Roof repairs
Roof Repairs in Edinburgh
Leaks, slipped slates, failed leadwork and storm damage on houses, tenements and commercial buildings. We find the cause, fix it properly and show you the photos.
- Leaks traced to the source
- Slate, lead & flat roofs
- Rope access where it suits
- Fully insured
Roof repairs Edinburgh
Find the cause, then fix it
If your roof is leaking, or you have spotted slipped slates, cracked flashings or debris on the pavement, we will inspect it, find out why it is happening and repair it. Water rarely comes in where the stain appears, so we trace the leak back to its source rather than patching the nearest visible point.
We work on Victorian and Georgian tenements, terraced houses, villas, flats and commercial buildings across Edinburgh, and use rope access where it avoids the cost of scaffolding.
A photo of the problem helps us respond faster. Send it with your quote request.
What we repair
Roof problems we fix
Roof leaks
We trace water back through the sarking, rafters and wall heads to the slate, flashing, valley or gutter that is letting it in.
Slipped and missing slates
Slates slip when nails corrode, battens fail or a storm lifts them. We refix them with copper nails or slate hooks and match replacements to the existing slate.
Leadwork and flashings
Split or lifted lead around chimneys, skylights and abutments is one of the most common causes of leaks on traditional roofs.
Valleys, ridges and hips
Cracked or blocked valleys and loose ridge or hip tiles are cleared, repaired, rebedded or refixed.
Chimney leaks
Flashings, flaunching and cope stones repaired. Pointing and stonework are covered by our stonemasonry service.
Flat roof leaks
Blisters, splits, failed joints and ponding on felt, GRP and single ply. See flat roofing.
More about storm damage and temporary repairs
After high winds we can secure loose slates, ridges and flashings to stop further damage, then carry out a permanent repair once the weather allows. We photograph the damage before we start, which helps with insurance claims.
Where a temporary repair is needed first, for example a sheet over a damaged area until matching slate arrives, we explain what we have done and what the permanent repair will involve.
How it works
How we repair a roof
Inspect
We look at the roof close up, by hatch, ladder or rope access, and photograph what we find.
Find the cause
We trace the leak or defect to its source so the repair deals with the cause, not the symptom.
Written quote
You get a written quote explaining the problem, the repair and how we will reach the roof.
Repair and photos
We carry out the repair and send before and after photos when it is done.
Shared roofs
Tenement roof repairs
Tenement roofs are usually shared between several owners, which affects how repairs are organised and paid for. We regularly work on shared roofs and can:
- inspect and photograph the problem so every owner can see it
- provide a written quote that can be shared between owners or passed to your factor
- coordinate access through the common stair or roof hatch
- use rope access on rear elevations where scaffolding would be difficult
The City of Edinburgh Council’s Shared Repairs Service has guidance for owners on organising repairs under the Tenements (Scotland) Act 2004.
Access
How we access your roof
Every roof and repair is different. We assess the safest and most practical access method, considering the type of work, the building layout and the overall cost, and explain it on the quote.
Roof access or ladder
For suitable roofs and smaller repairs, an existing roof hatch or a ladder may give straightforward access without additional equipment.
Rope access
Trained rope access technicians carry out inspections and localised repairs on difficult-to-reach roofs, often avoiding the need for scaffolding. See rope access roof repairs.
Scaffolding
For larger repairs, roof replacements and work needing extended access, scaffolding may be the most practical solution. See new roofs.
About rope access
Rope access technicians are IRATA trained, and rope access work is supervised by IRATA Level 3 technicians. Rope access suits short, targeted repairs where scaffold hire, erection and a scaffold permit would cost more than the repair itself.
Repair or replace?
We will repair a roof when repair is the sensible option. If the slates, nails, sarking or leadwork are failing across the whole roof, repeated repairs soon cost more than replacement. In that case we show you the evidence with photos and price both options so you can decide.
Read 5 signs your slate roof needs replacing, or see new roofs and re-slating.
Urgent roof repairs?
Storm damage, a leaking roof or slipped slates? Call us to discuss the problem and check our earliest availability.
We will give you a clear indication of when we can attend.
Written quoteThe problem, the repair and the access method explained
PhotosBefore and after photos of every repair
GuaranteedWorkmanship guarantee confirmed in writing on your quote
£5 millionPublic liability and employer’s liability insurance
FAQs
Roof repair questions
How much does a roof repair cost in Edinburgh?
It depends on the problem, the height of the building and how we reach it. Replacing a few slates from a roof hatch costs far less than a repair that needs scaffolding. Send us a photo and the address and we can usually give you an idea of cost before we visit, then a fixed written quote once we have seen the roof.
Can you repair my roof without scaffolding?
Often, yes. Many localised repairs can be done from a roof hatch, by ladder or by rope access. Scaffolding is usually only needed for larger repairs, heavy materials or long runs of work, and we will tell you why if it is.
Why does my roof still leak after a previous repair?
Usually because the repair treated the symptom, not the cause. Water can travel along sarking, rafters and wall heads before it shows on a ceiling, so a stain under a chimney might come from the flashing, the cope or the stack itself. We trace the leak before we quote.
Do you repair slate roofs on listed buildings?
Yes. We repair like for like with matching natural slate and traditional leadwork, and we will tell you if the work may need listed building consent before it starts.
How quickly can you come out?
We book repairs around our planned work and give you a date when we quote. If water is coming in, call us. We will tell you straight away when we can attend and make it safe.
Do you provide photos for insurance claims?
Yes. We photograph the damage before we start and the repair when we finish, so you have a record for your insurer, other owners or your factor.
Is my roof repair guaranteed?
Yes. Every repair carries our workmanship guarantee. The length depends on the work, so we confirm it in writing on your quote.
Related services
Rope access roof repairs
High-level repairs on tall buildings without the cost of scaffolding.
Roof maintenance
Annual and planned visits that catch problems before they become leaks.
Book a roof repair
Describe the problem and attach a photo if you can. We cover Edinburgh and the surrounding areas.