Roof renovation in Annecy.

In Annecy, as everywhere in Haute-Savoie, the roof is your home's first line of defence against a demanding Alpine climate. Between the weight of snow in winter, repeated freeze-thaw cycles, heavy rain coming in from Lake Annecy and the temperature swings at the foot of the mountains, a roof covering is under constant strain. Tiles crack, the underlay ages, fixings loosen: over the years, watertightness deteriorates and the first leaks appear.

Several signs of wear should alert you: broken, slipped or porous tiles, traces of damp or water stains in the loft, moss and lichen that hold water — a common phenomenon near the lake, where humidity is high — a sagging ridge line, or overflowing gutters. The longer a roof is neglected, the more the damage spreads to the roof structure, insulation and walls — and the higher the bill. Acting early means redoing a roof quickly before the problem becomes structural.

In Annecy's tight property market, one of the most expensive in France, renovating existing homes has become essential: re-roofing protects and adds value to a rare asset, whether it is a townhouse, a detached house in Annecy-le-Vieux or a lakeside residence. Beyond weatherproofing, an ageing roof is also a major source of heat loss: up to 30% of the heat in a poorly insulated house escapes through the roof. Using a re-roofing project to redo the insulation means greater comfort in summer and winter and lastingly lower bills. To find out more, see our approach to energy renovation in Annecy.

Many homeowners put off their works for fear of a never-ending project. That is a misconception: a roof can be redone very quickly as long as the works are well prepared. Everything happens beforehand. We first carry out a precise survey of the covering and roof structure, we cost the works, then we order and have all the materials delivered before work starts. On the day, nothing is missing: the team gets straight to work with no downtime.

Stripping the old covering and laying the new one proceed section by section, never the whole roof at once. This method keeps part of the roof protected at all times and makes the building watertight within just a few days on a standard roof. When bad weather is forecast — summer storms over the lake or early snowfall from the neighbouring mountains — protective tarpaulins are always planned: your home is never left exposed.

For a complete re-roofing of a tiled detached house, allow generally one to two weeks on site, scaffolding included — much less for a localised repair. We plan every job with a clear schedule, keep disruption to a minimum and coordinate the trades (roofing, carpentry, zinc work, insulation) to meet deadlines. This controlled approach to site work is the same one we apply to all our projects in Annecy and Haute-Savoie.

Tiled roofs — the most common roof covering in the Annecy area. Interlocking tiles, flat tiles or barrel tiles: we strip the old covering, install a high-performance breathable (HPV) roofing underlay, and lay new tiles suited to the Haute-Savoie climate. A tiled roof remains the most durable solution and the one most in keeping with local character.

Slate — for steep roofs and heritage character, we re-roof in natural slate, following best trade practice and the architectural requirements that apply in the old town and in Annecy's protected conservation area.

Zinc and steel roofing sheets — on low-pitched roofs, extensions or contemporary architecture, zinc and steel roofing sheets offer lightness, watertightness and longevity. We also handle all the associated leadwork: valleys, flashings, cladding.

Flat roofs and waterproofing — garages, extensions, outbuildings: we carry out roof waterproofing on flat roofs using membranes or bituminous systems, redoing upstands and outlets for reliable, lasting watertightness.

Timber roof structure — there is no sound roof covering without a sound roof structure. We inspect and repair damaged roof structures and coverings: timber treatment, replacement of affected rafters or purlins, strengthening of the structure before the roof is re-laid — all the more crucial on roofs that carry heavy snow loads.

Re-roofing is the ideal time to deal with insulation. Once the covering is removed, access to the roof structure and loft becomes simple and cost-effective. Rather than working on the roof twice, we combine re-roofing and roof insulation in a single project — reducing the overall cost and maximising the energy gain, a real asset in the harsh winters of the Annecy area.

Two approaches are possible depending on your house: loft insulation (blown or in panels, ideal for unconverted lofts) and under-roof insulation by sarking, installed from the outside above the rafters, which eliminates thermal bridges without reducing the living space. The latter is particularly suited to converted lofts and to chalets near resorts such as La Clusaz or Le Grand-Bornand.

As soon as re-roofing is combined with insulation, the work becomes eligible for energy renovation grants (MaPrimeRénov', CEE, éco-PTZ). As an RGE-certified company, we prepare the grant applications for you. To understand how to combine roofing, insulation and overall performance, see our page on energy renovation and all our services.