Metal roof for loft conversion?

[BigBobBoots]

We're doing our loft conversion at the end of this month.
House will be exposed for about a month.
We'll be living in underneath. The rooms on first floor (so underneath exposed roof) will get a surface redecoration once loft conversion is complete (they were all skimmed when we moved in 8 years ago)
Builders recommend that we get a tin roof to protect us from rain. Sounded like a great idea but the cost is over £5K for the month!

What do you think - do we need it? It seems a bit of a gamble to me - if the month is dry then it's a waste of money.
If we have a flood and the rain pours in we could repair a lot for £5K.

Did anyone have one/not have one when living in for a loft conversion? Would you do the same next time?

We didn’t have one and our builders didn’t suggest it. We needed to get them round once when the covering blew off, but that was the only glitch.

We didn't need one and it wasn't suggested here, either. We had rear and side dormers added and they didn't even take all the tiles off. We probably had tarp in place for about a week, and that was it. (Prepare not to sleep if its windy - oh the noise!)

I clicked on this thinking the OP was contemplating a permanent metal roof, as is still often used in Australia.

It is lovely to hear the rain hammering down.

Not entirely helpful. I'll get me coat. :o

You can get really big canvas tarpaulins ( bit like they use in circus). And they are strong , heavy and waterproof, , you just roll in back everyday on to the scaffold to work on the roof .

The tin roof is a good idea if you want to keep working under it in the daytime when it’s raining. But 5 grand is a bit steep.

From the builders view the tin roof would be more favourable.

I’d go for the tarp, or 2 if I was worried about leaks 👍

Thanks all - i was wondering if they're trying it on. I'm sure it is easier for them, but it's a huge cost. It seems that it's not essential.

I had one, but it cost about £2k (this was 5 years ago, London). It was money well spent for us as our loft conversion was done over winter, so rain was guaranteed. I’m not sure if I’d bother in summer. That said, our neighbours didn’t get one for their summer loft conversion and they had a lot of damage as a result of a summer storm. In fact, it came into our house too, so unless you’re detached it’s worth thinking about your neighbours!

Our neighbouring building didn’t get one some years ago and there was a storm. There was water damage in all seven floors and in the cellar. I’d be nervous about not getting one myself having seen how long that took to fix.

Interesting stories, thank you. It helps me weigh up the risks!
For £2k I'd do it, definitely.
£5k (£5400 to be precise) seems so steep though. I might see if I can get a cheaper quote myself (the one I have is from project manager)