registered contractors are trained and certified to install their systems to a standard that carries a manufacturer-backed guarantee. Roofing materials are covered by IKO and BPS covers the workmanship, with the installation independently inspected before the guarantee is issued.
About BPS Facilities Roofing Services
BPS Facilities Ltd provides planned and reactive building maintenance and construction services including roofing services to a wide range of residential customers, building contractors and business sectors throughout the UK. We provide 365 days, 24/7 emergency services contracts throughout Wales, the South West of England and the M4 Corridor.
We are registered and approved by a wide number of organisations. Our service centre is based in Cardiff and when you call us, whatever the day or time we will allocate your job to one of our fully trained team members in your areas.
Any emergency work is categorised, allocated and completed with full client approval including detailed recordings of your repair or remedial work with full site information.
Our Planned Maintenance services are designed specifically around very customers detailed requirements in line with all current Health & Safety regulations. Full Risk Assessment and Method Statements are provided for every contract.
BPS Facilities Health & Safety
Health & Safety for our customers and staff is a priority for us and we are committed to ensuring our managers and team receive the latest health & safety training and are up to date with all current legislation. BPS Facilities Ltd operates and complies fully in accordance with CDM Regulations HSE 2007 with amendments as necessary. We are positively engaged with our clients’ safety procedures and work closely with you to encourage and develop safe working practices.
BPS Facilities Roof Construction
BPS Facilities specialises in all aspects of roofing refurbishment, new roof construction as well as flat roofing services for businesses, new build building contractors and residential properties. You can find more information about our commercial roofing services here.
From slate replacement to new roof installations, re-roofing or roof repairs, we specialise in all aspects of slated, tiled, thermoplastic, steel, flat and fibreglass covered roofs. We only use high-quality materials on our roofing projects so you can be sure that your roof will be strong, weatherproof and durable for many years.
All roofing works are carefully evaluated for correct product application, thermal performance & environmental impact. We install and maintain all types of roofing and cladding systems including curved roofing (standing seam systems), steel and composite panelling and we are flat roofing specialists (single-ply roofing).
As a local roofing professional, we ensure compliance with current industry building regulations for all our roof installations.
From a roof refurbishment or complete re-roofing service, you can be assured of the highest quality workmanship from our expert and experienced roofing services team after a full inspection to assess the level of damage and work required.
Commercial & Residential Roofing Specialists
We specialise in all type of roof for commercial and residential properties as well as being flat roof specialists:
Flat Roofing Construction and Repairs
Our roofing team are experts in new fibreglass (GRP) roofing, mastic asphalt, EPDM (Rubber) and Felt GRP roofing, roof repairs, liquid roofing & roof windows such as skylights or lanterns.
Roof Tiles Replacement
Regardless of how many roofing tiles need replacing, our roofing team have a stock of the most popular clay and concrete tiles used in South Wales. We also have access to a number of suppliers who can match and dispatch tiles quickly, so your roof is weatherproof without any significant delay.
Steel Roofing Installing and Repairs
Metal roofing, and specifically stainless-steel roofs, are growing in popularity on commercial and industrial buildings. They offer a wide range of benefits including a long-lasting lifespan, fantastic weather resistance, high energy efficiency whilst being low in weight (improving the structural integrity of the building) and are aesthetically pleasing and easy to maintain.
We can install or repair any metal roofing including zinc, copper, lead and, of course, steel roofing. Whatever your corrugated roof is made of we can help.
EPDM / Rubber Roofs
Being able to withstand freezing arctic conditions through to the blistering heat of the Arab States, EPDM membranes ensure the water-tightness of a roof longer than other waterproofing membranes, making it more cost-effective on price.
EPDM is a roofing membrane made of a synthetic rubber Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Terpolymer which is 100% cured single-ply and can be easily fitted to any size of commercial or residential flat roof, reducing the labour time during the installation process.
Thermoplastic Roofing System
Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) is a type of roofing membrane that is usually chosen for its high energy efficiency and its’ durability (it does not rot nor is weakened by UV light). In some circumstances, TPO roofing can be effectively used to recover over an existing roof. Saving time, money and disposal of the original membrane.
Modified Bitumen / Asphalt Roofing Solutions
Reinforced bitumen flat roofing systems are ideal for both new build or re-roofing projects. It is a very versatile form of roofing and can be applied to a range of surfaces, including timber, concrete and metal. Mastic asphalt is thought to be the most reliable of all roof systems, offering weatherproof and waterproof integrity for many different types of commercial roofs. Mastic asphalt can also be applied to balconies, paving or basement flooring and is versatile enough to be used on sloped or curved services.
Coated Roof Systems
Coated roof systems more commonly called “liquid roof” roof coatings have many advantages over traditional roof waterproofing systems. It can be applied to metal, concrete, bitumen, asbestos and felt roofing to create a seamless roof covering. Re-covering the existing roof system saves time, labour and the cost of removing the existing roof.
At BPS Facilities Ltd, we provide roofing services, installation and repairs to a wide range of commercial customers, new build contractors and residential properties and we are the experts in all types of roofing throughout the UK.
If you are looking for a reputable and expert roofing company for your new residential roofing to replace an existing roof or for a new build property then contact us today on 029 20 484114 and one of our experts will be able to answer any questions you may have or arrange a site visit by one of our roofing specialists.