Derbyshire & Nottinghamshire's trusted roofers since 2003

Frequently asked questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions we get asked most often. If yours isn't covered, ring us on 0330 223 7665 — we're happy to explain anything over the phone.

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Two Long Eaton Roofers inspecting a completed ridge line

Pricing & quotes

Do you charge for quotes?

No. Site visits and written quotes are free, no matter how complex.

Do you charge for condition surveys?

We only charge for condition surveys intended as formal written reports — pre-purchase surveys, insurance reports, or landlord compliance surveys. These start from £350 depending on property size.

How firm is the quoted price?

Our quotes are fixed prices, not estimates. The only time we ever revise a quote is if we find something unexpected once we're on site (rotten rafter ends, failed deck under flat roofing) — in which case we stop, photograph it, and agree any variation with you in writing before carrying on.

Do you take deposits?

Nothing for small repairs. 10% deposit on larger work (full re-roofs, major commercial). Final balance on satisfactory completion, not before.

Timescales & process

How quickly can you start work?

Emergency repairs: same day. Small repairs: usually within 1–2 weeks. Full re-roofs: usually 3–6 weeks from quote acceptance (we're normally booked up a month or so ahead for larger jobs). Commercial work with specific mobilisation requirements: as arranged.

How long does a typical job take?

Small repairs: half a day to two days. Chimney work: 2–4 days. Guttering replacement: 1–3 days. Flat roof (garage-sized): 2–3 days. Full re-roof on a 3-bed semi: 5–8 days. Larger detached properties: 10–15 days. Commercial single-ply: 2–4 weeks depending on size.

What if it rains during my re-roof?

We only strip as much roof as we can get covered the same day — typically one elevation at a time, with breathable membrane going down the afternoon of the strip. If heavy rain threatens, we tarp the exposed area and down tools until it passes. The inside of your house should never get wet.

Will I need to move out during a re-roof?

No — we plan re-roofs to be liveable. There will be noise during working hours (8am–5pm), scaffold at the windows, and dust in the loft, but the house remains fully functional and secure. If you work from home, there are a few noisy days we can warn you about in advance.

Materials & quality

How long does a roof last?

Natural Welsh slate: 80–100 years. Clay plain tiles: 60+ years. Concrete interlocking tiles: 50+ years. Synthetic slate: 50–60 years. EPDM rubber flat roof: 25–50 years. GRP fibreglass: 25–30 years. SBS torch-on felt: 20–25 years. Lifespans assume proper fitting and basic maintenance.

What brands do you fit?

Tiles: Marley, Redland, Sandtoft. Slate: Welsh (Penrhyn, Cwt-y-Bugail) and Spanish (CUPA, SSQ). Membranes: Klober, Marley Eternit. Flat roof: Firestone, Classicbond, IKO, Sika, Kemperol. Velux, Fakro and Keylite roof windows. Lead: rolled lead to BS EN 12588. We stick to established brands because replacement parts and warranty support stay available for decades.

Do you use reclaimed materials?

Yes, particularly for heritage and conservation-area work. We have good relationships with three local reclamation yards for Welsh slate, clay plain tile, pantile and reclaimed stone.

Emergency & insurance

What counts as a roofing emergency?

Active leaks into habitable rooms, storm damage exposing felt or boards, fallen chimney masonry, detached flashings after heavy rain, damage making the property unsafe or insecure. Tiles slipping in a garden that's been like that for weeks isn't an emergency.

My roof is leaking right now — what should I do?

(1) Put a bucket under the drip. (2) If water is pooling in a ceiling and bulging, consider putting a small hole in to drain it rather than let it collapse. (3) Don't try to climb up in wet weather — it's genuinely dangerous. (4) Ring us on 0330 223 7665 and we'll triage over the phone. We can often be on-site within 60–90 minutes in the local area.

Do you work with insurance companies?

Yes, happily. We're used to loss adjusters, the reporting formats the big UK insurers want, and the paperwork for most buildings insurance claims. We're not tied to any insurer's approved-contractor network, which means we work for you rather than for the insurer.

Other questions

Do I need planning permission for a new roof?

Like-for-like replacement is permitted development and doesn't need planning permission. Conservation area properties, listed buildings, or any change of roof shape or pitch will need permission. Adding dormers or Velux windows may need permission in conservation areas. Building Regulations (Approved Document L) apply to every re-roof.

Can you supply references?

Yes — we can put you in touch with customers who've had similar work done recently, usually within the same street or village if you want to see how the job looks in person. Just ask at quote stage.

Do you have a trade account or sell materials?

No — we're a fitting firm, not a merchant. If you need materials only (e.g. you're doing your own DIY job), we'll suggest local trade counters.

Are you insured?

£1m public liability (upgradable on request), £5m employers' liability. All policies are with major UK commercial insurers. Certificates available on request before any job starts.

Still have a question?

Ring the office on 0330 223 7665 or email info@longeatonroofers.co.uk. Office hours are 7:30am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 4pm Saturday. Emergency calls are answered 24/7 during named storms.

We've tried to keep this FAQ genuinely useful rather than padded with obvious answers. If there's a question you think we should add, let us know — we update this page regularly based on real customer queries.

Need a roofer you can actually trust?

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