Roofers Guide

What does a roofer do?

Roofers are professionals who work on the construction, repair and the maintenance of roofs.

The profession requires an ability to work at height to ensure that the roof they're working on is completed or repaired to the highest standards. It's imperative that this is finished as a roof is often a property's first protection against the weather and if any part isn't up to scratch the potential for damage is immense.

Many roofers enter the profession through an apprenticeship scheme and remain in the industry for a considerable amount of time. This means that customers looking for an experienced roofer are in luck as many have been in the business for decades and can almost guarantee a certain level of quality and assurance that only experience can provide.

Many roofers are able to fix leaks, repair roof shingles, offer roof quotes for a variety of services and completely fix or reimagine a roof, depending on your specifications. Not only that, but many also provide flat roof and garage roof services and repair options.

How much do roofers charge?

A lot of the decisions we make all come down to cost. How much something is, is often what drives not just when we want something but also how we want something and hiring an experienced roofer is no different.

The cost you'll incur for a roofer will be different depending on many factors. For starters the scope of the job that you require will have a significant bearing on cost, a simple leak that's caught early will be at a significantly reduced repair cost compared to one that has been allowed to cause major damage. The earlier you catch the issue, the more likely the lower the cost which won't be as damaging to your bank balance.

The area where you live and the time a job will take will also have an impact on the end cost. Your location, in particular, will vary your expense with more rural locations often cheaper than urban areas. However, the material that your roof requires for a repair or reimagining will also alter your final bill.

The best way to ensure you get affordable roofing and don't pay over the odds is by asking for a written estimate from a professional roofer so that you know the costs before you take the plunge and hire them.

What roofing issues can a roofer help you with?

Your roof can come under a tremendous amount of pressure from the weather, animals and even the passage of time itself. However, there are a few issues that crop up more than most, all of which you need to be aware of:

• Leaks
• Small critters
• Water retention
• Overhanging trees
• Poor ventilation
• Faulty installation
• Lack of maintenance

The problems that a roof can encounter aren't just restricted to this list though. However, you may find that the roof of your property has one or perhaps more of these issues, especially if you haven't checked on its condition within the last few years. Don't ignore the problem, get in touch with a local roofer and ensure your roof problems don't escalate and cost you more money than it needs to.

Common Roofing Questions

When it comes to hiring a roofer, you’ll want to know that they’re the best professional for the job. While many will know precisely not just what they need to do but how they need to do it, it might be worth asking a few of the following questions not only when your roofer arrives but also to prevent them being required in the first place.

What should you ask your roofer?

With any tradesman, there are many questions you should ask before you hire them to ensure that your expectations are made clear to the roofer and that you understand the complexity of the job.

Before you hire a roofer, ensure you ask for an estimate and a written down quote so that you can see all costs up front. By doing this, you'll know exactly what will be used, what will be done and it can also potentially give you further lines of questioning if you don't understand some of what the roofer is charging for. By doing this, you'll understand the work that's being undertaken on your property, and it should make it easier to attain affordable roofing that covers exactly what you want.

You'll also want to discuss the length of time that the job will take with your roofer. When attaining a roof estimate, ask how long they believe the job will take and also ask them to factor in any potential complications. Doing this will allow you and the roofer to have a mutual understanding and potentially avoid future issues.

How often should I get my roof checked?

While this will depend on many factors including the weather and age of the material, in general, a shingle roof will require a professional roof inspection every three years whereas a tile roof will need a check every five or so years.

If you've had a particularly bad period of weather or issues with damp or leaks in your loft or upper floors of your home, it's best to get it checked out to minimise further damage to both your property and your bank balance.

Do roofers work in the rain or snow?

It’s rare for roofers to work in either rain or snow. Understandably, this is mainly due to the height that they work, so a slippery surface caused by rain or snow has the potential to cause serious or even fatal injuries for professional roofers.

How should I look after my roof?

The first thing you should do is keep an eye on it. It seems obvious, but it's easy to fall into the trap of taking your roof for granted and never checking it. The easiest way to do this is during the daytime when you can look for obvious signs of sunlight making its way into your loft. You should also check for signs of leaks, damp or damage, especially after high winds or other forms of extreme weather.

If at any point you find that there are changes, no matter how small, ensure you get in touch with a roofer and find out if there is anything wrong and if so, get it fixed to minimise future costs - which are likely to be substantially more. Catching a roof leak early will give you more chance of keeping those costs down.

Can roofers help with a garage roof replacement?

Most roofers will also be able to help with a garage roof replacement whether it’s a flat roof or a more conventional one. Once you’ve identified that you want a garage roof replacement or roof repair the best thing to do is to go straight to a professional and ask for an estimate and an idea on how long it will take.

Gutters

You'll often find a gutter at the point of a property where the roof meets the side walls. Its sole aim is to collect the water that runs down a pitched roof and to deposit it away from the home safely and securely without causing damage.

A gutter is a recommended way of preventing water ingress but aren't a necessary inclusion for a home. In fact, many modern properties have forgone including gutters, instead focusing on designing the roof of a property in such a way the water runs off in the right areas more naturally. However, the majority of properties that you see will still have gutters and as such, they require maintenance and repair.

One of the most common problems with gutters is that when they build up with materials like leaves and twigs. This can cause blockages, which means that the water has nowhere to go, resulting in an overflow. This is why many roofers are able to offer not just gutter repair services but also gutter cleaning options, especially if you identify an issue before it causes significant damage to either the gutter itself or the building.

How long does guttering last?

Gutters can last for decades if maintained correctly with copper gutters potentially lasting up to 50 years. In general, 20 years is an appropriate period of time for the lifespan of gutters but only if you keep up regular checks and ensure it is free from potential damage.

How much do gutters cost?

The cost of either replacing a gutter, getting a new gutter or just general gutter maintenance can depend on many factors. The amount of work involved, materials required and the time it will take are primary issues when discovering the cost of a potential job.

The location will also play a pivotal role in the true price of the total cost as urban areas or more difficult to reach roofs are likely to come with a premium rate. To discover the true price of gutters, get in touch with your local roofer who should be able to provide you with a free estimate.

Shingles

Shingles are flat, rectangular pieces that are laid from the bottom of the roof up to where they meet at the top on all sides, with each shingle overlapping the one below. This creates a system whereby water naturally runs off of a roof and down to the floor or a gutter in a controlled manner, preventing damage and water ingress.

A shingle roof can last anywhere between 20 to 50 years depending on the type of shingle material and the level of care it has received. Property owners with fibre cement shingles, for example, should expect at least around 25 years while asphalt shingles will only last around 20 years.

Like many other parts of a roof, shingles must be kept adequately maintained and looked after - otherwise you run the risk of needing to replace them which can come with a hefty cost.

Where can I find a recommended local roofer?

If you're looking for a recommended roofer then you're in the right place. All you need to do is visit our Roofing Services page and search for a roofer in your local area. From there you'll be able to find the contact details and previous customer reviews of all of the local roofers near you.