Roofing questions, answered
One worry, one page. Each answer opens with the reply itself, then gives the reason and what to do next, so you can decide whether you need a roofer at all.
How to check a roofer is legitimate
What can I do about a bad roofer?
Doorstep roofing scams and how to spot them
Can I cancel a roofing contract in the cooling off period?
What should a roofing quote include?- How much deposit should a roofer ask for?
General roofing
- How to check a roofer is legitimate
- What can I do about a bad roofer?
- Doorstep roofing scams and how to spot them
- Can I cancel a roofing contract in the cooling off period?
- What should a roofing quote include?
- How much deposit should a roofer ask for?
- Insurance backed roofing guarantee, explained
- Do roofing companies offer finance?
- How much do roofers charge per day in the UK?
- Roofer or builder: who should do your roof work?
- Do you need a party wall notice for roof work?
- Building control in Swindon for roof work
- Roof work in the North Wessex Downs and Cotswolds
- Gable, hip or flat: the main roof shapes on UK homes
- How long do roofs last in the UK? Lifespans by material
- Roofing terms explained: a plain-English glossary
- Should I fix my roof before selling my house?
- Is roofing a dangerous job?
- Barbers in Swindon, area by area
- Our roofing work in Swindon, on video
Pitched roofing
- What is the life expectancy of a pitched roof?
- What is the most economical roof pitch in the UK?
- Why do roof tiles slip, and how are they fixed?
- Should I replace or seal a cracked roof tile?
- What is the minimum pitch for roof tiles?
- Plain tiles or interlocking tiles: what is the difference?
- How do I match old roof tiles for a repair or extension?
- Can I change my roof from tiles to slate?
- How do you know if roof battens are rotten?
- What does torn roof felt in the loft mean?
- Do roof tiles need clips?
- What are roof tile vents and where do they go?
- Can I build a dormer without planning permission?
- What is the difference between a cut roof and a trussed roof?
- Which roof tiles work on a low pitch roof?
- What should I know about a pantile roof?
- Why are my roof tiles lifting in the wind?
- Can you walk on roof tiles without breaking them?
- Is my tiled roof ready for solar panels?
- How do you measure roof pitch?
Flat roofing
- How many layers of felt should a flat roof have?
- Can you put a new roof over an old flat roof?
- How long should a flat roof last in the UK?
- Do modern flat roofs leak?
- What are the signs a flat roof needs replacing?
- Can a flat roof be replaced in winter?
- Flat roofs in a conservation area
- Is a flat roof harder to insure?
- EPDM vs GRP: which flat roof is better?
- Is a liquid rubber flat roof worth considering?
- Blisters on a flat roof: should you worry?
- What is the minimum fall for a flat roof?
- Why does my flat roof feel spongy underfoot?
- Can you safely walk on a flat roof?
- What is flat roof edge trim, and why does it fail?
- Can I put a green roof on my extension?
- Why is water pooling on my flat roof?
- Is a single ply membrane a good choice for a house roof?
- Replacing the flat roof on a dormer
- Can you insulate a flat roof from above?
Roof replacement
- Do you have to empty the loft for a new roof?
- How long does it take to reroof a house?
- Should old roofing felt be removed when you re-roof?
- Can roofing be done in the rain?
- Can I replace my own roof?
- What causes a roof to fail?
- Is planning permission needed to replace a roof?
- Can you stay at home during a roof replacement?
- Can you replace just one side of a roof?
- Should you repair the chimney while the roof is being replaced?
- Should you replace fascias and gutters when re-roofing?
- Should you add loft insulation when re-roofing?
- Can I reuse my old roof tiles on a new roof?
- What happens when roof timbers need replacing?
- What happens to the waste from a roof replacement?
- Can you have a metal roof on a house in the UK?
- How do I work out how old my roof is?
- Should I tell my neighbours about a roof replacement?
- Will a new roof raise the value of my house?
- Re-roofing a bungalow: what is different
Roof repairs
- How much does it cost to repair a roof valley?
- Is it illegal to work on a roof without scaffolding?
- Are roof repairs worth it, or should I replace?
- Can I repair my own roof safely?
- What damages roofs the most?
- How long does a roof repair take?
- Why is my roof still leaking after a repair?
- What does a guarantee on roof repairs really cover?
- Is roof sealant a repair or a stopgap?
- What to do about wet loft insulation
- Is it a roof leak or just condensation?
- Roof only leaks in heavy rain: what is failing?
- Can a small roof leak wait?
- Is daylight in the loft a problem?
- Can a leaking roof be fixed from the loft?
- What happens when a roof valley gets blocked?
- What causes a parapet wall to leak?
- Why does my roof leak where it meets a wall?
- Why is my bay window roof leaking?
- Porch roof repair: felt, tile and lead
Emergency roof repairs
- How is a tarpaulin fixed to a damaged roof?
- What does an out-of-hours roofer cost?
- What counts as a storm for home insurance?
- What should you do when roof tiles blow off?
- A roof leak near a light fitting: what to do
- What should you do about a ceiling bulging with water?
- Can you repair your roof before making an insurance claim?
- What evidence do you need for a roof insurance claim?
- What can you do when a roof insurance claim is rejected?
- How do you stop an emergency flat roof leak for now?
- Lightning damage to a roof: signs, safety and repair
- Is it the gutter or the roof that is leaking?
- What hail can do to a roof, and what to check
- When a neighbour's roof tiles damage your property
- How long can a tarp stay on a roof?
- Does home insurance pay for temporary roof repairs?
- How do you deal with storm chaser roofers?
- Does accidental damage cover pay for roof damage?
- What to do when flashing blows off your roof
- Is a roof leak worth claiming for?
Slate roofing
- How long does a slate roof last?
- Why has one slate slipped, and can it be fixed?
- What is a slate tingle, and how long does it hold?
- What is nail sickness on a slate roof?
- What does a single replacement slate cost?
- Can you waterproof a slate roof with a coating?
- What is the lowest pitch a slate roof can have?
- Is a slate roof dearer than a tile roof?
- Can you walk on a slate roof?
- Why are my slates flaking?
- Repair the slate roof or re-slate it?
- How are valleys formed on a slate roof?
- How do you match existing slates?
- How heavy is a slate roof?
- Can a cracked slate be repaired?
- Why is my slate roof leaking?
- What are sarking boards under a slate roof?
- What is torching under slates, and should it stay?
- Can you put solar panels on a slate roof?
- What is vertical slate hanging, and how does it age?
Dry ridge and ridge tile repairs
- Can you just repoint ridge tiles?
- Why is my dry verge rattling, and how is it fixed?
- What to do when a ridge tile has fallen off
- Can I fit a dry verge to my existing roof?
- What mortar mix is used for ridge tiles?
- Should a cracked ridge tile be replaced or sealed?
- Why do dry verge caps blow off, and how are they replaced?
- Is DIY ridge tile repair a good idea?
- What is a hip iron and why does it matter?
- What are the types of ridge tiles?
- What is verge undercloak?
- Why are my ridge tiles leaking, and what stops it?
- How long does ridge repair take?
- Do you need scaffolding for ridge tile repair?
- Is mortar bedding for ridge tiles still allowed?
- Why does ridge mortar crack?
- How does a dry hip system work?
- What colour should dry verge units be to match my tiles?
- Are gaps under my ridge tiles a problem?
- Can you fit a dry ridge on a slate roof?
Chimney repairs
- Do you need scaffolding to repair a chimney?
- What causes a cracked chimney and how is it repaired?
- Signs of a blocked chimney
- Should you cap a disused chimney?
- Why is my chimney breast damp inside the house?
- Do I need permission to remove a chimney?
- Why do chimney pots crack, and how are they replaced?
- Why are my chimney bricks spalling, and what is the fix?
- Do you need a chimney sweep or a roofer?
- Chimney breast removed: is the stack above still supported?
- How long does a chimney repair take?
- Who pays for a shared chimney stack, and how do you agree the work?
- Does chimney waterproofing work, or does it trap moisture?
- What is a chimney back gutter?
- How is a chimney reduced in height, and what needs consent?
- Can you repoint a chimney yourself, and should you?
- Is an aerial bad for a chimney?
- Is rendering a chimney a good idea, or a moisture trap?
- What does a chimney inspection cover?
- Is chimney repair covered by home insurance?
Lead roofing
- How long does a lead roof last?
- Why does lead crack on a roof?
- Is lead roofing safe to live under?
- What code of lead should I use for flashing?
- What are lead soakers and where are they used?
- Can lead flashing be repointed, or does it need replacing?
- What is the maximum length of lead sheet on a roof?
- Does home insurance cover stolen roof lead?
- Why does new lead leave white staining, and can it be prevented?
- How is a leaking lead flat roof mended?
- Lead or zinc for a roof: which should you choose?
- What is lead welding and where is it used on a roof?
- Can you fit lead flashing yourself?
- What are lead wedges and why do flashings need them?
- Why does my lead-lined parapet gutter keep leaking?
- Who keeps the old lead when a roof is replaced?
- Is flashing tape as good as lead flashing?
- Copper or lead for flashing: which is the better choice?
- What is a lead apron flashing and when does it need replacing?
- What is a lead saddle and why does it crack?
Gutters, soffits and fascias
- How do I fix a gap between my roof and gutter?
- Do roofers fit fascias and soffits?
- How do I know if my fascia needs replacing?
- What fall should a gutter have per metre?
- Can fascia cladding go over my old timber boards?
- Why is my gutter sagging, and can it be refixed?
- Are gutter guards worth fitting?
- How long do uPVC fascias last?
- How long does guttering last?
- Are black fascias and soffits a good choice?
- Why are my soffits going mouldy?
- How long to replace fascias and soffits on a house?
- Do I have asbestos soffits, and who can remove them?
- Why does my gutter overflow in heavy rain?
- How do I know if my downpipe is blocked?
- What are seamless aluminium gutters and where do they suit?
- How far apart should gutter brackets be?
- Half round or square gutter: which carries more?
- Can you fit a water butt to a downpipe?
- Who is responsible for a shared gutter between two houses?
Velux and roof window installation
- What is the difference between a roof window and a skylight?
- Where is the best place for a roof window?
- What can you fit instead of a skylight?
- How long does it take to fit a roof window?
- Does a side facing roof window need obscure glass?
- Are electric roof windows worth it?
- What size roof window do you need?
- Why is my flat roof skylight leaking?
- Are roof windows noisy in the rain?
- Which blinds suit roof windows?
- How do you look after a roof window?
- Dormer or roof window: which is better?
- How secure is a roof window?
- Why does my skylight make the room too hot?
- What does trimming rafters for a roof window mean?
- How high should a rooflight upstand be?
- Condensation on roof windows in winter
- What can be done about broken roof window glass?
- Can a roof window be fitted to any roof?
- Can I fit a roof window myself?
Roof inspections and surveys
- How often should a roof be inspected?
- Roof survey vs building survey
- How long does a roof inspection take?
- Do I need a roof survey?
- Free roof inspection or a paid report: which do you need?
- What causes damp in a loft?
- What should you check in your loft?
- How do you snag a new build roof?
- Should a roof inspection include photos?
- How is a roof measured for a quote?
- Checking the roof before you bid at auction
- Does a mortgage lender need a roof report?
- Roofer or surveyor for a roof inspection?
- How does a pole camera roof inspection work?
- What to do after a roof report
- Roof timber surveys: rot and woodworm
- Do you need to be home for a roof inspection?
- Who is responsible for a leasehold flat roof?
- Can a roof be inspected in the rain?
- Your first roof check after moving in
Roof cleaning and moss removal
- Will home insurance pay for moss damage to a roof?
- How long before moss grows back on a cleaned roof?
- Can I remove roof moss myself from the ground?
- Is roof moss killer safe around plants and pets?
- How do you clean concrete roof tiles without wearing them down?
- How long does a roof clean take?
- What are the black streaks on my roof and how are they treated?
- How do you clean a conservatory roof safely?
- Can a roof be cleaned without scaffolding?
- What does a moss free guarantee really promise?
- Do zinc strips stop moss on a roof?
- Is it worth cleaning the roof before you sell your house?
- Why does moss grow on the north side of a roof?
- How often does a roof actually need cleaning?
- How to deal with moss on a shed roof
- Can slipped tiles and ridges be fixed while the roof is cleaned?
- Can overhanging trees damage your roof?
- What to do about moss blocking your gutters
- Solar panel bird proofing: what it involves
- What is the gentlest way to clean a slate roof?
Conservatory roof replacement
- How long does a polycarbonate conservatory roof last?
- Do I need planning permission for a solid conservatory roof?
- How long does it take to replace a conservatory roof?
- Does a solid roof turn my conservatory into an extension?
- Can I replace just one polycarbonate sheet on my conservatory roof?
- Does self-cleaning glass really keep a conservatory roof clean?
- Why is my conservatory roof so loud in the rain?
- Do I have to tell my insurer about a new conservatory roof?
- Why is my conservatory too hot, and can a new roof fix it?
- What should I know about replacing a lean-to conservatory roof?
- What does a Victorian conservatory roof need when it is replaced?
- Can a conservatory with a solid roof have a plastered ceiling?
- Can a solid conservatory roof have skylights?
- Is a DIY conservatory roof kit a good idea?
- Does a conservatory roof need a vent?
- Why is my conservatory gutter leaking?
- Does resealing a conservatory roof stop leaks?
- Can a conservatory roof be tiled to match the house?
- Why does my conservatory roof get condensation?
- Are conservatory roof blinds worth fitting, or should you replace the roof?
Garage roof replacement
- Is my garage roof made of asbestos?
- Does removing an asbestos garage roof need a licence?
- How much does an asbestos test cost for a garage roof?
- How long does a garage roof last?
- Felt or EPDM for a garage roof?
- Is a garage roof covered by home insurance?
- Broken asbestos garage roof sheet: what to do
- How long to replace a garage roof, start to finish?
- Can you replace a garage roof in winter?
- Concrete sectional garage roofs
- Why does a metal garage roof drip with condensation?
- How is asbestos from a garage roof disposed of?
- Can you turn a flat garage roof into a pitched one?
- Can a felt garage roof be repaired?
- Are felt shingles good for a shed?
- Do you need guttering on a garage roof?
- Can you put a skylight in a garage roof?
- Carport roof options
- Can I sell a house with an asbestos garage roof?
- Garage block roofs: who repairs them?
Spray foam insulation removal
- Does spray foam have to be removed?
- How long does spray foam removal take?
- Is it safe to remove spray foam yourself?
- Does spray foam affect home insurance?
- Will spray foam removal mean a new roof?
- Does spraying foam under the tiles fix a leaking roof?
- Is partial spray foam removal an option?
- My surveyor flagged spray foam: what now?
- Is there a spray foam removal certificate?
- Does the roof need ventilation after spray foam removal?
- Spray foam on a flat roof
- Can spray foam be removed from a breathable roof membrane?
- Buying a house with spray foam
- How messy is spray foam removal?
- Do Building Regulations apply to spray foam removal?
- Spray foam in a garage roof
- Will my house be colder after spray foam removal?
- Can spray foam be removed in winter?
- Spray foam in a rented property
- Why does my spray foam smell?
Commercial roofing
- How many layers does a commercial roof have in the UK?
- Which commercial roof system lasts longest?
- Can roof repairs be done while the business stays open?
- Commercial roof surveys
- What do HSE rules mean for asbestos cement roof sheets on a commercial building?
- Replacing rooflights on an industrial unit
- Industrial gutter lining
- Winter checks for commercial roofs
- How long does a commercial re-roof take?
- What are composite roof panels?
- Does the ecclesiastical exemption cover church roof repairs?
- What does a barn roof replacement involve?
- Can your commercial roof take solar panels?
- Industrial roof leaks: common causes
- What does a shop roof repair involve?
- Why is my metal roof noisy?
- How does siphonic roof drainage work, and why do outlets block?
- Dilapidations and roof repairs at lease end
- What should you know before a commercial property roof insurance claim?
- Do you need planning permission to replace a commercial roof?
Cotswold stone roofing
- How long does a Cotswold stone roof last?
- Is it called a stone slate or a stone tile?
- How do oak pegs hold a stone roof together?
- What pitch does a Cotswold stone roof have?
- What are the traditional names for Cotswold stone slates?
- What should I know about home insurance for a stone roof?
- What consent do I need for a stone roof in a conservation area?
- What should I do if stone slates are stolen from my roof?
- Why are sandstone and limestone roof slates never mixed?
- What are stone ridge tiles and how do they differ from clay?
- What goes under a Cotswold stone roof: underlay or torching?
- Cotswold stone or Welsh slate: which belongs on your roof?
- How is a dormer built on a stone slate roof?
- What should I check when buying a house with a stone roof?
- Can I put a stone roof on an extension?
- How is the verge of a stone roof built, and what goes wrong?
- How is a stone roof sealed where it meets a wall?
- Does frost damage Cotswold stone slates?
- What are the two stones behind Cotswold slate roofs?
- Should I repair or relay my stone roof?
People tend to search when a ceiling stains or a quote lands on the doormat. These pages cover both situations. You will find replies on spotting a rogue trader, paying a deposit, the fourteen-day cancellation period, party wall notices and whether an old cement sheet roof is a worry. Others explain roof shapes, lifespans and the jargon roofers use.
Every answer stays short and plain. Where the reply hinges on your particular roof, the page explains what a survey would examine instead of guessing from afar. Where rules apply, we name the source and suggest confirming details with your council or building control body.
A bigger question than one page can hold? The roofing guides go further. Something urgent? Ring 01793 626096 or use WhatsApp. Storm damage and active leaks are the jobs we put first, and we stop the water coming in before we discuss anything else.
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