Roofing in Colchester

Yes, over time — moss holds moisture against the surface, lifts tile and shingle edges, and accelerates frost damage. Have it removed by soft washing or manual scraping, never high-pressure washing, which strips granules and forces water under the covering. Zinc or copper strips slow regrowth.

Tear-off and disposal, underlayment spec, flashing replacement (not reuse), ridge and valley details, a unit price for replacing rotten decking discovered mid-job, scaffolding or edge protection, and cleanup with a magnetic nail sweep. A quote missing the deck-repair unit price is the classic setup for large mid-job extras.

A straightforward single-family roof takes 1-3 days for asphalt shingles or metal sheeting, and up to 1-2 weeks for tile, slate or complex multi-plane roofs. Weather delays are normal — a competent crew will never strip more roof than they can waterproof the same day.

Get at least three quotes from established local firms in Colchester, ask each for recent local references and proof of insurance, and check membership of the national roofing trade body where one exists. Prioritise roofers who inspect from the roof (or with a drone) and show photos, over anyone quoting from the ground or the kerb.

Access and safety costs (scaffolding, edge protection), roof pitch and height, tear-off vs overlay, material grade, and how honestly hidden deck repair is priced. A low bid that excludes safety equipment and deck contingency isn't cheaper — it's just billed later.

A typical semi-detached re-roof runs £5,000-£12,000, with the national average around £8,000; large or complex roofs reach £13,000-£20,000+. Per-m² rates of £80-£150 including scaffolding are the usual quoting basis, and slate or clay costs substantially more than concrete tile.

Usually not for like-for-like replacement — but Building Regulations apply once you replace over 25% of the covering, and listed buildings or conservation areas may restrict material changes (e.g. swapping slate for concrete tile). Your roofer or local authority can confirm before work starts.