On average, it costs approximately £5500 to replace a roof within the UK. Don’t forget that an average does not necessarily account for bespoke solutions. Larger roofs will cost more in labour, materials and time, which will impact your quote. In certain cases, this can increase cost up to 3x the national average. For commercial properties, a good price range to budget for is £150-£300 per m2, although this will depend on the size of your roof, complexity and specification required.

Generally, your roofing quote will include the following: material costs, labour, scaffolding, strip and dispose of existing roofing materials, skip hire, structural alterations if necessary, replacement of new underlay, battens and roof tiles, replacement of flashing, dry verge caps and roofline.

If you are in doubt about what your roof quote covers, it always best to check with your chosen roofers in Manchester. You don’t want to be in a situation where something you thought was included in the price turns out to be an added extra. If in doubt, always request a written quotation with terms and conditions clearly set out. 

A roof is an essential part of any building and helps to keep your home warm and dry. Roofs form part of the outer structure of a building and they have multiple functions including: 

• Protecting the property against the ingress of water, snow, wind and cold
• Providing structural stability to the property by tying the walls together 
• Making the property more energy efficient and warm 
• Providing an important architectural feature for the property 

Without a well-constructed roof, your property will be liable to let water in, which can cause expensive and irreversible damage to the inside of your property.

Where does roof flashing go?

Part of our service, here at Roofers Manchester, involves roof flashing repairs and replacement. Roof flashing is laid between junctions on a roof, which are areas that are particularly prone to leaks and water damage. Areas where roof flashing is laid include roof valleys, the intersections between a dormer wall and a roof, around the base of a chimney and around skylights. These junctions benefit from the protection provided by roof flashing. Our roofers in Manchester advise without this flashing, water could potentially seep between the gaps that are created between the junctions.

Traditionally, the majority of flashing is made from lead, however modern alternatives include flexible lead substitutes, which provide less health risks and reduced risk of theft. 

For further details on our roof repairs, please contact Roofers Manchester today.

Slate tiles are a premium product to construct your roof with. Roofers Manchester advise a properly installed slate roof with flashing should last in excess of 75 years, even 100 years when correctly maintained!

Three factors that determine the longevity of your slate roof tiles are outlined below.

• Hire a contractor that has experience building and replacing slate roofs. A slate roof that is installed correctly should last close to a century. This makes hiring a reputable roofing company an excellent investment as slate roof tiles have to be handled and installed correctly. Slate roof tiles can readily break when fitted poorly. Roofers Manchester have a large amount of knowledge and experience fitting and maintaining slate tiles. Contact us today for your free quote

.• The weather conditions play a determining factor on the longevity of your slate roof. Slate is an extremely durable roofing material. However, like all materials, wear and tear will occur due to the weather. The more challenging and harsher climates, the more the wear and tear will increase, thereby impacting the longevity of your roof

.• In our experience, Roofers Manchester have found that slate roof tiles are easily breakable. Therefore, no one should be stepping foot on your roof unless they are following proper health and safety guidelines and are skilled enough to do so. Slate tiles that are broken can lead to water ingress and can be costly to replace

.For further details on our roofing solutions, please visit our service pages or contact us today for your free competitive quote.

Is roof insulation worth it?

Roofers Manchester advise building owners that installing roof insulation is a wise choice and is an easy way to save money on your energy bills. Our roofers in Manchester have highlighted some information on insulation for flat and pitched roofs which will allow you to make more informed decisions.

Insulation for pitched roofs:

• Cold loft insulation – this is the most basic and cheapest roof insulation. The insulation is placed on top of and between the joists in your internal roof space, this is generally referred to as “loft insulation". Roofers Manchester advise that the loft insulation will help prevent heat escaping during the cooler months, allowing your property to remain warmer. Fitting cold loft insulation can be covered by government grants, so it is well worth checking with your local council if you are entitled to such support.

• Warm loft insulation – insulation of this sort is installed directly under the roof at the rafters. Again, the insulation will reduce heat loss which means your property will maintain its temperature during Autumn and Winter. A type of warm insulation recommended by our roofers in Manchester is batts of mineral or glass wool insulation. This is securely positioned with battens of wood placed across the rafters.

Insultation for flat roofs:

• Warm roof insultation – insulation is laid on top of the roof deck with the waterproof membrane laid over. Decks are usually made of concrete, wood, or steel. Insulation is usually made from wool or polystyrene.

• Cold roof insulation – insulation is fitted below the deck and timber joists. Our roofers in Manchester recommend leaving a gap for ventilation. This will limit the formation of condensation, which can cause rot and decay.

We recommend installing any insulation when you are constructing or replacing a roof. Contact Roofers Manchester for further advice and your free quote.

How do flat roofs drain water?

If you are a property owner contemplating having a flat roof installed, you may be wondering how they drain water. Below, Roofers Manchester discuss some features that enable flat roofs to do just this and prevent water pooling. Water that does pool on flat roofs increases the potential for wear and tear and leaks.

The gradient - although they are called flat roofs, they are not entirely flat. Our roofers in Manchester advise that there should be a slight gradient so rainwater is naturally guided towards the gutter.  Installed correctly, the flat roof covering should be smooth. The gradient on a flat roof should be a minimum of 1cm for every 60cm of width (1 in 60 falls).

Gutter system - gutter systems allow rainwater to be guided to the central drainage network, preventing water flooding around the base of your property. Roofers Manchester recommend property owners regularly check their guttering to ensure it is intact, sturdy and free from blockages. There should be a slight overhang from the roof to the gutter to allow water to be safely guided to the gutter.

Integral drains - for those properties with larger flat roofs e.g. commercial buildings, schools, flats etc., a drain is sometimes fitted toward the edge of the roof. The gentle slope on the roof guides the rainwater to the drain allowing the rainwater to be safely transported away. Our roofers in Manchester advise the advantage to this is the pipe work is hidden.

Contact Roofers Manchester for further advice on your flat roof and your free competitive quote.

Roofers Manchester advise property owners that the colder months during the Autumn and Winter can be a challenging time for roofs. The low temperatures and wet weather can leave many roofs in need of repairs or even replacements. However, can a roof be replaced during the winter?

Our roofers in Manchester recognise that roofs can be replaced during the Winter. Below we have outlined some factors that need to be considered if you are having a new roof during the cooler months.

It can be detrimental to wait – Depending on the type of problem you are having with your roof, our roofers in Manchester advise that it can be a bad idea to leave it untreated. Issues like missing tiles, holes in the roofing membrane and torn flashing can become worse during challenging weather.

Waiting times are shorter – Roofers Manchester advise that waiting times for new roofs can be shorter in the Autumn and Winter, as most property owners book this type of work in during the Spring and Summer.

Temperature too low – whilst your roof can be replaced in the Winter, if the temperature drops too low, work may need to be temporarily halted. For instance, certain membranes can become brittle in cold weather making them more susceptible to cracking when being nailed in position. Also adhesive will not stick properly if the temperature is too low.

Health and safety – The main priority for our roofers in Manchester, at all times, is health and safety. Carrying out roofing work has the inherent risk of working at height. Working during challenging weather conditions can mean extra precautions need to be taken. For instance, working in the wind, rain, or when there has been snow or ice can increase the chances of slips and falls occurring. In these situations, work may be temporarily halted.

Contact Roofers Manchester for professional guidance and your free competitive quote. Visit our service pages for more details.

A common question Roofers Manchester get asked is “how long does it take to replace a roof”? In answer to this question, there is not a set answer as there are a number of factors involved. Under optimal conditions and for an average size property a roof replacement takes around a week.

Our roofers in Manchester have outlined 5 factors that will determine how long your roof replacement will take

• Weather – cold and wet weather can delay work on your roof. This type of weather brings health and safety risks for roofing contractors. Under cold conditions, tiles are shingles are prone to cracking when being nailed in place. Flat roof coverings are also difficult to seal when the temperature drops below a certain point.

• The material composition and design of your roof – our roofers in Manchester advise property owners that the material composition and design of your roof can impact how long the replacement will take. For example, on average, shingles are easier to fit and quicker than roof tiles. The complexity of design will also impact the project time.

• Property size – a property that is larger will have a longer roof installation time than one that is smaller. It will also be more costly due to the bigger roofing surface area.

• Roof access – Roofers Manchester advise property owners that the accessibility of your roof can impact the replacement time. For instance, the complexity of roof design can make some roofs harder to access than other. In addition, the landscape around the property can also make it tougher for contractors to access the roof. For instance, there may be bushes, hedges or other properties that make if difficult to get on the roof.

• Structural defects – a roof replacement can be relatively quick if it is just a matter of stripping the roof and replacing it. However, if there is damage to the roof structure then this will need to be repaired before the roof can be replaced.

Contact Roofers Manchester for advice on your roof replacement and your free competitive quote.

Roofers Manchester appreciate that chimneys are often forgotten about as building owners tend to think more about the roof than the chimney. It is important to maintain the structure of your chimney and regular surveys from roofers in Manchester are recommended. Chimneys that are in poor condition can be susceptible to leaks and at worse collapsing.

One important aspect of a chimney is the mortar joints between the brickwork otherwise known as pointing. Maintenance work on a chimney on occasion requires the joints to be pointed. But how do you recognise when this is the case? Roofers Manchester have outlined some points that indicate your chimney could need repointing.

• Crumbling mortar joints – our roofers in Manchester advise when this happens, moisture can penetrate through your chimney. If you notice damage to the mortar between the brickwork have this repaired as soon as possible. If water gets in between the cracks in the mortar this can freeze and expand leading to further damage.

• Spalling – spalling occurs when water gets into the chimney brickwork. When this occurs, it can cause the brickwork to become displaced. If this occurs you will notice the mortar joints crumbing. If you do notice that spalling is occurring be sure to have this repaired by Roofing Manchester as soon as possible

• Poor condition of internal walls – examine the condition of the internal chimney walls across all levels of your property. This is particularly important after rainfall, as any water that makes its way through the chimney brickwork can show as damage to the wallpaper and paintwork. If you notice internal moisture, this may indicate a problem with the mortar which would need repairing.

• Discolouration – If your chimney is becoming discoloured, our roofers in Manchester advise this could indicate heat or water damage. Either of  these reasons could indicate a course of repointing is required. Leaving mortar damage unrepaired could lead to future roofing and structural damage.

Contact Roofers Manchester for professional roofing advice and your free competitive quote.

When it comes to roof repairs, this can be stressful for property owners, particularly as many are inexperienced with this aspect of their building. Roofers Manchester have completed a large number of roof repairs on domestic and commercial properties. To help educate building owners on roofing problems to look out for, our roofers in Manchester, discuss some of the most common repairs they undertake below.

• Poor installation – Flashing that is installed correctly across joints and around the edge of your roofline, helps to keep water from seeping into the internal roof space. Poorly installed flashing or roof flashing that has become damaged can lead to leaks. This can compromise the structural integrity of your roof and building.

• Replacement of shingles or tiles – shingles and tiles can suffer from wear and tear over a period, due to constant exposure to the elements. They can even come loose during high winds. If your shingles or tiles or flat roof covering are damaged, our roofers in Manchester, recommend having this repaired as soon as possible to prevent further problems. If you roof is in a satisfactory condition, overall, a professional roofing company in Manchester will be able to replace the covering on the damaged area.

• Clogged gutters – your gutters are an important roof fixture. They take rainwater run off from your roof and guide it away from your property to the main drainage network. Roofers Manchester advise the main issue with gutters is when they become clogged with debris. This is particularly the case during the Autumn when leaves are falling from the trees. When gutters become clogged, they are prone to overflowing when it rains, which can cause water to pool around the base of your building. Your gutters can also detach from the brackets.

• For flat roofs, pooling or standing water is a common issue. This can occur for a number of reasons such as weathering, poor installation, the age of the roofing. If you suspect, you have pooling water on your roof contact your local roofers in Manchester as soon as possible. Water that pool increases the potential for leaks.

• Leaks – Roofers Manchester have visited many properties where damage or wear and tear to the roof has caused leaks. Left unrepaired, leaks can cause  extensive damage to the structure of your property. If you do notice a leak to your roof, contact your local “roofers near me”, they will be able to detect the source and undertake any necessary repairs.

• Lack of ventilation – if your roof has insufficient ventilation, this can lead to deterioration of the underlying roof materials. Internal moisture can also cause mould. A professional roofing company in Manchester will not only ensure that your roof is watertight but that proper ventilation is in place.

Contact Roofers Manchester today for professional roofing advice and your free competitive quote

Roofers Manchester understand that a roof ridge is created where two roof slopes meet. The ridge that is created is covered by ridge tiles which help to prevent water ingress. They also protect your internal roof space from high winds.

Our roofers in Manchester advise the traditional method of sealing concrete, clay or slate ridge tiles is with mortar joints. However, British Standard (BS) 5534 and 8216:2018 outline that mortar should not only be the only fixing mechanism for tiles, hence the additional use of nails to secure the tiles.

Dry Ridge System.

The limitation of mortar joints is they require regular maintenance, especially if they are subject to continual adverse weather. This is why Roofers Manchester offer the contemporary dry ridge system which is gaining popularity in the UK. Our roofers in Manchester recommend this to customers as it is easier to install and virtually maintenance free.

Rather than sealing the roofs with mortar, ridge tiles are mechanically fixed. Ridge tiles are fitted over a roll of ventilation using clips, screws, washers and clamps. Once the dry ridge system has been installed, from the ground, it looks almost identical ridge tiles with mortar joints. The benefit if the dry ridge system is there is less maintenance, due to the absence of mortar bonds, saving building owners money in the long term.

Contact Roofers Manchester now for professional roofing advice and your free competitive quote.

Roofers Manchester have experience fitting roof skylights. If you have dark areas in your property, one way to combat this is to have a roof window installed. Skylights are also known as roof windows and Velux windows. Our roofers in Manchester advise, by having a skylight installed, the natural light that enters your property can transform the look of your internal spaces. Skylights are available in a variety of sizes and designs.

The cost to have a skylight installed depends on the size and shape of the window and the amount of work involved. Contact your local professional “roofer near me” for advice on having a skylight installed. They made need additional assistance from a carpenter depending on your roof makeup. 

Our roofers in Manchester have highlighted the basic stages to fitting a skylight below:

• Roof tiles, membranes and battens will need to be lifted in order to gain access to the timber rafters.

• The timber rafters will need to be designed and cut to support the skylight frame

• A wooden framework will be constructed to encase the skylight. The skylight will then be fitted into the framework.

• One the skylight has been fitted the roofing membrane and tiles will be replaced. To keep your roof watertight, roof flashing will be needed around the edges of the skylight.

Following the fitting, our roofers in Manchester, recommend inspecting your internal roof space to ensure it is fully watertight. Contact Roofers Manchester today for professional advice on skylight installation and your free competitive quote.

Roofers Manchester recognise that gutters and downpipes are one of the most overlooked fixtures on a building. Gutters operate in a relatively simple way, they carry water from the room to the main drainage network. When done correctly they protect your property from water damage. Our roofers in Manchester explain in more detail below how a gutter system works.

• How gutters work - Gutters function by collecting rainwater that flows off your roof. This is guided to the underground drainage network by your gutters and downpipes. Roofers Manchester advise the absence of any guttering would cause water to land directly around the structure and foundations of your property. Over time, this could compromise the foundational and structural integrity of your building and lead to costly repairs.

• Why are gutters important - Gravity naturally directs rainwater down your roof to the guttering. Without any rainwater goods fitted, water would accumulate around the base of your property and also run down the exterior walls. Our Roofing Manchester team note that this could potentially lead to issues such as rising damp, moisture collecting through windows, internal mould and damp etc. Roofers Manchester, also highlight that water pooling around your foundations causes erosion to the groundwork, weakening the foundational and structural integrity of the property making it unsafe.

To ensure rainwater flows efficiently away from your building, it is imperative to regularly maintain your gutter system. For professional advice and your free competitive quote contact our roofers in Manchester today.