- 1 Liverpool Road North, Maghull, L31 2HB
- Office Mon–Sat 10:00–18:00
- info@rooferandbuilder.co.uk
Questions & Answers
Answers to the questions we’re asked most about roof repairs, replacements, emergencies and building work. Can’t find what you need? Call 0151 739 0669 or send us a message.
Yes. If you have an active leak, storm damage or another urgent roofing problem, call us directly. We provide emergency roofing support and will assess what is needed to make the property safe and watertight.
We are based in Liverpool and work throughout Merseyside and the wider North West, including parts of Wirral, Lancashire and Cheshire. Contact us if you are unsure whether we cover your area.
Not every roofing problem requires a new roof. Where a suitable repair can resolve the issue, we can repair individual defects such as damaged tiles, slate, flashing, gutters or areas allowing water to enter. If the roof has reached the end of its useful life, we can also discuss re-roofing options.
We work on many common residential and commercial roofing systems, including tiled and slate roofs, flat roofs, felt roofing and other roof coverings. We can also deal with associated features such as leadwork, chimneys, roof windows, fascias, soffits and gutters.
Yes. Alongside roofing, our team undertakes a range of building work, including extensions, loft conversions, internal alterations, structural steelwork, pointing and refurbishment.
Yes. We undertake roofing work on both domestic and commercial properties, from individual repairs and maintenance through to more substantial roofing works.
Yes. You do not need to diagnose the problem before contacting us. Explain what you have noticed, such as a leak, damp patch, damaged roof covering or deterioration, and we can discuss the next appropriate step.
We prioritise urgent roofing enquiries, but response times depend on your location, current workload, weather conditions and safe access. Call us for current availability.
Where the source of the leak can be safely accessed, we may be able to complete a temporary or permanent repair during the initial visit. More extensive damage may require additional materials or follow-up work.
We can assist with urgent problems involving damaged brickwork, masonry, chimney components, parapets, impact damage and other building defects that may require prompt assessment or repair.
Where practical and safe to do so, temporary protection or other measures may be possible. The appropriate response depends on the type of damage, access and the condition of the affected area.
It depends on your policy and the cause. Many policies cover sudden storm damage but exclude wear and tear and gradual deterioration. Report the damage promptly and keep photographs. We can supply photos, a written description and a quote to support a claim, but the decision rests with your insurer.
Not usually. Working at height in high winds is not safe for roofers or for anyone below. Limited make-safe work may be possible in a break in the weather, with the permanent repair completed once conditions allow. In the meantime, moving belongings and catching drips indoors helps to limit the damage.
The location of an internal damp patch does not always identify the point where water entered. Rainwater can travel along roof timbers, membranes and internal surfaces. A roof inspection can help identify damaged materials and likely entry points.
Minor problems may sometimes be repaired during the initial visit where the cause is accessible and the required materials are available. More extensive defects may require a quotation and a return visit.
In many cases, yes. Slipped tiles, a few broken slates, a loose ridge or a split flashing can usually be repaired on their own if the rest of the roof is in reasonable condition. If we find the underlying materials are failing across the whole roof, we will explain that honestly and set out the options, including partial or full replacement.
It depends on your policy and the cause. Many home insurance policies cover sudden damage, such as damage from a storm, but not gradual wear and tear. If you plan to claim, photograph the damage and contact your insurer. We can provide photographs and a written quote to support your claim. Our storm damage roof repairs page explains more.
There is no fixed rule, but a check every year or two, and after severe storms, is a sensible guide for most homes. Older roofs, flat roofs and roofs with a history of repairs benefit from more regular checks, ideally in autumn before winter weather arrives.
The terms are often used interchangeably. When people ask us for a roof survey, they usually mean an inspection by a roofer rather than a full building survey by a chartered surveyor. If a lender or solicitor needs a particular type of report, check their requirements before booking.
We undertake roof repairs, pitched roofing, flat roofing, tiled and slate roof work, chimney repairs, leadwork, roofline replacement and complete re-roofing projects.
Yes. We work on a range of pitched and flat roof constructions, including tiled, slate, felt, EPDM and GRP roofing systems.
The deciding factor is whether the problems are isolated or spread across the roof. A few slipped tiles or one failed flashing can usually be repaired. If tiles or slates are failing all over, the felt has perished throughout or the battens are rotten in several places, repeated repairs tend to cost more over time than a new roof.
Usually, yes, if you are replacing the covering on more than 25% of the roof. That counts as renovating a thermal element, so the work must be notified to Building Control or done under a competent person scheme, and insulation normally needs upgrading where feasible. Changing to a noticeably heavier covering can also bring the roof structure into scope.
Yes. Cracked, broken, slipped or missing tiles can often be replaced without renewing the entire roof, provided the surrounding tiles and supporting materials remain in suitable condition. We will also check for damaged fixings or battens that may have contributed to the problem.
Roof tiles can become damaged because of strong winds, frost, impact, ageing fixings, deteriorated battens or movement within the roof structure. Previous repairs and incorrectly fitted replacement tiles can also create vulnerable areas.
Yes. Individual broken, slipped or missing slates can often be replaced where the surrounding roof remains in suitable condition. We will also check why the slate moved or failed.
Slates can slip because their fixings have corroded or failed, the slate has cracked around the fixing hole, supporting battens have deteriorated or the roof has been affected by strong winds.
It can be. Ridge tiles are heavy and can fall in strong winds, and the gap left behind lets water into the top of the roof. Keep people clear of the area below and call us. Our article on when a loose ridge becomes an emergency explains more.
Under BS 5534:2014 (+A2:2018), ridge and hip tiles should be mechanically fixed, and mortar alone is no longer considered sufficient. The standard applies to new work, and it is good practice to follow it whenever a ridge is relaid. Both dry ridges and mechanically fixed mortar-bedded ridges can comply.
Common signs include damp patches on ceilings or walls where two roof slopes meet, stained timbers in the loft, water spilling over the gutter at the foot of the valley, and moss visible in the valley. Our article on roof valley leaks in Liverpool homes covers more.
Small defects can sometimes be repaired, but if the lead has cracked in several places, thinned, or was laid in lengths that are too long, renewal is usually the lasting fix. Patching lead with sealant or tape tends to be a short-term measure only.
Warning signs can include cracked or missing mortar, damaged bricks, leaning chimney pots, loose masonry, cracked flaunching and damp around the chimney breast or adjoining roof.
Yes. Localised defects can often be addressed through repointing, brick replacement, flaunching repairs or renewed leadwork. Rebuilding may be recommended where deterioration or movement is more extensive.
Common signs include damp around a chimney breast, water staining near an adjoining wall, visibly loose flashing, splits in the lead, lifted edges and missing sections. The surrounding masonry or roof covering may also contribute to the leak.
Yes. Localised splits, loose sections and defined areas of damage may sometimes be repaired. Replacement may be more appropriate where the material is extensively damaged, incorrectly installed or has already received several unsuccessful repairs.
Yes. A roof window can often be installed into an existing suitable pitched roof. The proposed location, roof construction, pitch and surrounding tiles or slates need to be assessed before work begins.
Yes. Existing VELUX roof windows can often be replaced with a suitable modern window. The product information on the existing window can help identify its size and specification.
Loft insulation is commonly installed at ceiling level in an unconverted loft, leaving the roof space above outside the main heated area of the home. Roof insulation is generally installed within the roof construction when the space beneath the roof slopes forms part of the heated property.
In many properties, existing loft insulation can be assessed and improved. The appropriate work will depend on the condition and depth of the existing insulation, access, ventilation and how the loft is used.
Yes. Localised leaks can often be repaired where the surrounding roof covering and underlying deck remain in suitable condition. Widespread deterioration or repeated failures may make replacement a more appropriate option.
Signs can include recurring leaks, widespread cracking, lifting materials, extensive blistering, damaged edges and deterioration of the roof deck. We will inspect the roof and explain whether repair or replacement is likely to provide the better result.
Not automatically. GRP gives a seamless, hard-wearing finish without lapped joints, which suits many extensions and dormers. Modern felt systems remain a sound choice for many roofs, especially larger ones. The deck, falls and edge details usually make more difference than the material, so we recommend based on your roof.
In most cases, no. Fibreglass needs a clean, dry and rigid deck, and laying it over old felt would trap any defects and moisture underneath. We normally strip the old covering and boards, check the joists and lay a new deck before laminating.
EPDM is a synthetic rubber membrane used to waterproof flat and low-pitched roofs. On most homes it is laid in one sheet and bonded to a timber deck, with trims at the edges and upstands at the walls. It is flexible, fitted without heat and has very few joints.
EPDM suits most flat and low-pitched roofs, including garages, single-storey extensions, dormers, outbuildings and commercial units. It works particularly well on simple, rectangular roofs that one sheet can cover. If your garage roof is leaking or holding water, rubber is often one of the options we discuss.
Yes. Localised splits, damaged joints and defined areas of deterioration can often be repaired where the surrounding felt and underlying roof deck remain in suitable condition. More extensive deterioration may make replacement a better option.
Leaks can result from splits, damaged joints, lifted edges, deterioration around outlets and upstands, impact damage or problems with the roof deck beneath the covering.
Many garage roof leaks can be repaired where the problem is localised and the underlying roof deck remains in reasonable condition. Widespread deterioration, recurring leaks or structural damage may make replacement a more suitable option.
This depends on the age of the roof, the extent of the damage, the condition of the supporting deck and the history of previous repairs. We will inspect the roof and explain which option is likely to offer better value.
Usually, yes, if you are replacing a glazed or polycarbonate roof with a solid, insulated one. The new roof changes the structure and thermal performance of the room, so it needs to meet the regulations, and the frames and base must be shown to carry the extra weight. We explain what is involved before any work starts.
Not always. In many cases replacing a conservatory roof does not need planning permission, but it depends on the property, how the conservatory was originally built or approved, and whether the house is listed or in a conservation area. If you are unsure, check with your local planning authority before committing to the work.
Fascia boards run vertically along the lower edge of the roof and usually support the guttering. Soffits cover the underside of the roof edge between the fascia and the external wall.
Signs can include peeling paint, cracked boards, rotten timber, staining, loose sections, visible gaps and guttering that is pulling away from the roofline.
Common causes include worn joint seals, cracks, loose connections, poor alignment and damaged sections. An inspection can establish whether the problem requires a minor repair or replacement components.
Overflow can result from leaves, moss or other debris restricting the flow of water. It can also occur where the gutter has sagged, the outlet is blocked or the system has an inadequate fall.
We undertake roofing work on a range of commercial and managed properties. The service required will depend on the building, roof construction, access and extent of the work.
Yes. We investigate visible roof defects and likely water entry points and can undertake suitable repairs based on the condition and construction of the roof.
We undertake a range of building repairs, alterations and property improvement work, including brickwork, masonry repairs, internal alterations, structural openings and larger refurbishment projects. The exact scope will depend on the property and proposed work.
Yes. We undertake building work associated with structural alterations where the appropriate design and specification are in place. Depending on the project, input from a structural engineer and Building Regulations approval may be required.
Not always. Some house extensions can fall within permitted development rights when they meet the relevant limits and conditions. Other projects will require planning permission. The requirements depend on factors including the property, extension size, position and any previous alterations.
Most home extensions require Building Regulations approval. The work may need to meet requirements relating to structural safety, foundations, insulation, ventilation, fire safety, drainage and other elements of the construction.
Many lofts can be converted, but suitability depends on factors such as the available headroom, roof construction, floor structure, staircase position and the space required for the proposed room. An initial assessment can help establish the practical options.
Not always. Some loft conversions can be completed under permitted development rights, provided the work meets the relevant limits and conditions. Other projects will require planning permission, particularly where the proposed alterations fall outside those allowances or the property is subject to additional restrictions.
Not always. Many rear dormers fall under permitted development if they stay within the volume limit for the type of house and meet the other conditions. Front dormers, flats, maisonettes and houses in conservation areas usually need planning permission, so check with your local planning authority if you are unsure.
On terraced houses with a rear outrigger, an L-shaped dormer often gives the most usable space, typically enough for an extra bedroom and a bathroom. Where there is no outrigger, a rear box dormer is the usual choice. The 40 cubic metre permitted development limit and the Party Wall Act both need considering early.
We undertake a range of internal building and refurbishment work, including kitchens, bathrooms, layout alterations, structural openings, new rooms and wider property renovations. The exact scope will depend on the individual project.
Potentially, yes. The wall must first be assessed to determine whether it is load-bearing and whether it performs another important function. Structural alterations may require Building Regulations approval and input from a structural engineer.
Structural calculations are commonly required when work affects load-bearing parts of a building, such as removing a structural wall, creating a large opening or installing a new steel beam. The requirements depend on the proposed alteration and existing structure.
RSJ stands for rolled steel joist and is a term commonly used to describe structural steel beams. The actual steel section required for a project may be a different type of structural section depending on the design and loads involved.
Brick repointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the joints between bricks and replacing it with new mortar. This helps restore the condition of the masonry and reduce water penetration through damaged joints.
Common signs include cracked mortar, loose joints, gaps between bricks, crumbling mortar and areas where the joint has worn noticeably back from the face of the brickwork.
Get a Quote
If there’s something you’d like our team to take a look at, then feel free to contact us. We’re happy to discuss your project and provide a competitive quote.
Maghull Business Centre, 1 Liverpool Road North, Maghull, Liverpool L31 2HB
Office: Mon–Sat 10:00–18:00
Emergency line: 24/7
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