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S S Roofing Specialist Limited provides expert roof repairs, new roof installations, flat roofing, chimney repairs, and guttering services across London and surrounding areas. Trusted roofing contractors delivering quality workmanship, reliable service, and free quotations.

Roofing FAQs | S S Roofing Specialist Limited
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Before You Get In Touch

Answers To The Roofing Questions We Hear Most Often

The questions below cover commercial and residential roofing, flat and pitched roof systems, slate and tile work, guttering, chimneys, leadwork and roof maintenance, based on what property owners and facilities managers actually ask us before booking a job.

If you cannot find an answer to your question here, contact us directly and we will get back to you with specific information for your property.

Commercial And Industrial Roofing

Commercial Roofing And Industrial Roof Repair FAQs

Questions about commercial roof leak repair, industrial roof repairs, roof surveys and finding a roofing company for businesses.

What causes most commercial roof leaks?

Most commercial roof leaks come from blocked outlets causing ponding water, splits in the membrane at joints or upstands, and failed flashing details around rooflights, parapets and roof penetrations. A roof survey identifies the exact source before any repair work is quoted.

How quickly can you respond to an emergency industrial roof repair?

We aim to attend emergency industrial roof repairs within 24 hours of being contacted, and sooner where a roof is letting in significant amounts of water or stock and equipment are at risk. The first visit focuses on making the roof watertight with a temporary repair before planning a permanent fix.

What does a commercial roof survey involve?

A commercial roof survey involves a visual inspection of the roof covering, flashings, rooflights, drainage outlets and insulation, along with photographs and a written condition report rating each element. The report sets out whether the roof needs maintenance, repair or replacement and gives a guide to remaining lifespan.

How much does commercial roof repair cost in the UK?

Commercial roof repair costs in the UK typically range between £300 and £3,000 for localised repairs such as a membrane patch or flashing renewal, while larger sections of recovering can cost between £40 and £150 per square metre depending on the system. A survey is the only way to confirm an accurate figure for your building.

What is the difference between industrial roofing contractors and general roofers?

Industrial roofing contractors work to larger roof areas, taller access requirements and stricter site safety procedures than general roofers, including risk assessments and method statements in line with the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015, permits to work and coordination with other contractors on site. The roofing systems used, such as standing seam metal and built up felt, are also more commonly specified on industrial buildings.

Residential Roofing

Residential Roofing FAQs

Questions about residential roofing contractors, residential flat roofing, new roof installation and emergency residential roof repair.

What does a residential roofing contractor do?

A residential roofing contractor carries out roof repairs, re roofs, new roof installations and maintenance on houses and other domestic properties, covering pitched roofs, flat roof extensions, guttering, chimneys and flashings. Work should follow Building Regulations and, where structural changes are involved, may need to be notified to your local authority.

How long does residential roof installation take?

Residential roof installation typically takes between 3 and 10 days for a full re roof on an average semi detached or terraced house, depending on the roof size, the covering specified and the weather. Smaller flat roof extensions can often be completed within 1 to 2 days.

What is residential flat roofing and when is it used?

Residential flat roofing covers roof areas with a pitch of less than 10 degrees, commonly found on extensions, garages, dormers and porches. EPDM rubber membrane and GRP fibreglass are the most widely used systems on residential flat roofs because of their flexibility and resistance to UV exposure.

What should I do if I need an emergency residential roof repair?

If you need an emergency residential roof repair, the first step is to reduce further water damage inside the property, for example by moving belongings and placing a container under any leak, then contact a roofing contractor who can attend to make the roof watertight. Avoid going onto a wet or damaged roof yourself, as this is a significant fall risk.

Flat Roofing

Flat Roofing FAQs

Questions about flat roof installation, flat roofing contractors near me, flat roof specialists and waterproofing.

What is involved in flat roof installation?

Flat roof installation involves removing any existing covering down to the deck, checking and renewing the timber or concrete structure where needed, fitting insulation to meet Building Regulations Part L, then installing the chosen membrane such as EPDM, single ply or GRP fibreglass with all upstands, edge trims and outlets detailed to manufacturer specifications.

How do I find flat roofing contractors near me?

When looking for flat roofing contractors near you, check for evidence of public liability insurance, CSCS cards for the operatives, examples of completed flat roofs and a willingness to provide a written quotation after a site visit rather than a price over the phone.

What makes a flat roof specialist different from a general roofer?

A flat roof specialist has specific training and experience in welding or bonding membranes such as EPDM, PVC, TPO and GRP, understands how falls and tapered insulation are used to manage drainage, and is familiar with the detailing around upstands, outlets and rooflights where flat roofs most often fail.

How is a flat roof made waterproof?

A flat roof is made waterproof by installing a continuous membrane, such as EPDM rubber, single ply PVC or TPO, or a GRP fibreglass laminate, with all joints welded or bonded and all edges, upstands and penetrations finished with matching trims and flashings so there is no break in the waterproof layer.

Emergency Roof Repairs

Emergency Roof Repair FAQs

Questions about emergency roofing services, roof leak emergency repair and leaking roof repair costs.

What counts as an emergency roof repair?

An emergency roof repair is any roof problem that is allowing water into a building, creating a safety risk such as loose tiles or sheeting, or leaving a property insecure, and needs to be made safe and watertight as quickly as possible rather than scheduled as routine work.

How quickly can you respond to a roof leak emergency repair?

We aim to respond to a roof leak emergency repair within 24 hours, with a temporary repair carried out on the first visit to stop water ingress, followed by a permanent repair once materials and access have been arranged.

What is the typical cost of leaking roof repair?

The cost of a leaking roof repair depends on the cause, but most single defect repairs such as a slipped tile, a small membrane split or a failed flashing fall between £150 and £600, while more extensive storm damage or multiple defect repairs can cost more once scaffolding or access equipment is needed.

Do you offer emergency roofing services at weekends?

Yes, our emergency roofing services cover weekends and bank holidays for genuine emergencies where a roof is letting in water or has been damaged by a storm, although routine repairs and quotations are handled during normal working hours.

New Roofs And Roof Replacement

New Roof Installation And Roof Replacement FAQs

Questions about new roof installation cost, roof replacement cost and finding roof replacement near me.

How much does new roof installation cost in the UK?

New roof installation costs in the UK vary by roof type, with pitched tiled roofs typically costing between £70 and £200 per square metre supply and install, and flat roofing systems costing between £40 and £150 per square metre depending on the material specified. Scaffolding, waste removal and any structural repairs are priced separately.

What is the difference between roof replacement and roof repair?

Roof repair fixes a specific defect, such as a broken tile, a split membrane or a failed flashing, while roof replacement removes the existing roof covering, and often the insulation and battens or decking, and installs a new roof build up from the structure up. Replacement is usually recommended when a roof has multiple areas of failure or has reached the end of its expected lifespan.

How long does a full roof replacement take?

A full roof replacement on an average house typically takes between 1 and 2 weeks for a pitched roof and between 3 and 7 days for a flat roof, depending on the size, the covering specified and weather conditions during the work.

How do I find roof replacement near me?

To find a roofing contractor for roof replacement near you, look for a company that offers a site visit and written quotation, can show examples of completed replacements, and is clear about the materials, the warranty and the expected timescale before any work is booked.

Pitched Roofing

Pitched Roofing FAQs

Questions about pitched roof installation, new pitched roof cost, ridge tile replacement and pitched roof replacement.

What is involved in pitched roof installation and what materials are used?

Pitched roof installation involves forming or checking the roof structure, fitting breathable roofing felt and battens, then installing the chosen covering, most commonly concrete or clay tiles, natural slate or interlocking tiles, fixed in line with BS 5534, which sets out mechanical fixing requirements based on location, height and exposure.

How much does a new pitched roof cost in the UK?

A new pitched roof in the UK typically costs between £70 and £200 per square metre depending on whether concrete tiles, clay tiles or natural slate are specified, with natural slate at the higher end of that range due to material and labour costs.

When does a ridge tile need replacing?

A ridge tile needs replacing when the mortar bedding has cracked or fallen away, when the tile itself is cracked or slipping, or when dry ridge fixing components have failed, since a loose ridge tile can let water into the roof space and is also a falling hazard.

How long does a pitched roof replacement take?

A pitched roof replacement typically takes between 1 and 2 weeks for an average house, including stripping the existing covering, renewing the underlay and battens, and installing the new tiles or slates, with additional time if the timber structure needs repair.

Slate And Tile Roofing

Slate And Tile Roofing FAQs

Questions about slate roof repairs, tile roofing contractors, slate roof replacement cost and broken roof tiles.

How do you repair a slate roof?

Slate roof repairs usually involve replacing individual cracked or slipped slates using a lead tingle or matching clip fixing, taking care to match the size, thickness and colour of the existing natural slate so the repair is not visually obvious from ground level.

What does slate roof replacement cost in the UK?

Slate roof replacement in the UK typically costs between £100 and £250 per square metre when natural slate is used, reflecting both the material cost and the additional skill and time required to lay slate compared with concrete or clay tiles.

What is involved in clay roof tile installation?

Clay roof tile installation involves laying the tiles in straight, even courses over battens and breathable underlay, with each tile mechanically fixed according to BS 5534, and special attention paid to verges, ridges and valleys where clay tiles need cutting and bedding.

What should I do about a broken roof tile?

A broken roof tile should be replaced as soon as possible, since even a single missing or cracked tile can allow water to track onto the underlay and eventually into the roof space. Matching the replacement tile in profile and colour keeps the roof looking consistent.

Guttering, Fascias And Soffits

Guttering, Fascias And Soffits FAQs

Questions about guttering installation, fascias and soffits replacement, gutter clearance and leaking gutter repair costs.

What is involved in guttering installation?

Guttering installation involves fitting new gutter sections, brackets and downpipes at the correct fall to carry rainwater away from the roof to the drainage system, with joints sealed and outlets positioned to avoid overflow during heavy rain.

When do fascias and soffits need replacing?

Fascias and soffits need replacing when the timber has rotted, when uPVC boards have cracked or discoloured beyond cleaning, or when they no longer provide a secure fixing point for the guttering, since damaged fascias can allow water and pests into the roof void.

How much does it cost to fix a leaking gutter?

Fixing a leaking gutter typically costs between £80 and £250 for a section repair or reseal, while replacing a full run of guttering on an average house costs between £600 and £1,500 depending on the length and the material chosen.

What is uPVC fascia board installation?

uPVC fascia board installation involves removing the existing timber fascia and soffit boards and fitting low maintenance uPVC boards in their place, along with new guttering brackets, to give a weatherproof finish that does not need painting.

How often should gutters be cleared?

Gutters should be cleared at least once a year, typically in autumn after leaves have fallen, and more often if the property is near trees, since blocked gutters cause water to overflow down walls and can lead to damp and, in some cases, roof leaks at the eaves.

Chimney Repairs

Chimney Repair FAQs

Questions about chimney repointing cost, chimney flaunching, leaning chimneys and chimney pot replacement.

What does chimney repointing involve and what does it cost?

Chimney repointing involves raking out the failed mortar joints between the bricks and replacing it with new mortar matched to the existing colour and profile, and typically costs between £400 and £1,200 depending on the height and condition of the stack.

What is chimney flaunching and why does it fail?

Chimney flaunching is the mortar fillet at the top of the stack that holds the chimney pots in place and sheds rainwater away from the brickwork. It fails through age, frost damage and cracking, and once cracked it allows water into the stack, which can lead to damp inside the property below.

What causes a leaning chimney and is it dangerous?

A leaning chimney is usually caused by mortar erosion on one side of the stack, foundation movement or long term wind loading, and can be dangerous because a leaning stack is more likely to fail structurally, particularly in high winds, so it should be assessed and repaired or rebuilt promptly.

When does a chimney pot need replacing?

A chimney pot needs replacing when it is cracked, has lost sections of clay, or is no longer sitting securely in the flaunching, since a loose or damaged pot is both a leak risk and a falling hazard.

Leadwork And Flashing

Leadwork And Flashing FAQs

Questions about lead flashing repair, roof flashing replacement cost, lead valleys and stepped flashing.

What is lead flashing and why does it fail?

Lead flashing is a strip of lead used to seal the joint between a roof covering and an abutment, chimney, wall or rooflight, directing water away from the junction. It fails through cracking from thermal movement, corrosion, or mortar joints above it coming loose and allowing the lead to lift.

How much does roof flashing replacement cost?

Roof flashing replacement typically costs between £150 and £500 for a single chimney or abutment, depending on access and whether scaffolding is required, with larger areas of flashing such as valleys or parapet walls costing more.

What is a lead valley and how is it repaired?

A lead valley is the lead lining laid where two roof slopes meet to channel rainwater down to the gutter, and repairs typically involve renewing splits or worn sections of the lead and resetting the surrounding tiles or slates so water flows cleanly into the valley rather than under the roof covering.

What is stepped flashing and where is it used?

Stepped flashing is lead or other flashing material cut and dressed in a stepped pattern to follow the line of brickwork where a pitched roof meets a wall, such as alongside a chimney or extension, with each step tucked into a mortar joint to keep the junction watertight.

Roof Inspections And Maintenance

Roof Inspection And Maintenance FAQs

Questions about roof inspection services, roof maintenance contracts, roof health checks and annual roof inspection checklists.

What does a roof inspection service include?

A roof inspection service includes a visual check of the roof covering, flashings, ridge and verge details, guttering and any rooflights, along with photographs and a written report identifying any defects, their urgency and an estimate of remaining roof life.

What is a roof maintenance contract and who needs one?

A roof maintenance contract is an agreement for regular inspections and minor repairs, usually carried out once or twice a year, and is most useful for commercial and industrial property owners who need to manage roof condition proactively and avoid unexpected leaks affecting their business.

How much does a roof health check cost?

A roof health check, sometimes called a roof survey, typically costs between £150 and £400 depending on the size and access requirements of the roof, and is often credited against the cost of any repair work carried out afterwards.

What should be on an annual roof inspection checklist?

An annual roof inspection checklist should cover the condition of the roof covering, the state of flashings and seals around chimneys and rooflights, the condition of ridge and verge details, whether gutters and downpipes are clear and securely fixed, and any signs of damp or staining on ceilings below the roof.

Still Have A Question?

Talk To Our Roofing Team Directly

If your question is not covered above, or you would like a guide price for your own property, get in touch and we will come back to you with clear, specific information.

Call +44 7455 077003