What should I do if my flat roof is leaking? +
If your flat roof is leaking, identify where the water is entering inside the property and place containers to catch drips. From ground level, check for obvious damage like split felt, standing water or debris on the roof surface. Do not walk on the flat roof as it may be weakened. Call an emergency roofer in Altrincham — flat roof leaks worsen quickly and the membrane may need patching or replacing.
What counts as a roofing emergency? +
A roofing emergency is any situation where water is actively entering your property or the roof structure is at risk of further collapse. This includes storm damage with missing tiles or lifted felt, a hole in the roof, chimney stack damage, and flat roof membrane failure during heavy rain. Cosmetic issues like moss growth or a single cracked tile are not emergencies but should still be addressed promptly.
Does a roof repair need building regulations approval? +
Most like-for-like roof repairs do not require building regulations approval. However, if you are re-roofing more than 25% of the roof area, changing the roof covering material, or making structural alterations, building regulations will apply. Using a CompetentRoofer scheme member means they can self-certify compliance, saving you the cost and hassle of a separate building control application.
What is the CompetentRoofer scheme? +
CompetentRoofer is a government-authorised scheme that allows registered roofers to self-certify that their work complies with building regulations. This means you do not need to pay for a separate building control inspection — saving you £200–£400. Only roofers who have been independently assessed for competence can join the scheme. It is a strong indicator that the roofer knows what they are doing.
How long does a roof repair take in Altrincham? +
A temporary emergency repair such as tarping or patching a leak takes 1 to 2 hours once the roofer arrives. Permanent repairs vary — replacing a few tiles takes half a day, while fixing lead flashing or repointing ridge tiles typically takes a full day. A complete re-roof of a semi-detached house usually takes 3 to 5 working days, weather permitting.
Are emergency roofers in Altrincham available at weekends? +
Yes, most emergency roofing services covering Altrincham operate 7 days a week, including bank holidays. Weekend and evening call-outs typically cost 25–50% more than standard weekday rates. For non-urgent issues like a missing tile with no active leak, it is usually more cost-effective to book a weekday appointment.