What sort of roof is this? Lead?

[Thatspellstrouble]

Hi guys, long time no speak! Hope you’ve all been well.

I was wondering if one of you could tell me what sort of roof this is? Is it lead? I think I’m going to have to have it replaced as it’s letting water in and I want it to be like for like if possible. I know it’s been painted with fibre glass at some point which has also failed.

Just want to make sure I can do some research and appear knowledgable when I call a roofer to quote to replace.

 

[Stevers]

That's an interesting shape with curves in all directions. It's hard to imagine what could be under there to make it look that way, but if I had to hazard a guess with that shape I'd say that it's masonry/concrete of some form, and that it's not necessarily how it looked originally. It now looks to be have sort of rubberised roof paint over bitumen felt. Looking at the inside view the reason for the leaks might simply be the apparent lack of flashing cut into the brickwork for the upstand, allowing water to run down the back of it. There's no guttering round it either so water is just running off it and down the front of the bay, yet there appear to be drainage pipes as if that ledge was originally a form of gutter.

Are there any similar examples surviving up or down the road that might give a better idea of what perhaps should be there?

 

[Cubist]

My first impression was; Yep looks like lead... but looking at how its rear edge closes with the house wall then... Nope!

I think Stevers is on the right line, that bay window roof has been built up over time somehow and could consist of almost anything. If it were mine though, and even if I didn't find the remnants of an old lead covering once I'd stripped everything off, I would still think a sheet lead finish would be best, provided there are no steady drips onto it from above. Some years ago I had a lead covering similar to that fail after about 10 years of life because of a consistent drip from a bad gutter!

 

[Thatspellstrouble]

Thanks both. Nothing surviving in the area unfortunately as it’s more of a big area for landlords rather than homeowners which is a shame. I considered replacing with lead but there’s a chance of theft and this isn’t my forever home.

I’ve now got two quotes from roofers now one was from checkatrade who took pictures of the bay using a drone, sent them after some prompting, - correctly identified underneath the current coating it’s probably original roof. Offered to call to explain my options but forgot, sent through a quote of £730 inclusive of scaffolding materials of labour after I prompted.

I’ve asked what materials and he’s replied.
‘ That’s the original sandstone base which was laid when the property was built. Yes so roof Primer, and bitumen mineral torch on felt, the flashing is the same material cut into a chase in the wall, and secured with lead clips.
Any other liquid based products I wouldn’t be confident would take directly to the sandstone, I’d say it would fail sooner rather than later.’

The second roofer was referred from someone I know, had a quick look at the photos the first roofer took and provided 3 options. He also spotted the guttering on the bay isn’t working properly before he saw the photos as the left side of the house has a line of moss on it.
‘Full new bay roof in code 5 lead will cost £2100, this would require fixings to secure the lead in place.
In torch on roofing felt 5kg will cost £950, a lead apron flashing sealed into brickwork joint is included on both options.
To re-point the roof in cromapol Roofing compound will cost £170’

I’m going to go with the second quote despite the higher price purely because he’s not needed any prompting.

Should I ask about insulating whilst they are up there or anything? Unsure if it’s possible if it’s stone underneath the bay. Are there any other questions I should be asking?

 

[paulc]

Unsure if it’s possible if it’s stone underneath the bay. Are there any other questions I should be asking?

While scaffolding is up and the roof off, it would be silly to miss the opportunity to insulate.

 

[LadyArowana]

While scaffolding is up and the roof off, it would be silly to miss the opportunity to insulate.

And put up the Christmas lights. Come to think of it why not do the whole reindeer and santa sleigh thing too!