The duration of a roof installation depends on several factors. The size and complexity of your roof, weather conditions, and the type of materials being used all play a role. For a standard residential roof installation, it usually takes a few days to a couple of weeks. However, keep in mind that unexpected issues or inclement weather can extend the installation timeline.

It is recommended to have a professional roof inspection done at least once a year. Regular inspections help identify any potential issues with your roof, such as damaged or missing shingles, leaks, or signs of wear. Additionally, inspections are crucial before and after extreme weather conditions, as storms can cause significant damage to your roof.

There is a range of roofing materials available, each with its own advantages and considerations. The most common ones include:

• Asphalt shingles: They are affordable, easy to install, and come in various styles and colors. Asphalt shingles are popular for residential roofs due to their durability and versatility.

• Metal roofing: Metal roofs are known for their longevity, durability, and energy efficiency. They can withstand extreme weather conditions and come in different types, such as steel, aluminum, and copper.

• Clay or concrete tiles: These materials offer a distinctive aesthetic appeal and are known for their durability and fire resistance. They are commonly seen on Mediterranean or Spanish-style homes.

• Wood shakes or shingles: Wood roofs provide a natural, rustic look and excellent insulation properties. They require regular maintenance and are more prone to fire damage compared to other materials.

• Slate: Slate roofs are highly durable and have an elegant appearance. They can last for a century or more but are more expensive and require specialized installation techniques.

Waterproofing is the process of making a surface or structure resistant to the penetration of water. It involves applying various materials and techniques to prevent water intrusion. Waterproofing is essential because water damage can lead to structural issues, mold growth, and other costly problems. It helps protect the integrity of buildings, extend their lifespan, and maintain a healthy indoor environment.

Ideally, waterproofing should be done during the construction or renovation phase of a building. This allows for proper integration of waterproofing systems and materials into the structure. However, waterproofing can also be applied to existing structures that experience water intrusion issues or as a preventative measure to safeguard against potential problems.

Several areas in a building are prone to water penetration and require proper waterproofing:

• Basements: Basements are particularly vulnerable to water seepage due to their below-grade location. Waterproofing techniques such as sealants, drainage systems, and sump pumps are commonly used to keep basements dry.

• Foundations: Foundation waterproofing is crucial to prevent water from seeping into the structure and causing damage. Techniques like exterior membranes, drainage systems, and waterproof coatings are employed to protect the foundation.

• Roofs: Roof waterproofing is necessary to prevent leaks and water damage. This includes installing high-quality underlayment, flashing, and effective drainage systems to channel water away from the roof.

• Bathrooms: Waterproofing bathrooms is essential to prevent water damage to walls, floors, and fixtures. Special waterproof membranes, sealants, and proper tile installation methods are employed to create a watertight barrier.

• Balconies and decks: These outdoor areas are exposed to weather conditions and require waterproofing to prevent water penetration. Techniques include applying waterproof coatings, sealants, and proper drainage systems.

• Exterior walls: Waterproofing exterior walls helps protect the building envelope from water infiltration. Techniques such as sealants, exterior waterproof coatings, and proper flashing installation are used to maintain a watertight barrier.

There are various methods of waterproofing, and the choice depends on the specific requirements of the project and the type of surface or structure being waterproofed. Some common methods include:

• Liquid membranes: Liquid waterproofing membranes are applied as coatings onto the surface and form a seamless, flexible barrier against water. They are often used on flat roofs or as an additional layer of protection on other surfaces.

• Sheet membranes: Sheet membranes, such as bituminous membranes or modified bitumen sheets, are rolled onto the surface and provide excellent waterproofing properties. They are commonly used for below-grade waterproofing or on foundations.

• Cementitious coatings: Cementitious waterproof coatings are applied as a thick layer onto surfaces such as concrete or masonry. They create a durable, waterproof barrier and are often used for basements, swimming pools, or water tanks.

• Injection systems: Injection systems involve injecting waterproofing materials, such as resins or foams, into cracks or voids to seal them and prevent water infiltration. This method is often used for repairing existing structures.

• Drainage systems: Drainage systems are used in combination with other waterproofing methods to manage water runoff effectively. They include techniques like French drains, gutters, downspouts, and waterproof membranes with built-in drainage channels.

The cost of waterproofing in Cape Town can vary depending on several factors such as the size of the area to be waterproofed, the type of waterproofing method used, the extent of damage or moisture-related issues, and the specific requirements of the project.

It is recommended to consult with a professional waterproofing contractor such as Crous Roofing Contractors, who can assess the scope of work and provide a detailed cost estimate based on your unique needs. We will consider factors such as materials, labor, and any additional repairs or preparations required before determining the final cost of the waterproofing project.

The cost for roofers in Cape Town depends on the type of work and the individual roofer. You’ll find that the roofer prices you’re quoted will vary depending on how big the project is and how complex the roofing work is.

How much do roofers charge per square metre?

When it comes to roofer costs per square metre, one of the biggest factors is the type of roofing that they’re dealing with.

It’s always good to discuss the details of your roofing project with our local roofers near you to understand what’s involved and how much a realistic cost for the project is.

How much are roof repair costs in Cape Town

One of the most common jobs that local roofers in Cape Town get hired for is to repair roofs. To help you plan a budget for your roof repair, get in touch with our team for roofing costs in Cape Town.

What do roofers charge for labour?

Due to the nature of roofing work, local roofers in Cape Town usually charge a daily rate of around 1500 – R2500 per day. The exact roofer cost will depend on their experience, the type of work involved, and how big the project is.

Quote for roofing costs in Cape Town

For exact costs it’s always sensible to contact our local roofers to get accurate quotes for the job.

Several signs suggest the need for a new roof. Missing or damaged shingles are a clear indication, as they compromise the roof’s ability to protect your home. Water stains on ceilings or walls, leaks, excessive granule loss in gutters, sagging areas, and visible signs of aging, such as curling or cracked shingles, are all red flags. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to consult with a roofing professional to assess the condition of your roof.

As a home or business-owner, you should regularly check your roof to make sure it’s in good condition. If you notice any of the following signs, it could mean it’s time to replace your roof:

• Noticeable rays of light coming into your loft or attic through the roof

• Pieces of mortar falling from the roof

• Loose or damaged tiles

• Damp patches showing in the ceiling or walls of the upper floors of your home

• Moss or mould growing on the roof

• Structural sagging

• Damaged or rotting underlay

The number of roof tiles needed per square metre of roof will depend on the size and shape of the tiles, and the amount of overlap needed for the tiles to sit in place. As a rough guide, it can range from 10 to 60 tiles per square metre.

If you’re dealing with standard plain roof tiles, they usually measure 265mm x 165mm. Taking into account a minimum headlap of 65mm and a batten gauge of 100mm, you would need roughly 60 tiles to cover a square metre of roof.

Once you have the number of tiles per square metre, you can then work out how many tiles you need to cover the roof area with this calculation: ​​roof area (m²) x tiles per m²

Factors affecting how many tiles you need

When working out how many tiles you need per square metre, here are some of the factors you need to keep in mind:

• Tile size – this obviously has a direct impact on the size of the area that a single tile will cover

• Headlap – each type of tile has its own specification for the amount of overlap needed with the next tile, and the larger the headlap, the more tiles you’ll need

• Tile shape – the shape of the roof tiles will dictate the layout, which consequently affects the number of tiles needed per square metre

Common roof tile types

There’s a huge range of roof tiles available on the market, featuring different materials, shapes, sizes, and colours. Here are some of the most popular types of roof tile used on roofs in the UK:

• Clay roof tiles

• Concrete roof tiles

• Slate roof tiles

• Interlocking roof tiles

• Large format roof tiles

• Low pitch roof tiles

• Pantiles

• Plain roof tiles

• Double Roman style roof tiles

Need to replace roof tiles or waterproofing services? Contact our Roofers in Cape Town to get a quote.