Roofing questions, answered

Yes — a free, no-obligation roof inspection. It includes a roof assessment, photo documentation and a detailed written quote. There is no charge and no pressure to proceed.

Most standard repairs are finished within one to three days. A minor tile replacement can take half a day; work involving leadwork, a chimney or structural repairs can take longer. Your quote includes the timescale.

Yes. We provide the photographs, the damage report and an itemised quote, which is usually what an insurer needs. Confirm your cover with your insurer first, then we will arrange the inspection and prepare the documentation.

It depends on the roof's age, its condition, and how far the damage has spread. During the free survey we assess all three and explain the pros, the cons and the cost of each route. If a repair is the sensible answer, that is what we will recommend.

Yes. We carry public liability insurance and can provide proof of cover before any work starts on your property.

Traditional felt typically lasts 10–15 years. EPDM rubber systems last 40–50 years. Fibreglass GRP can exceed 30 years with minimal maintenance. Regular inspection and prompt minor repairs extend any roof's life significantly.

Membrane damage from age or weather, failed flashings around edges and penetrations, poor installation, inadequate drainage causing water to pool, and structural movement creating cracks. Most leaks start small and get worse, so inspections catch problems before they cause interior damage.

Small localised damage usually repairs easily and cost-effectively. Widespread deterioration, several leaks, or a roof over 20 years old often justifies complete replacement. We give an honest assessment at the free survey and only suggest replacement when it is the better long-term value.

Most flat roof repairs and replacements do not need planning permission if you are maintaining the existing structure. New installations or significant height changes may. Conservation areas and listed buildings have additional restrictions.

Most flat roofing can proceed year-round. EPDM works in most conditions, torch-on felt needs dry weather, and fibreglass needs temperatures above 5°C to cure. We schedule around the forecast.

Natural slate typically lasts 100 years or more when properly installed and maintained. Welsh slate often exceeds 150 years. Spanish slate lasts 80–100 years with appropriate care. Longevity depends on installation quality, roof pitch and exposure.

Isolated damage affecting less than about 20% of the roof area usually suits repair. Widespread damage, sagging areas, or a roof approaching the end of its expected lifespan justify complete replacement. Several separate leaks usually point to a systemic problem.

Most homeowners stay in the house throughout. The work is external and causes minimal interior disruption. Expect noise during the day while old materials come off and new go on.

A like-for-like replacement using similar materials usually falls within permitted development and does not need planning permission. Conservation areas and listed buildings are stricter — you may need conservation area consent or listed building consent even for a repair if the materials change.

Yes. We source reclaimed Welsh slate matched to the size, colour and texture of the existing roof, and for conservation areas we make sure any new material complies with the requirements.

We typically respond within 24–48 hours for standard repairs, and emergency chimney repairs often happen the same or next day depending on availability. Most leak repairs are then completed within one to two days.

The codes indicate thickness. Code 4 lead is 1.8 mm thick and Code 5 is 2.24 mm. We generally use Code 4 for chimney flashing and specify Code 5 for high-exposure locations.

Yes. We match mortar to the existing work — particularly important on visible chimneys on period properties. We make up sample mixes and only start the full job once you have approved the match.

Minor mortar deterioration or isolated brick damage normally only needs repair. Severe structural damage, extensive cracking or a leaning stack usually needs rebuilding. We assess it and recommend the most cost-effective option that is safe.

Most chimney work needs scaffolding or a tower for safe access. We include the access equipment in the quote so you know the total from the start.

Quality repointing with an appropriate mortar mix typically lasts 20–30 years. Lifespan depends on the mortar, the workmanship and the exposure of the stack.

Most homes need an annual clean. Properties near trees benefit from twice-yearly service in spring and autumn. Regular clearing prevents blockages and catches small problems early.

Water overflows onto the walls and can cause damp, mould and problems at the base of the wall. A modest gutter clean prevents a much larger repair later.

Yes. These concrete gutters are common on mid-century homes. We install modern waterproof linings that eliminate the leaks, which costs less than replacement and lasts decades.

Yes — cast iron restoration and replacement that preserves the original detailing where the property requires it.

Yes. We provide scheduled maintenance contracts with reporting, which suits landlords, schools, and facilities managers who need a documented schedule of works.

Most residential properties complete in two to three days. Bungalows can finish in a day; larger detached homes take three to four. Weather can affect the timescale for safety reasons, and we keep you informed throughout.

uPVC suits most Oxford homes — durable, never needs painting, 20–30 years. Aluminium costs more but gives 30–40 years and is better suited to contemporary properties.

Yes, when the damage is genuinely localised. If only a few boards have gone, replacing those costs less than a full replacement. If several areas have deteriorated, full replacement usually works out better value.

Not always, but we usually recommend it. They work as one system, so if one has failed the other is often showing wear. Doing both at once saves the access costs and gives a consistent appearance and a single guarantee.

No. We use appropriate access and take care during removal and installation. Any roof timbers that need repair are fixed before the new boards go up, and all penetrations are sealed.

Generally no — replacing fascias and soffits counts as maintenance. Listed buildings and properties in conservation areas may have restrictions, and we will tell you at the survey if that applies.

Our emergency line is answered 24 hours a day. We prioritise genuine emergencies and dispatch as soon as we can after your call, and we prioritise situations with active water ingress or a safety risk. Response time depends on demand and your location within Oxfordshire.

Yes. We document the damage with photographs and provide a written repair estimate to support the claim. Confirm your cover with your insurer, then we will handle the documentation.

A properly installed temporary cover will protect the property for weeks or months, but it is not a permanent solution. We recommend arranging the permanent repair as soon as the weather allows.

Oxford and the surrounding Oxfordshire towns and villages — including Headington, Cowley, Summertown, Botley, Iffley, Kidlington, Abingdon, Witney, Bicester and Woodstock.

A planned aerial survey that uses a drone to capture images or video of the accessible roof areas. The imagery is then reviewed for visible condition and possible issues.

It can identify visible signs linked to water entry, but a drone cannot confirm every concealed leak. Where the cause is not visible from above, further testing is needed.

It reduces the need for unnecessary climbing during an initial assessment. The flight itself still requires proper planning and suitable conditions.

Time varies with roof size, layout, weather, access and how much imagery you need. We can tell you the likely visit time before you book.

The agreed service can include suitable images and written findings. Confirm the report format you need when you request the quote.

The images can provide useful documentation for insurers and for quotations. Check whether your insurer requires a specific type of inspection or report.