Roofs on Boscombe’s older houses
Much of Boscombe was built in the late Victorian and Edwardian years, as the seaside resort grew up around the pier and the Royal Arcade. Terraced streets run back from the main shopping street, and many of the larger villas near the Overcliff and Boscombe Spa have since been divided into flats.
Problems roofers often find on houses of this age:
- Natural slate: slates sliding out of place when the nails holding them rust through, often called nail sickness
- Valleys and back gutters: worn or split lead where two slopes meet, or tucked behind a chimney
- Chimney stacks: tall stacks with weathered pointing, loose pots or tired flashings
- Bay windows: the small lead or felt roof over a front bay letting rain into the room below
- Rear additions: the lean-to or flat roof over a back kitchen or bathroom
Flats and shared roofs
In many converted houses the roof belongs to the freeholder rather than the people living in the flats. Check your lease, report the leak to the freeholder or managing agent in writing, and mention who is responsible when you contact us.
A top-floor leak can start some distance from the wet patch, for example at a shared valley, a parapet wall or a neighbouring chimney.
How your enquiry is handled
Send us the basics
Ring 01202 125671 or fill in the form with your name, number and postcode. If you live in a flat, say which floor.
A local roofer gets it
We forward your details to a roofer who works across BH1, BH5 and BH7.
Agree the price with them
They look at the roof and quote. Whether you go ahead is up to you.
Parts of Boscombe we cover
BH1, BH5 and BH7, including:
- Boscombe Spa and the Overcliff
- The Royal Arcade and the Boscombe Precinct
- Pokesdown, around the station
- Springbourne
- King’s Park and Queen’s Park
- Boscombe East and Littledown
- Boscombe Manor
Closer to the beach huts at Southbourne, or nearer the town centre? See roof repair in Southbourne or roof repairs in Bournemouth. Water coming in right now? Go to emergency roof repair. Or browse every area we cover.
Boscombe roof questions
My top-floor flat has a leak. Who should I contact?
Tell your freeholder or managing agent in writing, then send us the details as well. Let us know who is responsible for the roof, so the roofer knows who will approve the work.
Can a slipped slate be replaced so it matches?
Usually a roofer can refit a slipped slate, or fit a reclaimed or new one of a similar size and colour. Ask what they plan to use before the work starts.
We never light the fire. Does a leaking chimney still matter?
Yes. Rain can get in through a stack’s pointing, pots or flashing whether or not the fireplace is used. A roofer can check the stack and talk you through the options.
Do I need permission for roof work in a conservation area?
Parts of Boscombe are in conservation areas. Like-for-like repairs often need no permission, but changing materials or the look of a roof might. If you are unsure, ask the BCP Council planning team before work begins.
Who carries out the repair?
Not us. Roof Repair Bournemouth is a referral service: your enquiry goes to an independent local roofer, and the quote, price and booking are between you and them. Read how our referral service works.