The Narbonne climate alternates strong sunshine, spells of tramontane and rain that is rare but sometimes intense. That combination puts roof coverings under real strain: the wind shifts or breaks tiles, UV weakens materials, and storms brutally reveal the weak points of an ageing roof.
A roof in good condition protects the roof structure and the walls from water ingress. A neglected leak ends up attacking the timber, the insulation and the ceilings, and the cost of repairs grows over time. The roof also plays a major part in insulating the house: a renovated and properly insulated roof improves comfort in summer as in winter and reduces heating demand.
Finally, a sound roof makes the building safe and adds value: it is one of the first things looked at when a property is sold.
The age of the roof covering is the first indicator. How long a roof lasts depends on the materials, the quality of the work and how exposed it is; after a few decades, regular inspection is called for, even with no visible problem.
Certain signs should raise the alarm: tiles broken, displaced or gone porous; damp marks on ceilings or in the loft; moss and lichen holding water; cracked ridges or flashings. After a spell of high wind or heavy rain, a visual check is prudent, even if nothing appears to have moved.
A house that is hard to heat in winter, or that overheats in summer, may also point to inadequate roof insulation. Renovating the roof covering is then the moment to deal with insulation at the same time; French energy renovation grants exist, so check the schemes currently in force.
A roof renovation that changes the external appearance, through a change of material or colour or by forming new openings, generally requires a déclaration préalable de travaux (prior notification of works). The PLU may impose particular materials or colours, especially in protected areas, where the opinion of the architecte des Bâtiments de France, the French heritage architect, may be required.
One point of regulation is often misunderstood: RE2020 applies to new build, not to work on an existing house. In renovation, other requirements apply, particularly when parts of the roof covering or the insulation are replaced.
MCI Construction works in Narbonne and the Grand Narbonne, the Corbières, the Minervois and the Aude coast, as far as Béziers. The company inspects your roof, provides a free survey and quote, and carries out the work covered by its warranties: décennale, dommages-ouvrage, parfait achèvement (one year) and biennale (two years).
Every project is assessed case by case: condition of the roof structure, choice of tiles, insulation and ventilation of the roof. Have your roof looked at before small problems turn into major work.