How New Roofs Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

Maxwells Roofing explains how a properly specified new roof can cut heat loss, lower bills, and improve comfort in Milton Keynes homes. The guide covers insulation, airtightness, moisture control, materials, and the warm vs cold roof decision—always aligned to UK Building Regulations. Owner-led and local, the team serves Milton Keynes and surrounding towns, with strong customer reviews and free surveys.

Key points
- Why the roof matters: Uninsulated or poorly detailed roofs can account for up to around 25% of a home’s heat loss. Ageing felt, gaps, damaged tiles, and poor ventilation create draughts, cold spots, and condensation risks.
- What makes a roof efficient: Target U-values around 0.16 W/m²K (pitched) and 0.18 W/m²K (flat), robust airtightness, breathable membranes with correct ventilation, reduced thermal bridges at eaves/valleys/chimneys/rooflights, and durable coverings. Energy-rated roof windows with insulated flashings help retain heat while adding daylight.
- Warm vs cold roofs:
- Warm roof (insulation above rafters/deck): Best continuity of insulation; ideal for flat roofs and loft conversions.
- Cold roof (between/under rafters): Suits ventilated loft spaces; requires careful ventilation and air leakage control.
- Materials and insulation:
- Pitched: Concrete/clay tiles, natural slate, breathable underlays.
- Flat: EPDM rubber, GRP fibreglass, multi-layer felt.
- Insulation: PIR boards (high performance), mineral wool (breathable/acoustic), hybrid build-ups. Caution on spray foam due to ventilation and mortgageability issues.
- Savings and comfort: Upgrading from poor/no insulation to a modern build-up typically reduces heat loss, lowers heating demand, improves comfort, and manages condensation. Actual savings depend on house type, roof area, and existing condition.
- Regulations and paperwork: Compliance with Parts A (structure), B (fire), C (moisture), F (ventilation) and L (thermal performance). Notify Building Control when replacing over 25% of a roof, altering structure, adding PV, or converting a loft. Competent Person Schemes may apply; certificates provided.
- The process: Survey and advice, clear quotation with U-value targets and materials, planning/notifications, best-practice installation (insulation, VCL, membranes, precise detailing), final checks and handover.
- Why choose Maxwells: Local, owner-led oversight by Luke Maxwell; 5-star reputation; insured and qualified; honest pricing; energy-focused specifications.
- Areas served: Milton Keynes, Newport Pagnell, Bletchley, Stony Stratford, Great Linford, Bradwell, Northampton, Bedford, Luton, and nearby villages.
- FAQs covered: Do I need Building Control? What U-values should I target (0.16 pitched/0.18 flat)? Warm vs cold roofs? Do roof windows harm efficiency? EPDM/GRP warm roofs? Expected timelines and free quotes.

For friendly advice or a free survey: call 07311091804 or email sales@miltonkeynesroofing.uk.

How New Roofs Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency (Milton Keynes)

If your energy bills feel higher than they should be, start at the top. An older or poorly insulated roof can lose a surprising amount of heat, reduce comfort, and allow moisture issues to take hold. A well-designed new roof dramatically improves thermal performance, helps control condensation, and protects your home for decades.

Maxwells Roofing is a family-owned roofing company in Milton Keynes, led by owner Luke Maxwell. We install energy-efficient new roofs and complete re-roofs across Milton Keynes, Newport Pagnell, Bletchley, Stony Stratford, Great Linford, Bradwell, Northampton, Bedford, Luton and every nearby village. We are highly reviewed, with 80+ 5-star Checkatrade reviews and only 5-star reviews on Google Business.

Call 07311091804 for a free quote or email sales@miltonkeynesroofing.uk.

Introduction – energy efficiency starts at the roof

The roof is your home’s primary shield against heat loss, summer heat gain, wind-driven rain, and condensation. In many UK homes, especially those with aging felt or patchwork insulation, the roof can be the single largest source of wasted energy. A new roof is not just fresh tiles or slates – it is a complete system that combines insulation, airtightness, ventilation, and a durable weathering layer. Done properly, it improves comfort, reduces bills, protects structure, and enhances resale value.

We design every re-roof with performance in mind. That means choosing the right insulation build-up for your property, achieving sensible U-value targets, controlling moisture with breathable membranes and vapour control where needed, and detailing eaves, ridges and penetrations to stop cold bridges. You get a roof that looks great and performs in winter and summer alike.

Call 07311091804 for a free quote. Friendly advice, no obligation.

Why your roof has the biggest impact on heat loss

  • Heat rises – without effective insulation and airtightness, warm air escapes quickly through the roof.
  • Aging materials – brittle felt, damaged tiles, cracked flashings, and leaky junctions create cold spots and draught paths.
  • Moisture risk – inadequate ventilation and missing vapour control can trap moisture, reducing insulation performance and fostering condensation or mould.

Common signs your roof is wasting energy:

  • Cold bedrooms or loft rooms in winter and overheating in summer
  • Condensation in the loft or around roof windows
  • Uneven temperatures between floors
  • Snow melting in odd patterns while neighbours’ roofs remain covered
  • Visible gaps, broken tiles, sagging flat roofs, or brittle old felt

If any of these sound familiar, a survey will quickly reveal where heat and moisture are moving – and what to do about it.

Call 07311091804 for a free survey and quote.

What makes a new roof energy efficient

A truly efficient roof is a coordinated system. We focus on:

  • Insulation to sensible U-values – typical refurbishment targets are around 0.16 W/m²K for pitched roofs and around 0.18 W/m²K for flat roofs (final specifications depend on structure and build-up).
  • Airtightness – careful taping and sealing at membranes, underlay joints, and around penetrations to cut heat loss and stop moist indoor air reaching cold areas.
  • Moisture control – breathable underlays and correctly designed ventilation routes to keep insulation dry and effective.
  • Thermal bridge reduction – neat detailing at eaves, valleys, chimneys, hips, verges and rooflights.
  • Durable weathering layer – tiles, slates, or high-performance flat roofing systems that protect your insulation and structure in all conditions.
  • Efficient roof windows – energy-rated units with insulated flashings and collars to maximise daylight without draughts.

Typical upgrades during a re-roof:

  • High-performance insulation – PIR boards, mineral wool, or hybrid solutions to balance thermal performance, depth and breathability
  • Breathable membranes and appropriate ventilation detailing
  • Vapour control layers where required by the build-up
  • Airtightness tapes and seals at critical junctions
  • New battens and fixings to current standards
  • New coverings – tile, slate, EPDM, GRP or high-performance felt
  • Updated flashings in lead or modern alternatives

Call 07311091804 for options and pricing.

Warm roof vs cold roof – what works best locally

There are two main approaches to roof insulation. Both can be excellent when designed and installed properly.

Warm roof (insulation above rafters or deck)

  • Benefits – continuous insulation layer, minimal cold bridging, keeps the structure warmer and drier, ideal for loft conversions and flat roofs.
  • Typical use – flat roofs with EPDM or GRP, and pitched roofs where height and eaves details allow.

Cold roof (insulation between and or under rafters)

  • Benefits – often simpler for traditional pitched roofs with ventilated lofts, can be budget friendly.
  • Considerations – ventilation must be correct, and extra care is needed to control air leakage.

What we recommend in Milton Keynes:

  • Flat roofs – warm roof build-ups are usually preferred for performance and reliability.
  • Pitched roofs – both approaches can work well. After a survey, we will recommend the most practical and cost-effective solution for your roof height, eaves condition and ventilation routes.

Call 07311091804 to discuss warm vs cold roofs for your home.

Materials that make a difference

Pitched roofs

  • Concrete or clay tiles – durable, cost-effective, wide aesthetic choice to match local streetscapes.
  • Natural slate – premium finish and long lifespan, excellent weathering. Structural checks are required for weight.
  • Breathable underlays – allow vapour to escape and reduce condensation risk, paired with modern batten systems and fixings.

Flat roofs

  • EPDM rubber – long lifespan, minimal maintenance, excellent for warm roofs.
  • GRP fibreglass – tough, seamless and great for complex shapes or where occasional foot traffic occurs.
  • High-performance felt (multi-layer) – proven, cost-effective when installed to modern standards.

Insulation options

  • PIR boards – best thermal performance for a given thickness, ideal when build-up depth is limited.
  • Mineral wool – breathable and acoustic benefits, excellent between rafters and in loft voids.
  • Hybrid systems – rigid boards externally plus quilt between rafters for superior comfort and U-values.

Roof windows and skylights

  • Energy-rated units installed with insulated upstands and flashings to keep heat in and weather out.

Note on spray foam

Spray foam insulation can create ventilation and mortgageability issues if misapplied. We advise mortgage-friendly alternatives that meet regulations, maintain airflow, and protect your timber structure.

Call 07311091804 to compare materials and finishes.

How much can you actually save

Savings depend on house type, roof area, current insulation levels, heating system, and energy prices. However, the principles are clear:

  • Heat loss reduction – upgrading from poor or no insulation to a modern specification significantly reduces heat escaping through the roof.
  • Lower bills – many homeowners see a noticeable drop in heating demand after a re-roof with modern insulation and airtightness, especially in loft rooms and top floors.
  • Comfort and durability – better moisture control reduces condensation and protects rafters and decks, which pays back over the lifespan of the roof.

We provide realistic expectations based on your survey, including the build-up we propose and how it will affect comfort and energy use. Our focus is long-term performance, not short-term promises.

Call 07311091804 to arrange a friendly survey.

Building Regulations, compliance and paperwork

Your new or refurbished roof must comply with UK Building Regulations. Key parts include:

  • Part A – structure and load-bearing capacity, especially where heavier coverings or new insulation layers are added.
  • Part B – fire safety. Flat roofs often require an external fire performance classification such as BROOF(t4).
  • Part C – moisture protection, including surface water management, underlays and junction detailing.
  • Part F – ventilation. Adequate airflow routes are essential to avoid damp and mould risk.
  • Part L – conservation of fuel and power, covering U-value targets and continuity of insulation.

When to notify Building Control

  • If more than 25 percent of the roof is replaced or refurbished
  • If structure is altered
  • If solar PV is installed
  • If the loft is converted

We advise on the correct notification route. Where appropriate, works may be self-certified under a relevant Competent Person Scheme. Otherwise, local authority Building Control will inspect and issue a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate.

Our installations follow manufacturer guidance and industry best practice to support compliance and long-term performance.

Call 07311091804 to discuss compliance for your project.

Our step-by-step re-roofing process

1. Friendly survey and advice

  • Visual survey of coverings, membranes, ventilation routes and structure
  • Moisture checks and photos for clarity
  • Discussion of warm vs cold roofs, material options and finishes

2. Transparent quote

  • Clear scope, build-up, and U-value targets
  • Timescales, access, scaffolding, waste handling and warranties

3. Planning and compliance

  • Final build-up design and detailing of eaves, ridges, valleys and penetrations
  • Notifications to Building Control or CPS where applicable

4. Installation to best practice

  • Careful strip and preparation
  • Structural repairs or reinforcement where needed
  • Insulation, vapour control, breathable membrane, battens and counter-battens
  • New coverings – tile, slate, EPDM, GRP or felt – installed with precise flashings

5. Final checks and handover

  • Snagging, clean-up and watertightness checks
  • Documentation and certificates where applicable
  • Care guidance to maximise lifespan and efficiency

Call 07311091804 to book your survey.

Why Milton Keynes homeowners choose Maxwells Roofing

  • Local, owner-led quality – company owner Luke Maxwell personally oversees each project.
  • Excellent reputation – 80+ 5-star Checkatrade reviews and only 5-star Google reviews.
  • Fully insured and qualified – workmanship aligned to current regulations and manufacturer guidance.
  • Honest pricing – clear quotes and practical advice, never pushy.
  • Energy-focused results – specifications designed to cut heat loss and extend roof lifespan.

Call 07311091804 for friendly, expert help.

Areas we cover

  • Milton Keynes
  • Newport Pagnell
  • Bletchley
  • Stony Stratford
  • Great Linford
  • Bradwell
  • Northampton
  • Bedford
  • Luton
  • All nearby towns, estates and villages

FAQs – energy-efficient roofing in Milton Keynes

Do I need Building Control if I am replacing my roof
If you replace or refurbish more than 25 percent of the roof, alter the structure, add solar PV, or convert a loft, Building Control should be notified. We manage the process and advise on inspection timings and routes.

What U-value should my new roof achieve
For refurbishments, typical targets are around 0.16 W/m²K for pitched roofs and around 0.18 W/m²K for flat roofs. The final target depends on your build-up and structure. We will specify a compliant solution for your home.

Is a warm roof better than a cold roof
Both can perform excellently when designed and installed correctly. Warm roofs often provide better continuity of insulation and moisture control, especially for flat roofs and loft conversions. After a survey, we will recommend what suits your property best.

Will roof windows make my home less efficient
Not when specified and installed correctly. We fit energy-rated rooflights with insulated flashings and collars to maximise daylight and minimise heat loss and draughts.

How quickly can you install a new roof
Simple re-roofs can be completed within a few days once scaffolding is up and materials are on site. Larger or more complex projects with structural works or tapered insulation can take longer. We will provide a clear timeline with your quote.

Do you install EPDM or GRP warm flat roofs
Yes. We regularly install warm roof build-ups in EPDM or GRP, including tapered insulation schemes to improve drainage and achieve thermal targets.

Will a new roof reduce my heating bills
Most customers notice improved comfort and reduced heating demand after upgrading from poor insulation and leaky coverings to a modern, well-detailed build-up. We will explain expected outcomes for your specific home after survey.

Ready to make your home warmer, drier and more efficient
Speak with a local specialist who designs roofs for performance, not just appearance. Call 07311091804 or email sales@miltonkeynesroofing.uk. If you are researching related improvements, explore our services including new fitted roofs, roof replacements, flat roof systems, insulation upgrades, and roof inspections.

Contact
Maxwells Roofing, Milton Keynes
Phone: 07311091804
Email: sales@miltonkeynesroofing.uk
Services: Roof replacements, repairs, inspections, gutters, fascias, skylights, chimneys