You cannot climb up to inspect the work, and you should not. There is still plenty you can check from the ground, the loft and the written record of the job.
Roofing is hard to judge, because the work sits high up and out of sight. After a repair or re-roof in Arnos Vale, you can still form a fair view without leaving the ground. Look at the lines, the edges, the site and the explanation you were given. A roofer who did the work properly will usually be glad for you to ask.
Look at the roof from the ground
Stand back in the street or garden and look along the roof. Rows of tiles or slates should run straight and evenly, with no obvious gaps, lifted edges or odd patches of different colour. The ridge should look straight and the verge tidy along the gable. On sloping streets you can often see across to neighbouring roofs for comparison, which helps you spot anything unusual.
Check inside and in the loft
After the next heavy rain, look at the ceilings and the loft side for new stains or damp. In the roof space, check that insulation has been left in place and that there is no daylight where there was none before. Safe access only: stay on the loft boards and do not step on the ceiling.
- No new stains on ceilings after rain
- No daylight showing through the roof covering
- Insulation put back neatly where it was moved
- No offcuts, dust sheets or tools left behind
Gutters, fascias and the ground below
Look at the guttering and boards for neat fixing and a consistent line. Gutters should hold water to the outlets, not drip at the joints. Check the paths, drive and garden for leftover debris, broken tile pieces or mortar. A tidy site is usually a sign of care taken higher up, and a roofer who clears up properly at ground level has probably been just as careful with the work you cannot see.
What the paperwork should show
You should have a written description of the work and materials that matches what was done. Ask for photographs of the problem and the finished repair, since you cannot see them yourself. A roofer who explains clearly what was found, which parts were urgent and which could wait, has probably been straightforward with you throughout.
If something does not look right
Do not go up to inspect it yourself. Note what concerns you, take photographs from the ground, and raise it with the roofer promptly. A good roofer comes back to look at it. If you want a second opinion, call us for a proper look, and we will tell you plainly what we see and what, if anything, needs doing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after the work should I check?
Look straight away from the ground and again after the next heavy rain, from inside as well. Some faults only show in a storm, so an early check in bad weather is sensible. Report anything you see quickly, with dated photographs, so the roofer can compare it with what was done and put right anything that needs it.
What should the roofer have explained to me?
They should have described what was wrong, what they did, what materials were used, and anything else that needs attention later. Vague answers, or reluctance to show photographs of the work, are worth questioning politely and in writing.
Is a tidy site a reliable sign?
It is a good sign of care, but not proof. Combine it with straight lines on the roof, no new stains inside, a written description that matches the work, and clear explanations, and you can be fairly confident the job was done properly.
Talk to our team about general roofing services in Arnos Vale
Every roof is different — the fastest way to get an accurate answer is a quick chat with our team.