Roofing FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we are asked most in Shirehampton, Sea Mills, Lawrence Weston and Avonmouth.
Your questions answered
Do you give free quotes?
Yes. We inspect the roof and give you a written quote, free and with no obligation. Request one here or call 0800 494 7291.
Which areas do you cover?
Shirehampton and the surrounding areas, including Sea Mills, Lawrence Weston, Avonmouth, Kings Weston, Coombe Dingle, Stoke Bishop and Henbury, and across the city and surrounding areas.
Is my house in the Shirehampton conservation area?
Possibly, even if it was not before. Bristol City Council greatly enlarged the conservation area when it adopted a new character appraisal in January 2023. The council’s website has the current boundary.
Do I need permission to repair my roof in a conservation area?
Like-for-like repairs are normally fine. Changing the roof material, adding rooflights or altering the roof shape may need permission, and any work affecting a listed building needs listed building consent. Check with Bristol City Council planning if in doubt.
What is the difference between a pantile and a double-Roman tile?
A pantile has a single S-shaped roll; a double-Roman has two rolls with a flat section between. Both are clay roofing tiles found in Shirehampton, and they are not interchangeable.
Why does my roof leak when the wind is from the north-east?
Most bad weather here comes from the south-west, so the north-east slope can be overlooked. The Met Office notes north-easterly winds are relatively frequent at Bristol because of the line of the Bristol Channel. Loose fixings on the “sheltered” slope show up then.
Can you repair a flat roof rather than replace it?
Often, if the deck underneath is sound. We will tell you honestly whether a repair or a new EPDM roof makes more sense.
Do you work on steel-framed or concrete houses?
We carry out roofing work on many types of house. Some non-traditional houses, such as certain Sea Mills and Lawrence Weston types, may need the structure assessed by a specialist before major roof work, and we will tell you if so.
How long is your guarantee?
Our work comes with a 20 year written guarantee.
Do you publish prices?
No — roofs vary too much. Our cost guide explains what drives the price, and the written quote is free.
How quickly can you come out for a leak?
For active leaks, call 0800 494 7291 and we will make it safe as soon as we can. See emergency roof repair.
Can you match old clay tiles?
Usually, with new or reclaimed tiles of the right profile. Where an exact match is not possible we explain the options before we start.
Sources: Shirehampton Conservation Area Character Appraisal (Bristol City Council), Met Office: Climate of South West England, Sea Mills Character Appraisal (Bristol City Council).
Get your free, no-obligation roofing quote
Tell us what is happening with your roof. We will come out, look properly, and put a written price in your hands before any work starts.