On any property, the roof needs repairing occasionally and will eventually need completely replacing. With just over 22,000 homes in our care, we need a continuous programme of roof repair and replacement.
We carry out regular inspections of all of our properties. The replacement programme is planned on the basis of the survey, and on major repairs becoming necessary.
To help keep costs down, we aim to work on all the properties on a street or in one area at a time.
Tenants can still ask for repairs to their roofs in the usual way: either by calling 0116 252 7007 or via our online repairs reporting site.
What work is involved?
The old roof will be stripped off, including the slates or tiles, felt and any timbers that need replacing. New timbers, felt and tiles will be fitted. At the same time we will take down any cast iron gutters and down-pipes and replace them with modern PVCu ones.
When the work starts we will inspect the chimney and carry out any repairs that are needed.
We will also check that the loft insulation is up to standard and replace it where necessary.
In some instances your TV aerial may be taken down to enable repairs to be undertaken. On completion your existing aerial will be refixed.
Of course, working on the roof means that we will have to put up scaffolding and ladders, and may need to walk on flowerbeds in your garden. We will try to cause as little damage as possible.
Replacing a roof usually takes up to five working days.
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Preparing for the work
Our roofing team will do their best to cause as little disruption as possible while the work is being done. To prepare for the work, householders will need to:
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Clear out their attic - we cannot take responsibility for any items left in the attic while the work is being done.
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Tell the team if they are planning to be away on holiday (they will try to fit in with the householder’s plans).
While the work is underway
Householders will need to:
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Clear a space of approximately 2 metres around the outside of the property, to enable scaffolding to be erected.
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Allow access into the property if work is carried out on the chimney as the team will have to clear any materials which may have fallen down inside and check that the ventilation is adequate.
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Cover furniture in any rooms affected by chimney work with dust sheets and clear the floor in front of the fire place, as a little soot will probably come down the chimney (the team will do their best not to make any mess).
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Make sure their family and any visitors follow the ‘safety first’ guidelines (see below).
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Paying for the new roof
Rent - Since repairing or replacing a roof is not counted as a council housing improvement, there will not be any increase in rent to cover the cost.
Right to Buy - If you are planning to buy your council property under the Right to Buy scheme we will not replace the roof. You must tell Leicester City Council if you are planning to buy your home before the work starts, otherwise you will have to repay the cost of the roof and the work done
Safety first
- Do not let children climb or play on any scaffolding or ladders.
- Keep valuables out of sight and safe while the work is being done.
- Protect furniture, carpet and floors with dust sheets in rooms likely to be affected by chimney work, or move things well away from the fireplace.
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Once the work is finished
New roofs are under guarantee from the contractor for the first six months, so as a tenant we would ask you to report any problems or complaints promptly, so they can be put right within the time limit.
Special needs
If you have any special needs, for example because of age or disability, please let us know by calling 0116 252 6136.
Problems or complaints
If you have any problems with the new roof or any of the associated work (for example if the roof seems to be leaking or the TV aerial is not working) let the team know as soon as possible by calling 0116 252 7007.
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