It’s a question we hear often from homeowners in East Yorkshire: “If I can’t see a hole in my roof, do I really need to replace it?”

We recently finished a total “strip and replace” project in the lovely village of Wetwang. Looking at the “before” photos, the original pottery tiles seemed to be in relatively good shape. However, as any heritage roofing specialist will tell you, a roof’s health is determined by what’s happening underneath the tiles, not just the surface.

The original roof in Wetwang

Why “Looking Okay” Isn’t Always Enough

For this Wetwang property, the tiles had reached the end of their natural lifespan. Over decades, pottery and clay tiles can become porous. While they look solid, they begin to soak up water like a sponge rather than shedding it. This adds immense weight to the roof structure and allows moisture to rot the wooden battens and perish the old-fashioned felt lining below.

By the time you see a damp patch on your bedroom ceiling, the structural damage is often already done.

The Process: From Stripping to Strengthening

Using the scaffolding to get a safe, birds-eye view of the project, we began the systematic process of:

1. The Strip: Carefully removing the old pottery tiles to expose the skeleton of the roof.
2. The Inspection: Checking the rafters for any signs of “nail sickness” or timber decay.
3. The Lining: We installed a modern, breathable membrane. Unlike the bitumen felt used 40 years ago, this allows the house to “breathe,” preventing condensation while acting as a secondary waterproof barrier.
4. The Replacement: Laying fresh tiles with precision, ensuring the lines are perfectly straight and the weight is distributed correctly.

Paul laying the new tiles on the roof

The Critical Detail: Leadwork & Valleys

One of the most complex parts of this Wetwang job was where two roof pitches met at an angle. This is known as a valley. We used traditional lead-working techniques to create a custom-fitted join.

A Note for DIY Enthusiasts: We know many homeowners are tempted to “have a go” at small repairs. While we admire the grit, the valley is where most DIY attempts fail. If the lead isn’t dressed and welded with millimetre precision, gravity will find a way to pull water into your home.

“The valley” of the roof

Professionalism and Safety on Site

As you can see from our project photos, we ensure a professional and safe environment on every job. Whether it is ensuring the site is clearly marked or wearing high-visibility gear so we are easily seen while working at height, we take our presence on your property seriously.

Beyond the gear, the real safety lies in the experience. Roofing is physically demanding and technically precise. If you are considering a DIY repair, remember that by the time you have organized the necessary equipment and climbed the ladder, a professional service often proves to be the more cost-effective and stress-free route.

The Result

The home in Wetwang now boasts a roof that not only looks sharp but is guaranteed to protect the property for decades to come.

Is your roof over 40 years old? Even if it looks fine from the driveway, it might be worth a professional look. We provide honest assessments across Wetwang, Driffield, and the wider East Riding area.