What affects the cost
Cost depends on roof size and pitch (steeper roofs need more scaffolding and take longer), the material (slate costs more than concrete tile), access, and whether the existing roof structure (timbers, felt) needs work too, not just the visible covering. A straightforward repair is quick; a full re-roof including scaffolding commonly takes 1-3 weeks.
What NFRC membership means
The National Federation of Roofing Contractors is the largest UK roofing trade body, representing over 60% of the industry. NFRC members are vetted on technical competence and financial standing, and some offer an insurance-backed guarantee on top of their own workmanship guarantee — worth asking whether this applies to your quote.
Pest and vermin entry points in roofs
Gaps around fascias, damaged soffit vents, or missing tiles are common entry points for birds, squirrels and other vermin into a loft space — a roofer doing repair work will often flag these even if they weren't the original reason for the call-out.
Roofing on listed and period properties
Listed building consent is often required to change roofing material (even like-for-like sometimes needs approval if the material is being sourced differently), and conservation areas can restrict visible changes like skylights on street-facing roof slopes. Check with your local planning authority before committing to a material change.
Gutter clearing vs gutter replacement
Blocked gutters from leaves and debris are usually a clearing job, not a replacement one — worth getting cleared before assuming new guttering is needed. Persistent overflow even when clear, or visible sagging/cracking, points toward the guttering itself needing replacement rather than just clearing.
Roofing regulations, FAQ
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.
Common roofing jobs
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.
Domestic vs commercial roofing work
Most roofers who work on homes also cover garages, outbuildings and small extensions, but larger commercial flat-roof work (warehouses, larger extensions) sometimes needs a roofer with specific experience in bigger membrane systems. Worth asking directly if your job is unusually large or non-standard.