Replacing roofing

Your roof has a lot to endure through the seasons. From snow to bright sunshine, and that year after year. Roofing protects you and all your belongings, which is why it is important to replace old or broken roofing on time. The best way to do this is explained here.

Costs of replacing roofing

The choice of roofing materials is vast, but a large part of them is already eliminated because not all types of roofing materials are suitable for every roof. To give you an idea of the cost of replacing your roofing, we have mapped out the average prices and lifespan for each type of roofing.

Do you want more price information on replacing your roofing? Take a look at the price guide:Cost of roofing.

Types of roofing

As you have seen, the choice in roofing is vast. To give you a better idea of the options, we have listed all types of roofing so that you can decide whether to replace your roofing for the same type or opt for a different material.

Roofing replacement for a flat roof

A flat roof has a harder time than a pitched roof. For example, rain often stays on instead of sliding off. To replace roofing on a flat roof, you have a choice of 4 different options.

1. PVC replacement: PVC is made of plastic and easily lasts for 25 years. The advantage of PVC, and a trend in sustainability, is that PVC is also available in white. White roofing reflects sunlight, making the space underneath less hot than with a black roof.
2. Bitumen replacement: Bitumen is the most widely used roofing material for flat roofs in the Netherlands and is made from crude oil. Bitumen roofing is known for its good value for money.
3. EPDM replacement: EPDM looks very similar to bitumen at first glance, but EPDM is made of synthetic rubber which is highly elastic. This elasticity ensures that temperature differences affect the roof less, making EPDM last up to 40 years.

Replace roofing on a sloping roof

Nearly all houses in the Netherlands have a sloping roof. When replacing your roof covering on your sloping roof, you have a choice of these options:

1. Remove roof tiles: Roof tiles are by far the most popular roofing materials in the Netherlands. You have a choice of 3 different materials when replacing your roof tiles; ceramic, concrete and slate.
2. Replace thatched roofing: Thatched roofing is one of the oldest forms of roofing and also the most expensive option these days. The thatched roof should be completely replaced once every 45 years. It is also advisable to have your thatched roof maintained once every 5 years. You do get a beautiful authentic look in return.
3. Replace metal roofing: Whereas a metal roof used to be installed only for practical reasons, more and more people are opting for a metal roof because of its looks. A metal roof has a very long lifespan, is maintenance-free and easy to install. You can choose between: copper, zinc and aluminium.

Tips for roofing replacement

When you have made your choice of material to replace your roofing, it is important to pay attention to quality. These tips will help you do just that.

1. Pay attention to quality marks

Both for roofers and for roofing, there are several quality marks to be earned. Hallmarks offer you more security and quality when replacing your roofing.

• KOMO: The KOMO hallmark guarantees the quality of various types of roofing.
• Vebidak: Vebidak is a trade association that guarantees the quality of roofers who replace bituminous and plastic roofing.
• VCA: A VCA certificate indicates that the roofing company complies with safety, health and environmental requirements.
• Dakmaster: This foundation is a national network of qualified roofers and materials for pitched roofs.
• Dumedo DWS: Dumedo DWS is the trade association you look out for when you have metal roofing installed. Roofers affiliated with it work with high-quality metals.

2. Check that you are dealing with an experienced roofer

Roofing replacement is a specialist project where one mistake can lead to nasty leaks. Therefore, make sure you deal with an experienced roofing company. Check how long the company has been around, check reviews and ask for a portfolio of previous projects. It is advisable to invite the roofer you have your eye on for a cup of coffee, look at your roof together and discuss the options. In most cases, such a conversation is free.

3. Check the service your roofer offers

Roofing replacement is fortunately not something you do every day. So check the warranty period offered (10 years on average), the roofer’s working method, what is included in the price (e.g. call-out charges) and put everything in writing. Creating good conditions will ensure that replacing your roofing goes smoothly and without any surprises.

4. Go for a green roof

A green roof has been booming recently. Besides being pleasing to the eye, a green roof has many other advantages. The green layer ensures that your roof covering is less affected, which means that its lifespan can be as long as 60 years for a flat roof, for example. In addition, the green roof insulates, dampens noise and provides more clean air around your house. A green roof is placed on top of a good new layer of roofing material.

Advantages of roofing replacement

Replacing your roofing will of course ensure that you are protected from all weather conditions for many years to come. But there are more benefits. Replacing your roofing will give you:

• better insulation, so a lower energy bill;
• an increase in the value of your home;
• again a radiant look to your home;
• that the framework of your roof will not be affected, so you avoid a more expensive bill.