Why is my leak not directly above the damp patch?

Water tracks along battens, rafters and felt before it drops, so entry and appearance points are often metres apart. This is why a competent roofer will inspect the loft as well as the outside.

Do I need scaffolding for a small repair?

Not always — some low-level or single-tile work can be done from a properly footed ladder or tower — but any sustained work on a pitched roof normally requires proper access. Ask the roofer to explain their access plan.

Does roofing work need building control approval?

Replacing a large proportion of a roof covering can be notifiable work in England, particularly where insulation or structure is affected. Ask your roofer whether your job falls into that category before it starts.

How long does a re-roof take?

It depends on the size and shape of the roof, the covering and the weather, so ask for an estimated programme and what happens if rain interrupts it while the roof is open.

Roofers in the West Midlands

Roofing work ranges from a single slipped tile after high winds to a full re-roof with new battens, membrane and flashing. A large share of jobs posted on FixAll-er are leak investigations, where the damp patch inside is rarely directly under the actual fault.

Flat roofs, chimney flashing, valleys and around dormers are common failure points on older housing. Describe where the water appears, when it appears (heavy rain, wind-driven rain, or constantly), the roof type and its age, and you will receive quotes from roofers interested in the job.

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Typical roofing jobs

Slipped, cracked or missing tile and slate replacement
Leak tracing and emergency temporary covering
Ridge and hip tile re-bedding and re-pointing
Chimney flashing, lead work and valley repairs
Full re-roofs including battens, membrane and dry ridge systems
Flat roof repairs and replacement in felt, EPDM, GRP or single-ply
Fascias, soffits, bargeboards and guttering
Moss removal and roof cleaning
Roof window and dormer weathering

What to think about before you book

Repair or replace

Ask for photographs of the fault and a clear explanation of why a repair will or will not last. A localised repair on an otherwise sound roof is very different from patching a covering at the end of its life.

Access equipment

Scaffolding is a genuine cost and a safety requirement on most pitched work. Check whether it is included in the quote, who arranges it and for how long.

Insurance and guarantees

Confirm public liability insurance and ask what guarantee is offered on workmanship, in writing, alongside any manufacturer warranty on materials.

Storm damage and insurance claims

If you plan to claim, photograph the damage before any temporary repair and check what evidence your insurer wants.

Beware doorstep offers

Unsolicited callers reporting a fault they have spotted from the road are a long-standing problem. Get an independent second opinion before agreeing to work.

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Roofing: common questions

Why is my leak not directly above the damp patch?: Water tracks along battens, rafters and felt before it drops, so entry and appearance points are often metres apart. This is why a competent roofer will inspect the loft as well as the outside.
Do I need scaffolding for a small repair?: Not always — some low-level or single-tile work can be done from a properly footed ladder or tower — but any sustained work on a pitched roof normally requires proper access. Ask the roofer to explain their access plan.
Does roofing work need building control approval?: Replacing a large proportion of a roof covering can be notifiable work in England, particularly where insulation or structure is affected. Ask your roofer whether your job falls into that category before it starts.
How long does a re-roof take?: It depends on the size and shape of the roof, the covering and the weather, so ask for an estimated programme and what happens if rain interrupts it while the roof is open.

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