In short
In most cases, yes. The Planning Portal says re-roofing will usually need Building Regulations approval, and that re-covering a roof should include improving its insulation. Small repairs usually do not. Without approval you may not have the certificates you need when you come to sell.
This is a job for our Roof Replacement service.
Repair or re-roof: where the line falls
The Planning Portal's page on re-roofing says that "in most situations, this work will need Building Regulations approval". The Federation of Master Builders' roofing guide puts it the same way: minor roof repairs may not need an application, but extensive re-roofing or structural alterations can.
| Job | Approval usually needed? |
|---|---|
| Replacing a few tiles or slates | Usually not |
| Repairing flashing or a small area of felt | Usually not |
| Stripping and re-covering the roof | In most cases, yes |
| Changing the covering, for example slate to tiles | Likely, says the Planning Portal |
| Structural changes to the roof | Yes |
The rules differ outside England, and your local Building Control team has the final word on your house.
Why insulation comes into it
The Planning Portal says that re-covering a roof "should also include for improving the thermal insulation properties of the roof". In practice that is why, on our re-roofs, the loft insulation is topped up to 300mm or more, or an insulated membrane such as TLX Gold goes on. It is part of doing the job to the regulations, not an extra.
What happens if nobody tells Building Control
GOV.UK is plain about it. The person doing the work can be prosecuted and fined if the work does not comply, the building control body can require faulty work to be put right, and without approval "you will not have the certificates of compliance you may need when you want to sell your home". A buyer's solicitor will ask for them.
GOV.UK also says you do not need to get approval yourself if the work is done by someone registered with a competent person scheme. Otherwise, Building Control needs to be involved.
How we handle it
- We tell you at quote stage whether your job needs approval.
- Building Control is listed on your written quote, so it is not a surprise later.
- We arrange the inspection while the work is under way.
- The council's inspector checks the roof and signs it off.
- You keep the paperwork for when you sell or remortgage.
If a roofer quoting for a full re-roof has not mentioned Building Control at all, ask them why.