Northampton · Northamptonshire
Roof structure repairs in Northampton
A dipping ridge or a wavy roof slope in Northampton is usually a timber problem, not a tile problem. We look at the rafters, purlins, struts and ties from the loft, and at the wall heads from outside, before suggesting how to strengthen it.
Guide price from£295per rafter inc VAT
- Postcodes
- NN1, NN2, NN3, NN4, NN7
- Population
- about 250,000
- Area
- Northamptonshire
- Pricing region
- East Midlands
Is Northamptonshire prone to ground movement?
Northampton (NN1, NN2, NN3, NN4, NN7) has around 250,000 residents and sits in Northamptonshire. If you are just outside Northampton, we also cover Wellingborough (9 miles), Daventry (12 miles) and Rushden (12 miles).
Northamptonshire is one of the parts of the UK where clay soils are most likely to move with the seasons. 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.
How much will roof structure repairs cost in Northampton?
The ranges below reflect typical East Midlands costs for roof structure repairs, including VAT. Scaffold, access and making good can push a job to the top of the range.
| 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 |
Which repair method suits a home in Northampton?
Repairing or doubling rafters
Cracked, sagging or rotten rafters are strengthened by fixing a new timber alongside, often called doubling, and rotten rafter feet are cut back and spliced. The work is usually done from inside the loft with the tiles left in place, unless the covering is coming off anyway.
Best for: Individual rafters that have cracked, sagged or rotted at the feet
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
What happens when we carry out roof structure repairs in Northampton?
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.
Loft and outside survey
On site we check rafter sizes and spacing, purlins, struts, ties and wall plates, look for rot and past alterations, and measure any lean at the wall head. The covering is noted too, because its weight affects the repair.
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.
Signs you may need roof structure repairs
- Ridge line dipping in the middle when seen from the street
- Top of an outside wall leaning out at eaves level
- Struts, collars or ties cut out or missing in the loft
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 Northampton: questions and answers
How much will roof structure repairs cost in Northampton?
Guide prices for roof structure repairs in Northampton 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 cover Northampton?
We do. Northampton and the surrounding area are covered, including nearby Wellingborough and Daventry. A free initial assessment from your photos is the first step.
Is the ground in Northamptonshire prone to subsidence?
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.
Is a sagging roof ridge dangerous?
A slight, even dip in an old roof is often historic movement that stopped long ago. A sag that is getting worse, cracking timbers, walls pushing out at the eaves or recently removed struts should be checked soon. Avoid storing heavy items in the loft until then.
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.
Other structural repairs in Northampton
- Retaining wall repairs
- Crack stitching
- Bay window subsidence repairs
- Subsidence repairs
- Structural surveys and crack monitoring
Roof structure repairs near Northampton
Seen the ridge dip at your Northampton home? Photograph it from across the road, add a few loft shots, and we will tell you what it likely needs.