Residential Roofing
FAQs

We cover the full range of residential roofing needs, including:

• Roof repairs — from single missing or slipped tiles through to larger storm damage repairs
• Full roof replacements — stripping and re-roofing in a wide choice of materials
• Flat roof installation and repair — GRP fibreglass, felt, EPDM, and liquid-applied systems
• Chimney repairs and repointing — lead flashing, pointing, and stack rebuilds
• Fascias, soffits, and guttering — uPVC replacement and repair
• Velux and rooflight installation
• Roof insulation — loft insulation and warm roof upgrades
• Emergency call-outs — rapid response for active leaks and storm damage

This is the most important question we help homeowners answer, and it’s one we take seriously — we will never recommend a full replacement if a repair is the right solution.

As a general guide, a repair is usually appropriate when:

• The damage is localised to a small area (a few tiles, a section of flashing)
• The roof is relatively young and the underlying felt and battens are in good condition
• The overall roof structure is sound

A full replacement is more likely to be the right choice when:

• The roof is nearing or past its expected lifespan (typically 50–80 years for slate or clay, 20–30 years for concrete tile)
• There is widespread deterioration across multiple areas
• The underlying felt has broken down and is no longer providing a secondary waterproof layer
• Repeated repairs are becoming more frequent and costly

Yes. We work on all common residential roof types found across the Midlands, including natural slate, clay and concrete tiles, flat felt and GRP roofs, lead valley and hip systems, and concrete and clay ridge tiles. Whether you have a Victorian terrace, a 1970s semi, or a modern new-build, our team has the experience to handle it.

Roofing costs vary considerably depending on the size of your property, the roof type, the materials specified, and the scope of work involved. Without inspecting your roof, we can’t give you an accurate figure — and we’d be wary of any contractor who quotes without looking.

As a very broad starting guide for the Midlands market:

• Minor tile repairs: typically a few hundred pounds
• Chimney repair and repointing: typically £300–£800+
• Flat roof replacement (garage or extension): typically £800–£2,500+
• Full roof replacement (average 3-bed semi): typically £5,000–£12,000+ depending on materials

The only way to get a reliable, itemised figure is through a free survey and written quotation — which we’re happy to arrange at a time that suits you.

Yes, completely. Our site survey, written condition report, and quotation are provided with no charge and no obligation whatsoever. We’ll visit your property, inspect the roof thoroughly, explain what we’ve found, and give you a clear written quote — all free of charge.

There’s no pressure to proceed. We believe in letting our quality and reputation speak for themselves.

We understand that a significant roofing project can represent a large outlay. Please speak to our team at the time of your survey or quotation and we’ll discuss the payment options available to you. We can also advise on whether your project may be covered under your home insurance policy — in some cases, storm or accidental damage claims can cover all or part of the roofing work.

Timescales vary with the scope of work. As a general guide for typical residential properties:

• Minor repairs (tile replacement, flashing repair): usually half a day to one day
• Flat roof replacement (garage, extension, bay window): typically 1–2 days
• Full strip and re-roof (average 3-bed house): typically 3–5 days
• Larger or more complex properties: 1–2 weeks

We’ll give you a clear start date and estimated duration before work begins, and we keep you updated throughout. We ensure your roof is weather-tight at the close of every working day.

No — in the vast majority of cases, you can remain in your home throughout the work. Our teams are used to working on occupied properties and are respectful of your home, your routine, and your privacy.

You should expect some noise during working hours (typically 7:30am–5:30pm), and we’ll need clear access to the exterior of the property. We also ask that cars are moved from directly adjacent to the work area for safety, and that pets are kept away from the work zone.

We clear all debris and materials at the end of each working day, so your property is left as tidy as possible throughout the project.

We monitor weather forecasts closely and plan our work around them wherever possible. If work needs to stop due to rain, we will always ensure your roof is fully weather-tight and protected before leaving site — this is non-negotiable. We carry temporary weatherproofing materials on every job for exactly this reason.

We’ll reschedule the remaining work at the earliest opportunity and keep you fully informed of any changes to the programme.

For most full roof replacements, and many larger repair jobs, scaffolding is required both for the safety of our team and to enable the work to be carried out to the highest standard. We arrange and include scaffold erection and removal as part of our quotation — you don’t need to source this separately.

For smaller localised repairs, we may be able to use access platforms or ladders, and in that case no scaffolding is required. We’ll advise on access requirements when we provide your quotation.

We offer a wide choice of materials to suit your budget, the character of your property, and any planning requirements:

• Natural slate — the premium choice, beautiful appearance, 75–100 year lifespan when properly maintained
• Concrete interlocking tiles — cost-effective and durable, 30–50 year lifespan, wide colour range
• Clay plain tiles — traditional aesthetic, ideal for period properties, 60–100 year lifespan
• Fibre cement slates — a cost-effective alternative to natural slate with a similar appearance
• GRP fibreglass (flat roofs) — seamless, low-maintenance, 25+ year lifespan
• EPDM rubber (flat roofs) — excellent UV and temperature resistance, 30+ year lifespan

We’ll guide you through the options that are appropriate for your property at the time of your survey, taking into account any local planning or conservation area requirements.

In many cases, yes — there’s a wide range of styles, profiles, and colours to choose from. However, there are some important considerations:

• If your property is in a conservation area or is listed, there may be restrictions on acceptable materials — we’ll advise on this
• Different tile profiles have different weights and fixing requirements, which may affect the existing roof structure
• Matching to an existing roof on one section (for extensions or dormers) may require sourcing specific products

We’ll discuss your preferences at the survey stage and advise on what’s achievable for your specific property.

A roof replacement is an excellent opportunity to review and upgrade your roof insulation at the same time — the marginal additional cost of improving insulation while the roof is stripped back is far lower than having a separate job done later.

Upgrading to modern insulation standards can meaningfully reduce your heating bills and improve your property’s EPC rating. We can advise on insulation options that comply with current Building Regulations (Part L) requirements at the time of your survey.

All of our residential roofing work is backed by a written workmanship guarantee. The guarantee period varies depending on the nature of the work:

• Full roof replacements: typically 10 years workmanship guarantee
• Flat roof systems: workmanship guarantee plus manufacturer product warranty (typically 10–25 years depending on system)
• Repairs: written guarantee on the work carried out

Your guarantee certificate is provided on completion of the work, alongside your invoice and any relevant product documentation.

It depends on the nature and cause of the damage. Home insurance policies typically cover sudden accidental damage and storm damage, but do not cover wear and tear, gradual deterioration, or maintenance issues.

If you believe your damage may be the result of a storm or other insured event, we recommend contacting your insurer before any work is carried out. We can provide detailed photographs, a written condition report, and a quotation to support your insurance claim if required.

Yes. BAR Roofings carries full public liability insurance, employers’ liability insurance, and contractors’ all-risk insurance. Copies of our certificates are available on request — please do ask, as any reputable roofing contractor should be able to provide these without hesitation.

Working with an uninsured contractor leaves you exposed if something goes wrong. It’s one of the most important checks to carry out before allowing any tradesperson onto your property.

Many roofing problems develop gradually and give early warning signs long before they become expensive emergencies. Look out for:

• Water stains, damp patches, or discolouration on ceilings or in the loft space
• Missing, cracked, slipped, or broken tiles or slates — visible from the ground
• Damaged, loose, or missing ridge tiles or hip tiles
• Cracked or lifted lead or mortar flashings around chimneys, dormers, or valleys
• Blocked or overflowing gutters causing water to run down the external wall
• Daylight visible through the roof when inspecting the loft space
• Sagging or uneven roof line visible from outside
• Mould or condensation problems in upper rooms

Yes. We provide an emergency call-out service for active leaks and storm damage. Our team will attend as quickly as possible, make the roof safe and weather-tight, and advise on the permanent repair or replacement works required.

If you have an urgent roofing problem, please call us directly — do not submit an online enquiry form for emergency situations, as response times will be faster over the phone.

If you discover an active leak, here are some immediate steps to minimise damage while you wait for professional help:

• Place a container to catch dripping water and lay down towels or absorbent materials around it
• If water is pooling in the ceiling, carefully make a small hole at the lowest point to let it drain in a controlled way rather than causing a ceiling collapse
• Move furniture, electronics, and valuables away from the affected area
• Photograph the damage internally and, if it is safe to do so, externally — this supports any insurance claim
• Do not attempt to access your roof yourself — call a professional

Then call us on the number below and we’ll arrange to attend as quickly as possible.