From finding the cause of a leak to comparing quotations, here is the advice we would want you to have before deciding on roofing work. Written by our team for homeowners in Alloa, Stirling and across Central Scotland.
24 guides · Editorial dates, newest first
A leak can make a new roof feel inevitable. It often is not. We would rather explain what has failed, what can be put right and what you would gain from wider work before you spend money.
Read the guideYou do not have to get close to a roof to notice that something has changed. A new stain, a loose slate or a gutter overflowing in rain can tell you it is time to ask for advice.
Read the guideYou should be able to read a roofing quote and understand what you are paying for. If you cannot, ask us to explain it. A useful quotation starts a clear conversation; it does not replace one.
Read the guideA warmer home starts with understanding where the insulation belongs and how the roof manages moisture. Adding more material without checking the construction is not always the right answer.
Read the guideOnce replacement is the sensible option, the next question is how to organise it properly. Here is what we would want you to understand before your old roof comes off.
Read the guideA flat roof repair should start with understanding the roof you already have. We explain what information helps, what needs checking beneath the surface and what to agree before work begins.
Read the guideYou may barely notice the lead around a chimney or where a roof meets a wall. Those details deserve attention: a problem in a small area can affect the room beneath it.
Read the guideOne damaged tile is not a verdict on the whole roof. What matters is the pattern of defects, the condition around them and whether another repair would address the underlying problem.
Read the guideA useful roof repair price tells you what will be put right, not just what you will pay. Here is how we suggest comparing the work behind the figure.
Read the guideA chimney can need attention even when the fireplace is no longer used. The useful first step is to separate the condition of the external stack from the roof junction and the flue inside it.
Read the guideColour and shape matter when you choose a roof tile. So do the roof it is going onto, the fixing specification and the way the edges and junctions are finished.
Read the guideThe best flat-roof choice is a complete system that suits your building. Here is how to compare the options without getting lost in product names or headline guarantees.
Read the guideIf you have never arranged a roof repair before, the process can feel unfamiliar. We explain the stages so you know what information helps and what you should understand before the work starts.
Read the guideWhen water appears indoors, you want it stopped. We explain the immediate priorities and the information that helps us investigate, without asking you to climb onto the roof.
Read the guideThere is no single material that is best for every Scottish home. The right choice starts with your building, its roof and the result you want to achieve.
Read the guideIf you are planning an extension or changing an existing roof, start with the space and the building. The roof shape should solve the design problem, not just follow a preference from a photograph.
Read the guideA roof has to keep water out where surfaces meet, not just across its open slopes. This guide explains what to ask when a problem appears at a chimney, wall or rooflight junction.
Read the guideLooking after a roof does not mean climbing onto it. A simple routine of safe observations, clear records and timely professional attention can make problems easier to spot and explain.
Read the guideThe edge of your roof has a practical job as well as a visible one. Before replacing tired-looking boards or leaking gutters, it helps to understand which part needs attention and why.
Read the guideAfter a storm, the first priority is people’s safety. You can deal with the roofing decisions in a clear order without climbing up, accepting pressure or guessing what your insurer will cover.
Read the guideYou should be able to check who you are employing and understand what they recommend. We would encourage you to ask these questions of any roofer, including us.
Read the guideThe best starting point for a roofing budget is a clear scope. We explain how to separate the work you need now, the choices you can make and the uncertainty that still needs assessing.
Read the guideFinding a slate on the ground is a reason to get the roof checked, not a reason to assume every slate is finished. We explain how to understand the extent of the problem and the proposed repair.
Read the guideIf “felt roof” makes you think only of a basic garden-shed covering, it is worth looking at the actual specification. Professional reinforced bitumen systems are a different conversation.
Read the guideTell us about your roof, where the property is and when you'd like the work done.
We'll discuss the next step and arrange a survey where needed.
