Roof work by McCluskey Roofing
Terraces in Heaton, Jesmond and Fenham
Heaton, Jesmond and Fenham have long streets of Victorian and Edwardian terraces. Most have Welsh slate roofs that have been patched over the decades. Nail fatigue is common, so slipped slates appear after windy spells. Ridge mortar cracks, and valleys between the main roof and the rear offshoot fill with debris.
On these roofs, we refix or replace slipped slates using clips or hooks, rebed or dry-fix ridges and check the valleys and leadwork.
Tyneside flats
Tyneside flats, with one flat upstairs and one downstairs, are a feature of many Newcastle streets. The roof belongs to the building, so a leak in the top flat may need agreement with the downstairs owner if costs are shared. We can describe the work clearly so both owners understand it.
Shared chimney stacks
Terraced houses often share a stack with next door. When the pointing, flaunching or flashing fails, water can enter both houses. Repairs to shared stacks work best when neighbours agree to do the whole stack together.
Back-lane access
Many Newcastle terraces back onto narrow lanes. Scaffolding, waste and materials may need to come through these lanes, which affects how the job is planned. We work around bins, parked cars and neighbours’ gates and keep the lane clear where we can.
Rear offshoots and flat roofs
Rear offshoots on Newcastle terraces often have flat or shallow lean-to roofs. These are a common source of leaks into kitchens and bathrooms. Re-covering them is often more sensible than repeated patching. Our Newcastle flat roofing page covers that in detail.
Roof leaks and storm damage
After a storm, slates, ridge tiles and lead flashings are the first things to fail. We make the roof watertight first, then repair the cause.
Roofing repairs elsewhere in the city
Kenton, Benwell, West Denton and Walker have post-war and inter-war housing with concrete tile roofs. Slipped tiles, worn verges and failing felt underlay are common there.
Slate repairs on older roofs
Many Newcastle slate roofs still have their original slates. They can last a long time, but the nails and battens holding them wear out first. Repairing small areas is often possible, but where large numbers of slates are slipping, a re-roof with the slates reused or replaced may be better value.
Bay window roofs
Many terraces in Heaton, Jesmond and Sandyford have bay windows with small slate or lead roofs. Leaks often show inside around the top of the bay window. The junction with the main wall is usually the problem.
Leadwork and valleys
Valleys between main roofs and offshoots, and lead around chimneys and dormers, are common sources of leaks in older Newcastle homes. Old lead can crack or lift, and valleys fill with moss and debris. Repairing or renewing lead is a regular part of the work.
Conservation areas
Parts of Jesmond and other districts are conservation areas, where the council may expect repairs to match the original look. We take care to match materials where possible.
Dormer and roof window leaks
Many Newcastle homes have had loft conversions with dormers or roof windows. Leaks around these are common, usually at the flashing or where the dormer meets the main roof. Repairing the flashing often solves the problem.
Whatever the house, we start by finding the real cause of the problem, explain it plainly and recommend the simplest repair that will last.
Getting a quote
Tell us your street and what you have noticed. We will inspect the roof and give you a free quote. Our main roof repairs page covers the repairs we carry out everywhere.