Roofing Frequently Asked Questions

No. Site visits and written quotations are completely free, no matter how complex the roof. We only charge for condition surveys intended as formal written reports for pre-purchase or insurance purposes, which start from £350.

Emergency repairs: same day. Small repairs are usually within 1-2 weeks. Full re-roofs are typically 3-6 weeks from quote acceptance — we're normally booked up a month or so ahead for larger jobs. Commercial work with specific mobilisation requirements is arranged to suit.

Small repairs take half a day to two days. Chimney work is usually 2-4 days. Guttering replacement runs 1-3 days. A flat garage roof is 2-3 days. A full re-roof on a 3-bed semi takes 5-8 days. Larger detached properties are 10-15 days. Commercial single-ply jobs run 2-4 weeks depending on size.

We only strip as much roof as we can get covered the same day — typically one elevation at a time, with breathable membrane going down the afternoon of the strip. If heavy rain threatens we tarp the exposed area and down tools until it passes. The inside of your house should never get wet.

No — we plan re-roofs to be liveable. There will be noise during working hours (8am-5pm), scaffold at the windows, and dust in the loft, but the house remains fully functional and secure. If you work from home, there are a few noisy days we can warn you about in advance.

Natural Welsh slate: 80-100 years. Clay plain tiles: 60+ years. Concrete interlocking tiles: 50+ years. Synthetic slate: 50-60 years. EPDM rubber flat roof: 25-50 years. GRP fibreglass: 25-30 years. SBS torch-on felt: 20-25 years. Lifespans assume proper fitting and basic maintenance.

Tiles: Marley, Redland, Sandtoft. Slate: Welsh (Penrhyn, Cwt-y-Bugail) and Spanish (CUPA, SSQ). Membranes: Klober, Marley Eternit. Flat roofing: Firestone, Classicbond, IKO, Sika, Kemperol. Velux, Fakro and Keylite roof windows. Lead is rolled to BS EN 12588. We stick to established brands because replacement parts and warranty support stay available for decades.

Always breathable membrane on new and replacement roofs. Old-style bitumen felt traps moisture and is a major cause of rafter rot in post-war houses. Modern breathable membrane (Klober Permo Air, Marley Eternit Universal) lets vapour out while keeping rain and wind in. It's a significantly better roof for a few pounds more per square metre.

Yes — and we usually recommend it, because the scaffold is already up and access is ideal. Current Building Regulations require a U-value of 0.15 W/m²K for replacement roofs (typically 270mm mineral wool at ceiling level, or 150mm PIR at rafter level for warm-roof loft conversions). We'll spec the right approach for your house and include it in the quote.

Active leaks into habitable rooms, storm damage exposing felt or boards, fallen chimney masonry, detached flashings after heavy rain, or damage making the property unsafe or insecure. Tiles slipping in a garden that's been like that for weeks isn't an emergency. See our emergency page for more detail.

First, put a bucket under the drip. If water is pooling in a ceiling and bulging, consider putting a small hole in to drain it rather than let it collapse. Don't try to climb up in wet weather — it's genuinely dangerous. Then ring us, and we'll triage over the phone. We can often be on-site within 60-90 minutes in the local area.

Like-for-like replacement is permitted development and doesn't need planning permission. Conservation area properties, listed buildings, or any change of roof shape or pitch will need permission. Adding dormers or Velux windows may need permission in conservation areas. Building Regulations (Approved Document L) apply to every re-roof.

Yes — we can put you in touch with customers who've had similar work done recently, usually within the same street or village if you want to see how the job looks in person. Just ask at quote stage.

No — we're a fitting firm, not a merchant. If you need materials only (e.g. you're doing your own DIY job), we'll suggest local trade counters.