Planning for a roof repair

You’d be forgiven for taking your roof for granted. For the most part, it sits there, unassuming, protecting you and your home from the elements.

But every now and again, it might need a little TLC, and we’re here to help you prepare for it. Our guide to planning for roof repair outlines what to expect (and what to budget) for this crucial home maintenance task.

Are you in need of emergency roof repairs?

If you need emergency roof repair, you can find the best local roofers in our leading directory. We check and approve all our tradespeople, making it quicker and easier for you to confidently make the right hire. Search your postcode to see who comes highly rated in your area.

Why roof repairs need immediate action

Your roof plays a leading role in keeping your home protected and secure. It’s therefore important it’s kept in tip-top condition. Leaving roof damage untreated can lead to:

• Damp and mould – If water gets into your home via a damaged roof, it can cause damp spots, mould, and stains on the ceilings and walls
• Structural damage – In turn, this water exposure can affect the structural integrity of your roof and your home, which is unsafe and leads to costly repairs
• Reduced energy efficiency – Damage to your roof will compromise your home’s ability to retain heat, making it less energy efficient and increasing your heating bills

Signs that your roof is in need of repair

Regularly inspecting your roof can help spot any early signs of damage and save you from extensive (and costly!) repairs.

• Internal checks: Look in your loft and around the top floor of your home, to check for any signs of stains, damp, or mould on the walls or ceilings
• External checks: Missing, cracked, or curled shingles, sagging, and debris could all be signs of roof damage

Never climb onto your roof to look for signs of damage. External checks should be done from the ground; hire an experienced roofer or drone roof surveyor for a detailed inspection.

Understanding whether you need a roof repair or roof replacement

Realising that you have a damaged roof can leave you seeing pound signs. A full roof replacement is more costly than roof repairs, so how do you know which one you need?

An experienced roofer can recommend the most suitable course of action to get your roof back to its best. They will factor in:

The extent of damage

Roof damage, such as missing tiles, cracks and holes, damaged ridges, or loose flashings can often be repaired. However, if the damage has spread across a major section of the roof, it may need a full replacement.

The age of your roof

Older roofs might be coming to the end of their natural lifespan, and it might be better to replace, rather than repeatedly repair the roof.

Cost

If you’re regularly shelling out for roof repairs, it could be time to commit to a full roof replacement to save money in the long run.

If replacement is the recommended route for your home, our roof replacement cost guide will help you budget for this expense.

Planning for roof repair: first steps

When planning for roof repair, a professional roofer will first inspect your roof. They will assess the extent of the damage and provide a quote for the work. They will either access the roof to do this or conduct a drone roof survey

Your roofer will then provide a written quote outlining the cost of the recommended repairs, including materials and labour.

If it’s not clear, check whether your roofing expert will hire scaffolding, and if so, is it included in the quote? The same applies for waste removal.

Hiring high-quality roofers

Having received your quote for roof repairs, what’s the best way to make sure you make the right hire?

1. Get multiple quotes

Firstly, don’t just get one quote. We always recommend getting at least three quotes from tradespeople to compare. Do this quickly and easily using our request a quote form.

2. Check they have valid insurance

Make sure you hire a roofer who has valid Public Liability Insurance. It’ll pay to put things right should an accident happen. All Checkatrade members must hold this – providing extra reassurance when hiring a trade through our leading directory.

3. Check customer reviews

It’s well worth taking the time to read online reviews from past customers. This is often a great way of checking a tradesperson’s reputation and the quality of their work.

4. Look for guarantees

Your roof is key to the structural integrity of the rest of your property, so you need to be able to rely on the repair work.

When you find and book your trade with us, we’ll guarantee their work up to £1,000. Guaranteed for 12 months – Eligibility and T&Cs apply.

Planning for roof repair: How much might it cost?

The cost of roof repairs will depend on the extent of the damage and the type of roof you have.

As a ballpark figure, expect to pay around £110 - £160 per m² when planning for roof repairs on a pitched clay tile roof.

No two roof repair projects are the same. However, our detailed roof repair cost guide outlines more information to help with typical costs.

You may also need to budget for the cost of internal decoration if your roof damage has led to damp or mould on your walls or ceilings.

On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.

Finding an approved local roofer

Regular inspections can often help to identify minor repairs that can be fixed with relative ease without putting too much of a strain on your wallet.

However, if roof damage is left untreated, it could lead to more serious and costly issues.

Never attempt roof repairs yourself. Aside from the danger of working at height, your roof plays a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity of your entire home. It’s therefore important when planning roof repairs, that you contact an experienced professional.

Search your postocde to find trusted and reputable roofing experts in your local area.