Kettering · Northamptonshire
Roof structure repairs in Kettering
Roof structure repairs in Kettering are often done entirely from inside the loft, with the tiles left in place. Doubling rafters, adding struts and fitting ties rarely needs the coverings off unless decay at the eaves is severe.
Guide price from£295per rafter inc VAT
- Postcodes
- NN15, NN16
- Population
- about 57,000
- Area
- Northamptonshire
- Pricing region
- East Midlands
What should you know about the ground under Kettering?
Postcode districts NN15, NN16 cover Kettering, a Northamptonshire town of about 57,000 people. We also take enquiries from nearby Wellingborough (7 miles), Corby (7 miles) and Rushden (9 miles).
Shrinkable clay is widespread in Northamptonshire. Historic ironstone working has left disturbed ground in places. Typical buildings in Northamptonshire: Ironstone and limestone cottages, Victorian terraces in Northampton and Kettering, and new-town estates in Corby.
Which repair method suits a home in Kettering?
Tying in roof spread
New ties, collars or steel straps connect opposite rafters, or fix the rafter feet and wall plate firmly to the ceiling joists, so the outward thrust is resisted. Leaning wall heads are strapped back to the roof, and a badly spread roof may need partly rebuilding first.
Best for: Walls pushed out at eaves level by spreading rafters
Wall plate replacement
Rotten or crushed wall plates are replaced in short lengths while the rafters above are propped, and bedded on the wall in mortar. The plate is then strapped down to the masonry. It is often combined with rafter foot splices along the same run.
Best for: Rot along the eaves where rafters bear on the wall
What happens when we carry out roof structure repairs in Kettering?
Send photos
Photograph the roof from across the street, both slopes if you can, and the loft timbers with a torch. Include the eaves and any cracks just below them. From these we can usually tell sag from spread and whether an engineer is needed.
Written quote
You receive a no-obligation written quote listing each timber repair, any ties or straps, propping, scaffolding and making good. Once the repair is specified, the figure becomes a fixed price in writing.
Prop, strengthen and tie
The roof is propped where members are being changed, then rafters, purlins, struts and ties are repaired or added as specified. Coverings disturbed by the work are relaid, and building control inspects where the work needs it.
Signs you may need roof structure repairs
- Daylight through the tiles, or timber that is damp, stained or crumbling
- Top of an outside wall leaning out at eaves level
- Ridge line dipping in the middle when seen from the street
How much will roof structure repairs cost in Kettering?
These are guide prices for Kettering, using East Midlands rates and including VAT. Your written quote follows photos or a survey, and is fixed once the repair is specified.
| Item | Guide price | Per |
|---|---|---|
| Repairing or doubling a rafter | £295 – £590 | per rafter |
| Purlin and strut strengthening | £1,200 – £2,950 | per roof |
| Tying in roof spread (straps and ties)est. | £785 – £2,450 | per roof |
Rules for roof structure repairs in England
In England, underpinning and other work that alters or strengthens a wall or foundation is building work under the Building Regulations (Part A, structure), so building control approves and inspects it. Like-for-like repairs often are not, and we tell you which applies before a price is agreed. Work to a party wall, or excavation close to a neighbour’s foundations, can also need a notice under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
Roof structure repairs in Kettering: questions and answers
What is the price of roof structure repairs in Kettering?
Guide prices for roof structure repairs in Kettering start from about £295 per rafter, including VAT, on East Midlands rates. Your fixed written price follows photos or a survey and depends on the extent of the work and access.
Do you carry out roof structure repairs in Kettering?
We do. Kettering and the surrounding area are covered, including nearby Wellingborough and Corby. A free initial assessment from your photos is the first step.
Does the ground around Kettering cause cracking?
Northamptonshire sits largely on Lias clay and Jurassic ironstones and limestones, with historic ironstone quarrying around Corby and Kettering. The clay vales are prone to shrinkage near trees. Only an investigation can say why a particular building has moved.
Can heavy concrete tiles damage a roof?
Yes, if the frame was designed for lighter slate or tiles and was not strengthened. The extra weight makes rafters and purlins sag and can bring on roof spread. Before re-roofing in a heavier material, have the structure checked and notify building control.
Do I need a structural engineer for roof repairs?
For like-for-like repairs to a few rafters, often not. Where purlins, struts or ties are being redesigned, the covering is getting heavier or the walls are being pushed out, you usually do. Where the repair needs an engineer’s design or sign-off, an independent chartered structural engineer is appointed, and we can arrange this.
More repairs we carry out in Kettering
- Crack stitching
- Structural surveys and crack monitoring
- Extension pulling away repairs
- Subsidence repairs
- Brick arch repairs
Roof structure repairs near Kettering
If struts were removed for a loft room in Kettering, send photos of the space and we will price putting a proper load path back.