If you are planning roofing work in Skelwick, start with a clear description of the problem or upgrade. Roofers can fix slipped tiles, replace flashing, repair flat roofs and carry out full re-roofs. Add photos, roof height and access notes so a roofer can quote for labour, materials and waste removal.
Get roofing quotes by explaining the job, the roof material and access. Photos and measurements help roofers price the work accurately. Describe your job and get quotes you can review side by side.
This checklist covers the main factors that affect scope and price.
Typical guide prices (ballpark):
Prices below are adjusted for the Scotland area, based on regional labour-cost data (ONS).
Costs can change with property size, access, condition and whether making good is needed.
Use this checklist when comparing and hiring for your job.
ROOFING KNOW-HOW
What you need to know to plan ahead, budget properly and hire the right Roofer.
PRICING & QUOTES
Scaffolding is frequently quoted separately from the roofing work itself, priced by roof height, access and how long it's needed. For a small repair some roofers use a tower or ladder instead, but anything involving a full re-roof or significant chimney work usually needs full scaffolding for safety and building regulations reasons.
QUALITY & GUARANTEES
Ask for photos of the completed work (roofers can see angles you can't from the ground) and keep any guarantee paperwork with your house documents. It's worth a visual check from the ground after the first heavy rain to confirm guttering is draining properly.
GOOD TO KNOW
Roofers handle full re-roofs, repairs to individual slipped or cracked tiles, flat roof replacement, guttering, fascias and soffits, and leadwork around chimneys and roof valleys. Emergency work — storm damage, a leak during heavy rain — is usually handled separately from planned re-roofing.
USEFUL TO KNOW
Natural slate is durable and often required on period or listed properties for appearance reasons, but costs more than concrete or clay tile. Metal (zinc) roofing suits modern extensions and flat/low-pitch areas. The right material often depends as much on the property's style and any planning restrictions as personal preference.
USEFUL TO KNOW
Older roofs often used bituminous felt underneath the tiles, which can perish and needs replacing during a re-roof; modern breathable membrane lasts longer and manages moisture better. If you're having a full re-roof, this underlay is worth confirming as part of the spec, not just the visible tiles.
REGULATIONS & SAFETY
Do I need planning permission for a new roof? Usually not for like-for-like replacement, but altering the roofline, adding a dormer, or working on a listed building often does. Do I need Building Regulations sign-off? Yes for most re-roofing work involving insulation changes — a competent roofer will handle or advise on this.
WORTH KNOWING
A leaning or spalling (crumbling brick) chimney is a structural safety issue, not just cosmetic — some roofers handle chimney repointing and rebuilding themselves, others work alongside a bricklayer. If the chimney is still in use for a flue, check whether it needs to stay swept and functional during the work.
HOME PROTECTION
For a leak during a storm, contain the water inside (a bucket, moving belongings) rather than attempting a repair on a wet or high-wind roof yourself. Photograph any visible damage from the ground for an insurance claim before it's repaired. Tarping over a damaged section is a common temporary fix while a full repair is arranged.
AREA GUIDE
Skelwick sits within the Orkney Islands council area and carries the KW17 postcode district. Because reliable population figures are not available, its settlement scale is unclear from the data provided; the KW17 district identifies it as part of Orkney’s northern postcode geography. Local services, planning and roads are administered by Orkney Islands Council, so anyone seeking tradespeople will need contractors who work with island authority regulations and can organise travel and materials to a more remote council area. For hiring a tradesperson, expect considerations common to small or sparsely recorded island communities: contractors may charge for travel or ferry time, lead times can be longer and deliveries of bulky materials may need careful scheduling. Ensure any quote covers access arrangements and whether the tradesperson is familiar with Orkney building or conservation requirements.
Roofing on Skelwick must factor in Orkney’s exposed maritime climate and island access challenges: slate or clay tile replacements on older properties need careful sourcing and secure fixing to withstand strong winds, and lead flashing details are critical where driving rain is frequent. Flat-roof solutions for later additions should be installed with robust membranes such as EPDM or GRP and correct falls to avoid ponding in windy, wet conditions.
Membership of NFRC or the Competent Roofer scheme shows adherence to national standards, which is reassuring for island clients where repeat visits are more burdensome. Logistics — scaffold delivery, material shipping and suitable weather windows — can extend programmes, so quotes should itemise travel and any ferry or special transport costs. When choosing a roofer, request proof of NFRC/Competent Roofer membership, examples of durable slate or leadwork in Orkney settings, and a delivery plan that explains how scaffold and materials will reach the site.
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