This vacant property required substantial roofing restoration after the existing roof had deteriorated to the point that sections at both the front and rear had collapsed. Safeguard Roofing & Building inspected the failed roof, removed the sections that could no longer be retained and rebuilt the roof structure before installing new felt and battens.
THE PROJECT
This was not a project involving a few slipped tiles or a localised leak. The existing roof had deteriorated extensively, with significant sections of the roof structure visibly failed at both the front and rear of the vacant property.
Before a new roofing system could be built up, the existing roof first had to be carefully assessed and the failed sections removed. Safeguard’s work then focused on restoring the roof structure and creating a sound new base for the roofing layers above.
Projects involving deterioration on this scale require a different approach from a conventional roof repair in Cork. The condition of the existing structure determines what can remain and what needs to be removed and rebuilt.
INITIAL CONDITION
The photographs from the property show why the work needed to go beyond replacing the external roof covering. Sections of the roof had lost their structural form, leaving areas visibly collapsed rather than simply weathered or damaged at the surface.
Where deterioration reaches this stage, installing new felt, battens or roof coverings over the existing structure would not address the underlying problem. The failed areas first need to be exposed and assessed so that the new roofing work has a suitable structure beneath it.
A roof is a complete system. Where the supporting structure has substantially failed, the priority is creating a sound roof structure before the felt, battens and eventual external covering can perform their own roles.
STRIP OUT & INSPECTION
The Safeguard team inspected the existing roof and began removing the sections that needed to come out as part of the restoration.
This stage is particularly important on a heavily deteriorated property because the full condition of a roof is not always apparent from ground level. Opening the affected areas provides access to the existing construction and allows the restoration work to proceed from what can safely remain.
With the failed sections removed, work could progress to rebuilding the roof structure.
This is the fundamental stage of a restoration like this. The new roofing layers above rely on the supporting structure beneath them, so restoring the roof’s form and creating a suitable framework had to come before the felt and battens.
The photograph below shows the project after substantial structural work had taken place, with the new roof framework clearly visible.
NEW ROOF SYSTEM
Once the necessary roof structure had been restored, the new roofing build-up could continue with the installation of felt and battens.
The felt forms part of the protective layer beneath the eventual external roof covering, while the battens provide the fixing framework for the roof covering above. Together, these stages prepare the restored structure for the subsequent completion of the roof.
Safeguard carries out complete new roof installations in Cork as well as major restoration and repair projects where an existing roof has deteriorated beyond straightforward localised repairs.
RESTORATION PROGRESS
The final photograph available from this project was taken after the new structure had been completed and the roof had been brought to a substantially different condition from where the restoration began.
Rather than presenting this as a photograph of the final roof covering, it shows an important stage of the project in its own right: the severely failed roof seen at the beginning had been replaced with a newly constructed, secure roof structure ready for the remaining roofing works.
The difference between the first and final photographs shows the scale of this project clearly. Safeguard removed the failed sections of the existing roof, restored the supporting structure and installed the new felt and battens required to progress the property towards a complete new roofing system.
Many roofing problems can be dealt with through targeted repairs. A damaged slate, localised flashing defect or isolated leak does not automatically mean that a roof needs extensive structural work.
This property was very different. The visible collapse of substantial sections meant the work had to address the roof structure itself rather than simply repairing its outer covering.
If you’re unsure whether an existing roof needs a localised repair, substantial restoration or complete replacement, Safeguard also provides roof inspections in Cork to assess the condition and establish the appropriate scope of work.
You can also see typical budgeting ranges in our roof repair cost guide and roof replacement cost guide for Cork.
Safeguard Roofing & Building carries out roof repairs, major restoration work and complete roof replacements throughout Cork City and County.
The appropriate solution depends on the condition of the individual property. Where an existing structure can be retained and repaired, unnecessary replacement should be avoided. Where deterioration is extensive, the work may need to go considerably further to create a sound new roofing system.
View the areas Safeguard covers across Cork or contact the team to arrange an assessment and quotation.
From targeted roof repairs to major restoration and complete replacement, Safeguard Roofing & Building can assess the condition of your roof and provide a free, no-obligation quotation for the work required.
“Anthony and the lads did a wonderful job. They were courteous, respectful and got the work done fast.”