Advice on re-roofing and chimney

[REY_UK]

Hi, I’m new to the forum and looking for some advice on doing a full re-roof of my 60s bungalow. There’s still a bit of life left in it, but I’m keen to get solar panels sooner rather than later, and am planning additional works at the same time (installing a new Velux and a few solar tunnels). So off the back of this, I’m engaging with an architect to get necessary planning / PD rights confirmed with a view to implementing over the next couple of years. Picture of the current roof attached (the better looking bit is part of a relatively recent, 10 year old extension, but not sure if these tiles were new or reclaimed).

There’s a few things I’d like to get advice on:

- The architect has suggested if doing a full reroof, we could take the opportunity to update the tile style at the same time. I’m open to this idea to provide a slightly more modern look. I believe the existing tiles are Redland 49’s. Obviously the simplest thing to do is a like for like replacement, but would appreciate any recommendations on alternative concrete tiles that would provide a more modern look, without causing significant additional roof work to be needed (e.g. assuming I should stick with tiles that are a similar weight)?

- Also interested in views on in-roof (vs on-roof) solar at the same time, and if this would also influence choice of tile profile.

- The chimney needs repointing and capping at a minimum, however, the internal fire is going to be removed as part of my renovations, so am also considering the possibility of just removing this - this would only be the section above the roofline, with the below-roofline section remaining as-is (with ventilation installed as necessary). I’ve been advised that most people just go for repointing as it’s cheaper, but would be interested to get opinions on how much more costly removal would likely be - I already had a quote a couple of years ago for repointing and capping which came to around £600 ex. VAT and scaffolding.

[MikeGrahamT21]

Definitely remove the chimney if it’s of no use, if you are handy enough you could do this yourself and cover over the area left with some tarp til the roofers begin.

 

As for roof tiles, there won’t be a great deal of weight difference in concrete tiles, and style is a matter of personal choice, architects will probably specify a plain concrete tile which is more contemporary, but be warned, they aren’t quite as strong as this type, and tend to crack a lot more easily if anyone needs to walk on them to get up the roof.

 

Any tiles are suitable for velux and solar in roof, just need the correct flashing/tray to suit. I’d definitely look at the in roof systems, tiles are bloody expensive these days!