Question 1

How much does a new roof cost in the UK?

Accepted Answer

As a 2026 guide: minor repairs from £150–£400, replacing a section of tiles £400–£1,500, ridge tile re-bedding £600–£1,200, chimney re-pointing £400–£900, and a full re-roof on a 3-bed semi typically £6,500–£12,000 (concrete tiles) or £9,000–£18,000 (natural slate). Scaffolding, breathable membrane and new battens are always included in our written quotes.

Question 2

How long should a UK roof last?

Accepted Answer

Concrete interlocking tiles last 40–60 years, clay tiles 60–100 years, and natural slate often 80–125+ years. Underlying felt and battens usually need replacing earlier — typically every 30–50 years — which is when most properties need a full re-roof rather than just new tiles.

Question 3

How can I tell if my roof needs repairing or replacing?

Accepted Answer

Common warning signs include slipped or missing tiles, daylight in the loft, damp patches on upstairs ceilings, sagging in the roof line, granules from tiles in the gutters, and recurring leaks after rain. We offer a free, no-obligation roof inspection with photos so you can see exactly what we see.

Question 4

Do you offer emergency roof repairs?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we cover Hillingdon and West London for emergency call-outs including storm damage, slipped tiles and active leaks. We aim to be on site within hours and can fit a temporary tarpaulin or weather-proof patch the same day, then return to carry out the permanent repair.

Question 5

Will my buildings insurance cover roof repairs?

Accepted Answer

Storm and accidental damage are usually covered; general wear and tear is not. We provide detailed reports with photographs that you can submit to your insurer, and we're happy to liaise with loss adjusters directly. Always check your policy excess before claiming for smaller repairs.

Question 6

Do I need scaffolding or planning permission?

Accepted Answer

Scaffolding is required for most full re-roofs and any work on the main roof slope for safety and HSE compliance — we include this in the quote. Like-for-like re-roofs do not need planning permission, but switching to a different material (e.g. tile to slate), changing the roof line, or adding rooflights/dormers may require permitted development or full planning. We'll advise during the quote.

Question 7

What's included in a full re-roof?

Accepted Answer

A full re-roof typically includes: scaffolding, stripping the existing covering, replacing the breathable membrane (felt) and battens, fitting new ridge and hip tiles bedded in flexible mortar or dry-fix, new lead flashings to chimneys and abutments, new code 4 lead valleys where needed, new eaves trays, and disposal of all waste. We also offer dry verge upgrades as standard.

Question 8

How long does it take to re-roof a house?

Accepted Answer

A typical 3-bed semi takes 5–8 working days from scaffold up to scaffold down, weather depending. Larger detached homes or properties with multiple chimneys, valleys or dormers can take 10–14 days. We always give you a clear day-by-day plan before starting.

Question 9

What guarantee do you offer on roofing work?

Accepted Answer

Repairs are guaranteed for 12 months. Full re-roofs come with a 10-year workmanship guarantee, and most modern tiles and membranes carry their own manufacturer's warranty of 30+ years. All guarantees are issued in writing.

Question 10

Do you handle ridge tiles, lead flashing and chimney work?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we re-bed loose ridge tiles (or upgrade to dry-fix), repoint and rebuild chimney stacks, and replace lead flashings, soakers and step flashings using code 4 / code 5 lead. Chimney leaks are one of the most common causes of upstairs damp and are often quick and inexpensive to put right.

Question 11

How much does a new flat roof cost in the UK?

Accepted Answer

As a guide: a felt flat roof costs £55–£90 per m², EPDM rubber £75–£110 per m², and GRP fibreglass £90–£140 per m². A typical garage roof (around 18m²) is £1,400–£2,400 in GRP fully installed, including stripping the old roof, new OSB3 deck, trims and new lead flashings.

Question 12

Felt vs EPDM rubber vs GRP fibreglass — which flat roof is best?

Accepted Answer

GRP fibreglass is our most-recommended system: it's seamless, walkable, hail-resistant and typically lasts 25–30+ years. EPDM rubber is single-piece, very flexible and lasts 30–50 years — ideal for larger or awkward roofs. Felt is the cheapest but only lasts 10–15 years. We'll quote all three honestly so you can choose on price vs longevity.

Question 13

How long does a flat roof last?

Accepted Answer

Modern torch-on felt: 10–15 years. EPDM rubber: 30–50 years. GRP fibreglass: 25–30+ years (often longer when properly installed over a new deck). Lifespan depends heavily on the deck below and the upstand and flashing detailing — which is where most flat roofs actually fail.

Question 14

Why does my flat roof leak — can it be repaired or does it need replacing?

Accepted Answer

Most flat roof leaks come from splits at upstands, perished felt seams, failed lead flashings, or ponding water sitting on a sagging deck. Small splits and blisters can be patched cost-effectively, but if the felt is bubbling across large areas or the deck feels spongy underfoot, a full replacement is usually the better long-term value. We'll always quote both options.

Question 15

Can a flat roof be installed in winter?

Accepted Answer

GRP fibreglass and torch-on felt need dry conditions and surface temperatures above ~5°C, so winter installs are possible on dry days but we'll always check the forecast first. EPDM rubber is more flexible and can be installed in colder conditions. Emergency leak repairs we'll do all year round.

Question 16

Do you re-deck the flat roof or just replace the covering?

Accepted Answer

If the existing OSB or ply deck is sound, dry and level, we'll overlay it. If we find rot, sag, or the timber is more than 18mm out of level, we'll strip it back and fit a new 18mm OSB3 deck with falls — this is the only way to give a flat roof its full design life. Any decking required is itemised on the quote.

Question 17

Will a new flat roof be walkable, and can I add a balcony?

Accepted Answer

GRP fibreglass and EPDM are both pedestrian-rated for occasional access (cleaning gutters, window cleaners). For regular use as a balcony or terrace we install a heavy-duty GRP system with anti-slip aggregate and a separate fixed walkway or paving on pedestals — let us know at quote stage so we can spec it correctly.

Question 18

What guarantee do you provide on a new flat roof?

Accepted Answer

GRP fibreglass roofs come with a 20-year insurance-backed manufacturer guarantee plus our 10-year workmanship guarantee. EPDM systems come with a 20-year manufacturer guarantee. Felt roofs are guaranteed for 10 years. All guarantees are issued in writing on completion.

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