Roof timber replacement is often needed when a roof is stripped and the battens or rafters underneath turn out to be rotten or damaged.
When a roof starts to fail, it’s often not just the tiles that need attention. Rotten or damaged timber underneath can cause long-term structural issues if left untreated. At Legge Roofing, we take the time to strip every roof back to its base, removing any old or rotten wood before fitting new roofing materials. This ensures the job is done properly and your new roof will stand the test of time.
On this recent project in North Shields, our team carefully removed the existing roof covering and exposed the original timbers. Once inspected, we found sections of the wood had become soft and rotten from years of trapped moisture. Rather than covering over it, we replaced all damaged timber with new treated wood, giving the structure a solid, reliable base ready for the new roof installation.
This stage of the process is crucial. Without replacing the rotten timber first, the new roof would quickly deteriorate, leading to more leaks, movement, and expensive repairs later on. By addressing the problem at its source, we provide homeowners with long-lasting, professional results that add real value to their property.
At Legge Roofing, every re-roofing job follows the same high standards, full strip-down, removal of damaged materials, timber replacement, and precise installation of felt, battens, and tiles. We work across North Shields, Whitley Bay, Tynemouth, and surrounding areas, helping local homeowners keep their properties safe, dry, and structurally sound.
If you’ve noticed damp patches, sagging tiles, or signs of timber rot, it may be time to have your roof inspected. Our experienced roofers can assess the condition of your roof and recommend the most effective, affordable solution, whether that’s minor repairs or a full re-roof.
For reliable roof repairs and new roof installations across the North East, contact Legge Roofing today for a free, no-obligation quote.
Signs you may need roof timber replacement
Damaged roof timbers are not always obvious from the outside. These are the signs we look for during a survey:
- A sagging or dipping roofline: look at the ridge from across the street. It should be straight.
- Soft or damp timber in the loft: if timber feels spongy or looks dark and stained, water has been getting in for a while.
- Water staining: tide marks on rafters or the underside of the felt.
- Tiles or slates that will not stay fixed: rotten battens cannot hold nails, so repairs keep failing.
- A musty smell in the loft: often a sign of trapped moisture and poor ventilation.
How we carry out roof timber replacement
We strip the affected area back, assess every timber and replace anything that is no longer sound. On a re-roof that usually means new battens throughout and a new breathable membrane, with any damaged rafters dealt with before the new covering goes on. New roofs are installed to BS 5534 and come with a 10-year workmanship guarantee.
Catching timber problems early makes a big difference. A small area of rotten batten can be replaced as part of a repair, but if water has been getting in for years, the damage can spread into rafters and ceilings below. That is why we always check the timbers when we survey a roof, and photograph anything we find so you can see it for yourself.
Larger re-roofing jobs can come under building regulations. The Planning Portal explains when approval is needed, and we will talk you through it before work starts.
Found a problem in the loft? See our roof repairs page or our new roof page.
Call Legge Roofing on 0191 245 9915 or request a free quote online. We will come out, take a proper look and give you straight advice in writing.