Should 'Putting in Insulation' be included in 'Roof Quotation' - direct labour build

Hi

I got a quotation from my roofer to complete my roof. Today, I discussed the type of insulation that I'd like in the rafters (nothing fancy - probably Kingspan TW50). However, he told me that it's not his job to put in the insulation. I was a bit taken aback as I had assumed that it was included in his price.
He also told me that anything to do with lead is the plumbers job - again I assumed this was his job.
I would be really grateful if anyone could tell me what would normally be included in a roof quotation. I know I should have agreed this upfront but, the roof wouldn't be my strong point

Thanks in advance, Pudzer

Re: Should 'Putting in Insulation' be included in 'Roof Quotation' - direct labour bu

My builder didn't want to touch the insulation either (3 years ago) - but we eventually agreed a price for him to do it . He said he would not do it again for anyone else (dormer with lots of tricky angles)

Re: Should 'Putting in Insulation' be included in 'Roof Quotation' - direct labour bu

Insulation is generally not considered part of the carpenter's remit in roof work- it doesn't form a function of the roof structure; however in a dormer build it is pretty difficult to separate the fitting of insulation from the roof build, especially where insulation is being used above the rafter line (this is a recent phenomenon and demonstrates how traditional trade delineations are changing as new building practices emerge). Leadwork, traditionally, is the work of the plumber, although I think you'd be hard pressed to find a plumber who knew how to form a valley or where the soakers and tray would go in a chimney stack. In my experience carpenters look after the basic leadwork (valleys, soakers, gutters etc) in all but the more complex roofing jobs. If extensive, non-standard leadwork is required it should be entrusted to skilled sheet lead workers or experienced plumbers. It is important that written quotations (or invitations to quote for work) detail the full extent of the works involved, even on domestic works.

Re: Should 'Putting in Insulation' be included in 'Roof Quotation' - direct labour bu

when he says 'anything to do with lead' is he expecting the plumber to get up onto the roof and lay the valleys????

this guy sounds like a chancer....

when you discussed insulation with him did he state at that point that it wasnt anything to do with him??


theres enough tradesmen out there looking for work, this guy seems to be doing his best to avoid it....

Re: Should 'Putting in Insulation' be included in 'Roof Quotation' - direct labour bu

Thanks a million guys. As always, I really appreciate your responses.
Pudzer

Re: Should 'Putting in Insulation' be included in 'Roof Quotation' - direct labour bu

+1 to Syd - plumbers climbing roofs now, are they ?? Tell that guy to take a hike.

So if the roof leaks, who'd you call............?

Oh, and yep, roofers don't 'do' insulation..........better get an insulation co do it they'd be quicker, more used to it (and should do it better.....)

Re: New roof

Hi

I got my roof re slatted about 4 months ago. New slates put on an a membrane underneath them. However I have now noticed that there a number of gaps appearing. One at the roof edge just above the gutter-I can put my hand in. The second is over the dormer window where new slates were put on - again I can put my hand under the roof and feel the insulation.

I spoke to the engineer and builder-they both told me this was necessary to allow the roof breath.

In addition most of the roof is insulated except for the portion directly above the attic. I dont know why this is and only noticed it recently. It is a terracced house.

Has anyone any experience at all in this area?

Mangos

Re: New roof

mangos said:

... In addition most of the roof is insulated except for the portion directly above the attic...

Click to expand...

Sorry I don't understand this part of your post. Most (95% ?) of the roof is over the attic apart from the eaves that jut out over the walls, AFAIK.

Re: Should 'Putting in Insulation' be included in 'Roof Quotation' - direct labour bu

Hi Mathpac,

I admit confused myself-it seems that a portion of the roof is insulated-the portion over the bedrooms. But the section in the attic is not-the attic is very small.

Don't know if this sounds even more ridiculous. However, there are huge drafts coming from the attic so I am concerned.

Mangos

Re: Should 'Putting in Insulation' be included in 'Roof Quotation' - direct labour bu

I'm more confused than ever now - would it not be be more economical and effective to insulate the attic (the flat bit above the upstairs ceilings) rather than the underside of the roof (which may cause problems if adequate air-flow is not maintained)?