Roof repair questions, answered

It depends on the job. As a guide, MyJobQuote's October 2026 UK figures put replacing a handful of slipped tiles at around £150–£350, a minor leak repair at £150–£400, and a flat roof patch repair at £200–£700. Bigger jobs, like a sagging roof section, can run into thousands. Your roofer will give you a fixed quote after inspecting the roof.

It depends on the job and the time of year. Urgent jobs, like active leaks and storm damage, are prioritised, and the roofer will aim to get to you as quickly as possible. Non-urgent repairs are booked at a time that suits you. Winter storms are the busiest time, so getting small faults fixed in the autumn helps.

Yes. Enquiring is free and the roofer's quote is free, with no obligation to accept it.

We pass your enquiry to an established local roofer covering your area. They'll contact you, usually by phone, to ask a few questions and arrange a visit. After inspecting the roof, they'll give you a quote, and you decide whether to go ahead.

Many policies cover sudden damage, such as storm damage, but not wear and tear. Check your own policy. If you're claiming, take photos, keep receipts and tell your insurer early. Most insurers expect you to stop further damage, which is what an emergency make-safe repair does.

Most problems can be repaired. A roof usually needs replacing only when damage is widespread, the timbers underneath have failed, or the covering has reached the end of its life. The roofer will explain what they find and why, so you can decide.

Exeter and its suburbs, plus Tiverton, Honiton and Cullompton. If you're nearby, send your postcode through the form and we'll let you know.

An established, independent local roofer who we've vetted for a solid reputation and quality of work. They quote, carry out the work and are responsible for it.

Put buckets under any drips, move belongings and electrics away from wet areas, and switch off any lighting circuit where water is near fittings. Take photos of the damage. Don't go up on the roof yourself.

Water often runs along rafters, battens or felt before it drips through, so the stain on your ceiling can be some distance from the actual fault. That's why a roofer usually starts in the loft and works outwards.

Yes. A single gap lets rain reach the battens and felt underneath, and in wind-driven Devon rain it can quickly become a leak or rotten timber. It's normally a quick repair if caught early.

A roofer will try to match what's on your roof, including natural slate, artificial slate and clay tile. For older homes, that may mean reclaimed slate. In conservation areas, matching the original material matters, as councils in this area advise against swapping to different coverings.

A little water that drains within a day or two is normal. Water that sits for days puts constant pressure on the roof covering and speeds up wear. It usually means the falls need correcting or an outlet is blocked.

Most are felt, rubber (EPDM) or fibreglass (GRP). Felt has a gritty or mineral surface, EPDM looks like a single smooth black sheet, and fibreglass has a hard, slightly glossy finish. If you're not sure, a photo with your enquiry helps the roofer.

Yes. Repairs that are genuinely like-for-like, in matching materials, are often fine, but changes that affect the building's character need listed building consent from the council first. If you're unsure, check with your local council's conservation officer before work starts.

Usually not for like-for-like repairs. But changes such as altering a roof's shape or adding a dormer can need planning permission in a conservation area. Mid Devon's appraisal for Tiverton says this explicitly. A local roofer will flag it if your job looks like it needs approval.