Repair or refurbish a roof

Roof repair and refurbishment starts with roof covering, battens, felt or membrane, rafters, insulation, ventilation, chimneys, flashings, gutters, rooflights and access. The survey should identify whether you need repair, re-roofing or a deeper structural project.

Good Roofers check the roof from outside and inside where possible. Damp timbers, failed felt, slipped tiles and poor ventilation can change a small repair into a larger job.

Roof replacement may include scaffold, strip-off, disposal, new membrane, battens, tiles or slates, leadwork, dry ridge, insulation, rooflights, gutters and chimney work. Flat roofs add deck, vapour control, falls and drainage.

Quotes should separate scaffold, covering, membrane, battens, insulation, flashings, rainwater goods and any timber repair allowance. A cheap re-roof that ignores rotten decking can quickly change price.

UK roof replacement often falls around GBP 120 to GBP 275 per m2, with many full roofs around GBP 7,000 to GBP 18,000 depending on size, access and material. Slate, complex hips, valleys, chimneys and insulation increase cost.

Scaffold, skips, access, leadwork, timber repairs, insulation upgrades and rooflights are major cost drivers. If more than a significant part of the roof is replaced, Building Control and insulation upgrades may apply.

The process runs from survey and quote to scaffold, strip-off, timber repairs, membrane, battens, covering, flashings, gutters, snagging and handover. A simple roof may take days; larger refurbishments can take two weeks or more.

Weather protection matters. Good roofers plan daily cover and do not expose more roof than they can protect if rain arrives.

Concrete tile, clay tile, natural slate, fibre cement slate, metal, felt, GRP and EPDM each have different lifespan, weight, look and maintenance. Local character and roof pitch affect what is suitable.

The visible covering is only part of the system. Ventilation, underlay, fixings, flashings and gutters prevent many future failures.

Before work starts, clear loft access, driveway space, garden edges and scaffold areas. Warn neighbours about scaffold, skips and noise.

Roofing is seasonal and weather-sensitive. Book early if you need work before winter, sale, insurance deadline or a solar installation.

Common mistakes are patching a roof that needs renewal, ignoring ventilation, accepting vague leadwork details and installing solar on a tired roof. Insurance storm claims need clear evidence and timing.

Use the customer guide and checklists to compare roof quotes by system detail. Ask about guarantees, photographic evidence and what happens if hidden damage appears.