• Slates or Tiles that are cracked, missing, or curled
• Holes or punctures in the surface
• Leaks dripping inside
• Brown water stains on ceilings or walls
• Mould growth on walls or ceilings
• Paint or wallpaper starting to bubble or peel
• A roofline that looks like it’s sagging

If you spot any of these, don’t ignore them. Get a local roofer on the phone before things spiral into bigger, more expensive problems.

Extra inspections might be smart if:

• Your roof is older & wearing out
• You live where storms, heavy rain, or extreme heat are common
• You’ve already seen signs of damage
• Regular checks aren’t just box-ticking.

They:

• Catch small problems before they snowball
• Add years to your roof’s lifespan
• Lower the odds of leaks sneaking in
• Keep your property value higher
• Give you peace of mind

If it’s been more than a year since your last check, it’s probably overdue.

Costs depend on the roof type, damage, and labour. Here are rough averages in the UK (prices may vary in Lancashire and the North West):

Flat Roofs

• Modern polyester torch on felt: £90–£145 per square metre
• GRP (fibreglass): £120–£175 per square metre
• EPDM (rubber) – £120–£170 per square metre

Pitched Roofs

• Clay tiles: £100–£155 per square metre
• Concrete tiles: £80–£125 per square metre
• Natural slate: £160–£275 per square metre
• Fibre cement: £85–£125 per square metre

• A few missing slates or tiles: 1–2 hours
• A patch of slates or tiles: 4–8 hours
• Chimney flashing replacement: 4–8 hours
• Gutter cleaning: 4–8 hours
• Flat roof leak repair: 1–2 days
• Full roof replacement: 3 days to 3 weeks

The only way to know for sure is to ask your roofer for a time estimate. Weather can also slow things down.

Working at height is risky. And even if you patch a hole, you might miss underlying problems. Roofers not only fix what’s obvious but also spot what most of us wouldn’t notice.

Perks of hiring a pro in Leyland include:

• Skilled diagnosis of all roof issues
• Access to quality materials that last
• Trained teams that work safely
• Insurance to protect you if something goes wrong
• Warranties on labour and materials
• Knowledge of building codes and standards

Think of it like doing your own dentistry. Possible? Sure. Sensible? Not really!

Here are some to keep handy:

• How long have you been roofing?
• Are you independently certified or a memberr of a reputable trade group?
• Do you carry full insurance?
• Have you worked with my type of roof before?
• Can you provide local references?
• Do you offer a guarantee?
• What’s your timeline for the job?
• Will I get a written quote?
• How do you keep the site safe?

The way they answer will tell you a lot about how they’ll handle the job.

• Use trusted independent platforms like Safe Trader
• Ask for proof of insurance
• Check for independent certification
• Read online reviews
• Get more than one quote to compare
• Ask about guarantees on both labour and materials

Don’t just pick the cheapest. A roof is too important to gamble on.

• Look up at your roof a few times a year for visible damage
• Book a yearly professional inspection
• Clear gutters of leaves and debris regularly
• Trim back branches hanging over your roof
• Make sure your loft has proper ventilation
• Call a pro if you see damage, don’t wait

Think of it like servicing a car—you don’t wait for the engine to blow before checking the oil.