Top 10 Roofing Questions From Manchester Homeowners

If you’re a homeowner in Manchester, chances are your roof has taken a beating from our famously rainy weather. Whether you're dealing with leaks, moss, or missing tiles, you’ve probably Googled a few roofing questions trying to figure out your next steps.

To help you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes, our Manchester Roofing Repairs team have rounded up the 10 most common roofing questions people in Manchester ask online — and answered them with advice from our expert team.

Look for signs like:

• Water stains on ceilings or walls
• Missing, broken, or fragmented tiles
• Sagging areas or visible dips in the roof structure
• Moss growth or debris build-up
• A roof older than 30 years

Minor damage can often be repaired. But if problems are widespread — or the roof is nearing the end of its lifespan — a full replacement may save you more money in the long run.

Roof replacement costs typically range between £4,000 and £12,000 depending on:

• Roof size and pitch
• Choice of materials (e.g. tile, slate, flat roof systems)
• Access (scaffolding, height, parking restrictions)
• Labour and waste removal

We offer free inspections and fixed quotes, so there are no surprises.

Most standard roof replacements take 3–5 days, but this can vary:



• Small terraced houses: 2–3 days
• Large detached homes: 5+ days
• Weather delays: Add extra time during heavy rain or wind

Durability in wet and windy conditions is key. Common choices include:



• Clay or concrete tiles – Durable and affordable
• Natural slate – Long-lasting, great for traditional homes
• GRP/Fibreglass flat roofing – Ideal for dormers and extensions
• Rubber (EPDM) roofing – Excellent waterproofing for flat roofs

Generally, insurance covers sudden, accidental damage (e.g. storm damage, falling trees). It likely won’t cover:

• Wear and tear
• Poor maintenance
• Pre-existing issues



Check your policy and consider taking photos of your roof for future claims.

Common signs of a roof leak include:



• Damp patches on ceilings or walls
• Dripping during rainstorms
• Mould or mildew smells in loft spaces
• Water running down internal walls

If you spot any of these, act quickly — small leaks can turn into major repairs.

We advise not climbing up yourself unless you're experienced and properly equipped. Instead:



• Use binoculars or a drone to check from the ground
• Look inside your loft for signs of damp or daylight
• Book a free professional inspection for peace of mind

We recommend:



• Once a year — ideally in autumn or spring
• After major storms or heavy winds
• Before buying or selling a property

Regular inspections help you catch minor issues early and avoid expensive repairs.

It depends on the material:

• Clay or concrete tiles – 40 to 60 years
• Natural slate – 75 to 100 years
• Flat roofs (EPDM, GRP, felt) – 15 to 30 years



Proper maintenance can extend your roof’s lifespan by a decade or more.

Usually, no planning permission is needed for like-for-like replacements. But you may need approval if:

• Your property is listed or in a conservation area
• You’re changing the roof height or shape
• You're installing solar panels or skylights

We can help to guide you through this process if needed.

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, yet it’s often the most overlooked—until something goes wrong. By understanding the most common roofing questions and knowing what to look out for, you’ll be better equipped to protect your home and avoid costly surprises.