Roofer — re-roofing, repairs and storm damage
The roof is the most expensive surface on a house to renovate and the one thing standing between the structure and the weather. Bad roofing work rarely shows straight away — it shows up as damp, mould and rot that has been spreading for a season or two. By then it isn't a roofing job any more.
What separates a good roofer from the rest happens before the first tile goes on: a thorough inspection of the battens and felt, photographic evidence and a straight answer about what has to be replaced, even when that isn't what you hoped to hear. Public liability insurance, safe scaffolding and a proper method statement are non-negotiable. Expect £30–£60/hr for labour; emergency leak call-outs run £100–£250/hr.
On Marketit you'll find roofing firms that work this way. Describe your roof in the chat — rough square metres, material and age — and we'll match you with firms you can compare.
Price level
Tile roofs SEK 1,500–2,800/m² incl. materials, before the ROT deduction. Metal roofs SEK 1,200–2,200/m². Emergency repairs SEK 800–1,200/hr.
What does a roofer cost in 2026?When should you hire a roofer?
Slipped or missing tiles, damp patches on ceilings, moss and debris blocking the valleys, sagging ridge lines, or a roof over 40 years old. After any named storm, get an inspection from the ground before you claim.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Paying a deposit to a doorstep caller after a storm — the classic UK roofing scam
- Accepting a quote with no loft or batten inspection — the extras appear once the tiles are off
- Skipping scaffolding to save money, which is both unsafe and uninsurable
- Replacing only part of an old roof when the whole thing is near end of life
- Letting a leak wait until spring — water in the structure does far more damage than the repair costs
Regional differences
Lead times stretch to two to four months for full re-roofs over the summer, and longer after a named storm. Emergency leaks are usually covered with a temporary sheet within one to three days. Materials vary by region — slate is cheapest in Wales and the North, clay pantiles in the East.
Checklist before you hire
- Check for NFRC membership or a CompetentRoofer registration, and ask to see recent local work
- Confirm public liability and employers' liability insurance before anyone goes up
- Make sure scaffolding is included in the quote — a ladder-only re-roof is a red flag
- Ask for a written quote that includes an inspection of battens, felt and timbers, plus a price for replacing rotten sections
- Check whether strip-out, skip hire, building regulations notification and flashings are included
- Ask for the guarantee in writing — good firms give 10 years on workmanship, plus the material guarantee
Frequently asked questions
How long does a roof last?
Concrete tiles 30–50 years, clay tiles 60+, natural slate 80–100, felt flat roofs 10–20 and modern single-ply or GRP 20–30. The battens and underlay usually set the real limit and should be replaced whenever the roof is stripped.
When is it time to re-roof rather than repair?
Re-roof when the covering is near the end of its life, when more than about a third of the surface is damaged, or when you're getting leaks in more than one place. Isolated slipped tiles on a sound roof are a repair.
Do I need approval to re-roof?
Like-for-like re-covering is normally permitted development, but building regulations apply if you replace more than 25% of the roof area — which usually triggers an insulation upgrade. Listed buildings and conservation areas need consent, so check with the council first.
Will my insurance cover a new roof?
Buildings insurance covers sudden storm damage, not wear and age, and most insurers require wind speeds above 55 mph for a storm claim. Photograph the damage, report it promptly, and get an independent roofer's assessment alongside the loss adjuster's.
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