Guide to re-roofing and repairs

Background to requirements

Following the publication of the EU’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, in April 2006, Part L of the Building Regulations was revised together with its Approved Document.

Part L deals with the Conservation of Fuel and Power in Buildings. The revision of the Approved Document aims to reduce energy consumption by 20% in comparison with the 2002 level.

These regulations affect your property if you intend to repair or replace more than 50% of the surface area of your roof, or more than 25% of the total area of the building envelope.

Requirement

If your roof is to be fully or partially (in excess of 50%) stripped and re-covered, then in most cases the thermal insulation layer will need upgrading to comply with the current standard. If the thermal insulation layer already complies then no upgrade is required but you will still be required to submit a Building Notice. If it is not technically or feasibly possible to improve the insulation level to the current standard you should discuss this with the Building Control Section.

How to achieve compliance

Prior to commencement of work you (or your contractor acting as agent) should submit a Building Notice application to the Council. The extent and scope of the work should be noted on the application form.

This notice should be submitted at least 48 hours prior to starting work although emergency work may be commenced sooner, subject to agreement.

Inspections will be made during the progress of the work to make sure that it is in conformity with the Building Regulations and, if satisfactory, a Completion Certificate will be issued at the end of the work.

The Completion Certificate is an important document and may be requested by prospective purchasers at the time of any future sale of the property. If you are unable to provide evidence of Building Regulations approval, this may result in delays with the conveyance process.

Failure to comply with the Building Regulations is an offence under the Building Act 1984 and on summary conviction may be subject to a fine of up to £5000.

As an alternative to the submission of a Building Notice, it is acceptable to use a contractor that is registered to carry out this type of work under the Competent Roofer Scheme. This scheme is administered by The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC). In such cases, the NFRC would supply the Local Authority with details of the completed work.

If you require any further information on the Building Regulations, please telephone the Building Control Office on 0161 912 3015 or visit the Planning Portal website.