New Roof in Fulham: Timeline and How to Choose Between Tiles, Slate and Flat Roofing

What changes the number: scaffolding access (front-only vs front-and-rear), chimney works during recover, lead flashing renewal, soffit and fascia replacement, new felt and battens (almost always needed on Victorian stock), and removal of two or three layers of historic coverings.

How long a new roof in Fulham takes

Standard terrace recover: 5–10 working days from scaffold up to scaffold down, weather permitting. Add 1–2 days for chimney rebuild, 1–2 days for any structural rafter or ridge work, and 2–3 days if you're matching to a conservation specification with bespoke materials. Flat roof replacement on a back addition: 2–4 days.

Lead time before the job starts is usually the bigger window. Slates and bespoke fittings can run 2–6 weeks, scaffolding licences with Hammersmith & Fulham Council 3–10 working days, party wall agreements (where the scaffold sits on a neighbour's land) 4–8 weeks.

Tiles, slate or flat — which to choose

Natural slate is the original covering on most Fulham Victorian terraces. Lasts 80–100+ years, looks period-correct, required in conservation areas. Costs more upfront (40–80% more than concrete tile), but lifecycle cost over 50 years is lower.

Concrete or clay tile works on Edwardian semis, post-war stock, and any terrace where conservation rules don't apply. Lifespan 40–60 years, lower upfront cost, faster install. Don't put tile on a property where the neighbouring terrace is slated — the visual mismatch knocks resale value.

Flat roof isn't a choice for the main roof on a Fulham terrace — only for the rear addition. Three materials we install: felt (cheapest, 15–20 years), EPDM rubber (mid-price, 25–30 years), GRP fibreglass (highest upfront, 25+ years, best for trafficked roofs). EPDM is our default recommendation for back additions where budget allows.

Five questions before you sign a quote

• Is scaffolding included, or priced separately?
• Are the chimney stack and lead flashing being renewed at the same time? If not, why not — they'll need redoing inside 5 years.
• What underlay / membrane spec is being used (breathable Type LR, or basic felt)?
• What's the guarantee — workmanship and materials, in writing, with names?
• Is the quote fixed or estimated? "Extras once scaffold's up" is how budgets blow.

When to recover vs full replace

If the slates or tiles are spent but the battens, rafters and ridge are sound, you can re-cover. If you've got sagging, rotten battens, or a fire-damaged section, it's strip back to rafters and start over. Recover is roughly 30–40% cheaper. Get a roofer up there with a torch before pricing the job — pictures from the loft tell you most of what you need.

Call Fulham BM for a fixed-quote roof survey. FMB and CHAS accredited, 20+ years across SW6, SW10 and SW3. Request a quote at fulhambm.co.uk.