Roofing
Frequently Asked Questions
Find clear answers about roof surveys, quotations, guarantees, payments, timescales, emergency repairs and what to expect when R W Roofing Services Ltd works on your property.
Answers to Your Roofing Questions
Arranging roofing work can raise questions about cost, timescales, materials, guarantees and how your property will be protected while the work is completed.
The answers below explain how R W Roofing Services Ltd approaches roof surveys, repairs, emergency call-outs, flat-roof installations and complete roof replacements.
Every roof is different. Where an answer depends on the property or proposed work, the relevant details will be discussed during the survey and confirmed within the quotation.
Roof Surveys, Quotations and Written Reports
Do you provide free roof surveys and quotations?
Yes. R W Roofing Services Ltd provides free standard roof surveys and no-obligation written quotations throughout its normal coverage area.
The survey is used to assess the roof’s condition, identify visible defects and establish what roofing work is genuinely required.
The findings are explained clearly, and the written quotation sets out the work being proposed.
Can a drone be used during the roof survey?
Yes. Drone photography and video footage can be used where it provides a safer or clearer view of difficult-to-reach areas.
Drone images can also help customers understand the condition of their roof and see why particular repairs or replacement work have been recommended.
The use of a drone during a standard survey does not normally involve an additional charge.
What is the difference between a free survey and a formal written report?
A free standard survey is intended to establish what roofing work is required and provide the information needed to prepare a quotation. It can include drone photographs, video footage and a verbal explanation of the findings.
A formal written roof-assessment report is a more detailed, standalone document. It may be required when purchasing a property or when an independent written assessment of the roof is needed.
A formal written report normally costs £250 plus VAT. The precise scope and price are confirmed before the assessment is undertaken.
Does the quotation include scaffolding and waste removal?
Where scaffolding, waste removal and final site clearance are required, these costs are included within the written quotation.
This provides a clearer understanding of the anticipated project cost before the customer decides whether to proceed.
What happens if hidden damage is discovered after work begins?
Some problems cannot be seen until the existing roof covering has been removed. These may include rotten decking, damaged battens, deteriorated rafters or unsuitable previous repairs.
If hidden damage is discovered, R W Roofing Services Ltd will explain the problem and discuss any additional work and cost with the customer.
Additional work will not be undertaken without the customer’s agreement.
Deposits and Payment
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Do you require a deposit for roofing work?
The payment arrangements depend on the size and nature of the project.
For larger roofing projects, an initial payment of approximately 40% is normally due on the first day, once work has started and the required materials are at the property.
The remaining balance is normally payable when the agreed roofing work has been completed.
The payment schedule will be confirmed before work begins.
What payment methods do you accept?
Payment can be made by bank transfer or cash.
Roofing Timescales
How long does roofing work normally take?
Every project is different, but typical working times are:
- Complete pitched-roof replacement: approximately two to three weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the roof.
- New flat-roof installation: approximately one to five days, depending on size, design and specification.
- Straightforward roof repair: usually a couple of hours.
- More substantial roof repair: commonly around half a day.
These are approximate working times rather than guaranteed completion periods.
What can cause roofing work to take longer?
Bad weather is one of the most common causes of delays, but other factors can also affect the programme.
These include:
- Rotten timber, damaged rafters or deteriorated decking discovered after the roof has been opened.
- Additional repairs required to chimneys, valleys, leadwork, fascias, soffits or roof edges.
- Delays in receiving tiles, felt, lead, timber or specialist roofing materials.
- Rotten timber, damaged rafters or deteriorated decking discovered after the roof has been opened.
- Scaffolding being erected later than expected.
- Additional scaffolding being required to reach previously inaccessible areas.
- Structural problems requiring further timber work or investigation.
- Rotten timber, damaged rafters or deteriorated decking discovered after the roof has been opened.
- Changes to the specification requested after work has started.
- Previous repairs or alterations making an older roof more complicated than expected
- Building Control inspections or approval requirements.
- Roofing work depending upon another contractor completing their work first.
If something affects the anticipated programme, the customer will be kept informed.
Emergency Roof Repairs
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Do you provide a 24-hour emergency roofing service?
Yes. R W Roofing Services Ltd provides a 24-hour emergency roofing service.
Serious leaks, active water ingress, storm damage and exposed roofs are prioritised. The aim is to attend as quickly as circumstances allow, assess the problem and take practical steps to reduce further damage.
A fixed attendance time cannot be guaranteed because location, weather conditions, access and existing emergency workloads can all affect response times.
What should I do if water is actively entering my property?
Contact R W Roofing Services Ltd as soon as possible and explain where the water is entering and how serious the leak appears to be.
Where it is safe to do so, move belongings away from the affected area and use a suitable container to collect dripping water. Do not climb onto the roof or enter an unsafe loft space.
If water is close to electrical fittings, lighting or wiring, avoid contact with the affected area and obtain appropriate electrical advice.
Can you provide temporary weatherproofing?
Yes. Where a permanent emergency repair cannot be completed immediately, R W Roofing Services Ltd can provide temporary weatherproofing or make-safe work where practicable.
This may involve securing loose materials, covering an exposed section of roof or installing temporary waterproof protection until the complete repair can be undertaken safely.
Roofing Guarantees
What guarantees are provided with new roofing work?
Guarantee periods depend on the roofing system and type of installation completed.
- Complete new pitched roofs: up to 50 years, with the material element
- EPDM rubber roofing: 20 years
- GRP and Restec Flexitec 2020 roofing: 20 years
- Qualifying felt flat-roof systems: 20 years
- Entirely new leadwork installations: 25 years
- Complete new fascia, soffit and guttering systems: 10 years
All guarantees remain subject to the terms and conditions applicable to the individual project and roofing system.
Are ordinary roof repairs guaranteed?
The guarantee applicable to a roof repair depends on the nature of the work, the materials installed and the condition of the surrounding roof.
A repair involving new materials alongside older roofing components cannot necessarily carry the same guarantee as a complete new installation.
Any applicable guarantee will be confirmed according to the individual repair.
Are fascias, soffits and guttering guaranteed?
A completely new fascia, soffit and guttering system is supplied with a 10-year guarantee.
This guarantee does not apply where individual new sections are connected to existing components because the condition and remaining lifespan of the older system cannot be guaranteed.
Is leadwork guaranteed?
Where an entirely new lead installation is completed, the finished leadwork carries a 25-year guarantee.
Repairs to existing leadwork or the installation of new sections alongside existing materials will be considered individually.
Will I receive the guarantee in writing?
Written confirmation of the applicable guarantee and its terms can be supplied upon request.
Customers should retain the guarantee documentation, quotation, invoices and any relevant product information with their property records.
Can the guarantee be transferred if I sell the property?
Yes. A roofing guarantee can be transferred to a new property owner by arrangement.
A transfer fee of £200 applies. The original terms and conditions remain in force and will continue to govern the transferred guarantee.
Complete Roof Replacements
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Can I remain in my home while the roof is replaced?
Yes. Customers can normally remain in their homes while a complete roof replacement is undertaken.
There will inevitably be some noise and disruption, but the work is planned to protect the property and minimise inconvenience wherever practicable.
Any access or safety considerations affecting the occupants will be discussed before work begins.
How is my property protected while the roof is incomplete?
R W Roofing Services Ltd protects exposed areas whenever the permanent roof covering cannot be completed immediately.
Depending on the project and weather conditions, this may involve a temporary tin roof or suitable temporary waterproof coverings.
The aim is to keep the property protected overnight and during periods when work cannot safely continue.
Can existing tiles or slates be reused?
Yes. Existing tiles and slates can be retained and reused where they remain serviceable and can be removed without damage.
Reusing suitable materials can be particularly helpful on older and period properties where retaining the established appearance is important.
Can you source matching tiles and slates?
Matching or complementary tiles and slates can usually be sourced for repairs to an existing roof.
The availability of an exact match will depend on the age, manufacturer, colour and style of the original roof covering. Where an identical product is unavailable, the closest appropriate alternative will be discussed with the customer.
Can you repair rotten or damaged roof timbers?
Yes. If rotten decking, battens, rafters or other damaged roof timbers are discovered, R W Roofing Services Ltd can repair or replace them as part of the project.
The findings and any additional cost will be discussed and agreed before the extra work proceeds.
Do you deal with roof insulation and ventilation?
Yes. Insulation and ventilation requirements can be addressed where necessary during a new roof installation.
Suitable ventilation is important because it helps manage condensation and moisture within the roof space. Insulation and ventilation requirements will be considered according to the construction and use of the property.
Will Building Regulations be considered?
Yes. Relevant Building Regulations requirements will be considered where they apply to the proposed roofing work.
The precise requirements and any necessary Building Control arrangements will be confirmed for the individual project before work begins.
Properties and Types of Roofing Work
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Do you work on domestic and commercial properties?
Yes. R W Roofing Services Ltd undertakes roofing work for both domestic and commercial customers.
This ranges from localised repairs and emergency call-outs to flat-roof installations and complete pitched-roof replacements.
Do you work on period and listed buildings?
Yes. R W Roofing Services Ltd undertakes roofing work on period properties, listed buildings and properties situated within conservation areas.
Older buildings may require traditional materials, the careful reuse of existing roof coverings or roofing details that preserve the established character of the property.
Any necessary planning permission, listed-building consent or conservation requirements must be established before the relevant work proceeds.
What roofing services do you provide?
Services include:
- New pitched roofs and complete re-roofing
- General roof repairs
- Emergency roof repairs
- Flat-roof repairs and replacements
- EPDM rubber roofing
- GRP and Restec Flexitec 2020 roofing
- High-performance felt roofing
- Chimney repairs and repointing
- New leadwork and flashing repairs
- Ridge and hip tile repairs
- Fascias, soffits and guttering
- Roof insulation and ventilation work
- Drone roof surveys and inspections
- Formal written roof reports
- Pre-purchase roof assessments
- Roofing work on period and listed properties
- Commercial roofing work
Roofing Aftercare and Maintenance
What areas does R W Roofing Services Ltd cover?
R W Roofing Services Ltd covers Reading and communities throughout Berkshire, together with selected areas of Hampshire, Surrey and Buckinghamshire.
Regularly covered locations include:
- Keep gutters, outlets and downpipes clear of leaves, moss and other debris
- Periodically check for slipped, cracked or damaged tiles and slates
- Look for visible deterioration around lead flashings, valleys, ridges and verges
- Maintain nearby trees and overhanging branches
- Avoid unnecessary foot traffic on the roof
- Report water ingress, damp patches or damaged roof coverings promptly
- Arrange an inspection after severe weather if roof damage is suspected
Problems are usually easier and less expensive to address when they are identified early.
How often should my roof be professionally inspected?
A professional roof inspection is generally advisable every couple of years.
The most appropriate interval depends on the age and condition of the roof, its exposure to wind and weather and whether the property is surrounded by trees.
Older roofs and roofs exposed to particularly demanding conditions may benefit from more frequent inspections.
Should I inspect the roof myself?
Homeowners can look for visible problems from ground level or from a safe position inside the property. You should not climb onto the roof. Walking on tiles, slates or flat-roof coverings can cause damage and creates a serious risk of falling. If you notice a slipped tile, damaged flashing, overflowing gutter, damp patch or other warning sign, arrange a professional inspection.
Areas Covered
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What areas does R W Roofing Services Ltd cover?
R W Roofing Services Ltd covers Reading and communities throughout Berkshire, together with selected areas of Hampshire, Surrey and Buckinghamshire.
The company also serves surrounding towns and villages within its established coverage area.
Request a Free New Roof Survey
If your roof is leaking, worn out or showing signs of age, RW Roofing Services Ltd can inspect the roof and advise whether repair or replacement is the right option.
Contact us today to arrange a free roof survey and get honest advice from an experienced local roofing company.