Kesgrave's large 1980s and 1990s residential estates are now 30–40 years old — the age at which concrete interlocking tiles begin to fail in volume. Nail corrosion, dried-out ridge mortar, degraded underfelt. We carry out repairs and full re-roofs across Kesgrave and Rushmere St Andrew.
Kesgrave grew rapidly through the 1980s and 1990s as development spread east from Ipswich along the A1214 corridor. The result is a large, predominantly owner-occupied residential area with a housing stock that is now uniformly entering middle age — and starting to show it on the roofline.
The dominant roofing material across Kesgrave is concrete interlocking tile — specifically the bold double Roman and plain interlocking profiles that were standard specification for new-build housing in this period. At 30–40 years old, the tiles themselves are often sound, but the support system has degraded: nails corrode, mortar bedding on ridges and hips dries and cracks, underfelt becomes brittle. The result is ridge tiles that move in wind, hip tiles that slide, and (eventually) water ingress under the tile edge.
Ridge mortar failure is the single most common repair job we carry out in Kesgrave. On a typical 1985–1995 semi, the ridge mortar has dried and cracked, often pulling away from the tiles on one side. In most cases this can be repaired by a full re-bed and re-point of the ridge — a half-day job that costs considerably less than many homeowners expect.
On properties built in the early 1980s, we're increasingly recommending full surveys rather than patch repairs, as the combination of nail corrosion, failed felt and degraded mortar often means that a full remedial re-roof is better value than successive repairs over the coming years.
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"Ridge tiles were lifting on three sections of our 1987 semi. Re-bedded in a morning, price was fair and they were tidy. Pointed out that the underfelt would need attention within a few years — appreciated the honesty."
"Full re-roof on our 1983 house. They found the original felt had completely gone — we were basically relying on the tiles alone. Modern breathable membrane and new concrete tiles throughout. Excellent job."
"Three slipped tiles after the autumn gales. Fixed the same week, good price, no fuss. Good to have a reliable roofer for the regular maintenance work on a house this age."
Repairs on 1980s–90s concrete tile roofs in Kesgrave typically cost £150–£500 depending on the extent. Ridge re-bedding — the most common job on this era of property — costs £35–£55 per metre. We give you the exact figure before starting.
It's a common problem on this era of property and it's worth sorting before it becomes a leak. Lifting ridge tiles mean the mortar bedding has failed — in bad weather, the tiles can shift and expose the ridge line to water ingress. We can re-bed a typical semi-detached ridge in half a day.
It depends on the age and condition of the specific roof. Properties built in the early 1980s are now 40+ years old — at this age, we'd recommend a full survey to assess nail corrosion and underfelt condition. Properties from the late 1980s–90s are often still repairable. We'll give you an honest assessment in our free survey.
Yes, we cover Kesgrave, Rushmere St Andrew, Martlesham, Brightwell and all surrounding IP5 postcodes. These areas have broadly similar housing stock and the same maintenance requirements.
No call-out fee on any job across Kesgrave and Suffolk. Free surveys, free quotes — you only pay once you have agreed the work in writing. Call 01473 807630 any time.
Yes. We carry £5m public liability insurance on all work in Kesgrave and the surrounding Suffolk area. We are also registered with the NFRC — details available on request before any job starts.
All our roofing work in Kesgrave carries a 10-year written workmanship guarantee. This covers the labour and installation — separate to any manufacturer guarantee on materials. We provide the guarantee document on completion of every job.
No call-out fees. No obligation. Local Ipswich roofers covering Kesgrave and Suffolk.
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