Roofing in Cheshunt and Waltham Cross

What housing is there in Cheshunt and Waltham Cross?

Much of Cheshunt was built after the Second World War. The Lea Valley here was once covered in glasshouse nurseries, and as they closed the land was steadily built over, so large parts of the town are post-war estates, with more recent new-build developments added in the last few decades. Closer to the old roads through Cheshunt and Waltham Cross there are Victorian and Edwardian terraces, and Waltham Cross has flats above shops around its centre.

Out towards the green belt in EN7, Goffs Oak and Flamstead End lean towards detached houses and bungalows, many on generous plots, with roofs that are larger and more varied in shape.

What roofs does that mean?

• concrete interlocking tiles on post-war semis and terraces, often now 50 years old or more
• low-pitched and flat roofs on some 1960s and 1970s houses and blocks
• modern trussed roofs on new-build homes, sometimes with dry-fixed ridges and verges
• slate and clay roofs on the older terraces, with chimney stacks to match
• bungalows, where the roof is a large share of the outside of the house

Is a new-build roof different?

Often, yes. Modern roofs commonly use mechanical ridge and verge systems instead of mortar, and lighter structures. If your home is fairly new, check whether any defect cover from the builder or a new-home warranty still applies before booking repairs.

What about flats?

For blocks and flats above shops, the freeholder or managing agent is usually responsible for the main roof. Leaseholders should report a leak to them first and check what the lease says.

Do I need permission or approval?

On a house, repairs and similar re-covering do not usually need planning permission, but flats lack the permitted development rights that houses enjoy. Broxbourne Borough Council is the planning authority. Re-covering more than half a roof, or more than a quarter of the whole outside of the home, needs Building Regulations approval, through building control or a roofer registered with a competent person scheme.

What about scaffolding?

A scaffold on the pavement needs a licence from Broxbourne Borough Council, and the scaffolder normally applies. The roofer is responsible for working at height safely.

What happens when I get in touch?

Send your postcode, what you have noticed and, if you can, a photo from the ground. If nobody covers EN7 or EN8, we let you know and your details stay with us.