You cannot see most of a roof from your garden, but you can still judge the work. Look at the paperwork, the tidiness, the lines from the ground and what the loft shows.
A roof is hard to judge because you cannot see most of it. Good work leaves clues all the same. The description you were given, how the site was kept, what the roof looks like from below and what is visible in the loft all help. Here is what to look for on a home in Eastville.
Start with the paperwork
Before work starts, you should have a written description of what is being done, in plain words. Afterwards, compare what was done with what was agreed. Any extra work should have been explained to you first, with the reason. If a roofer cannot describe what they did, that is a worry. Keep any messages or emails about changes to the plan.
From the ground
Stand back and look at the roof line. Ridges and hips should run straight, tiles should sit in even rows and new gutters should have a consistent line. Check the path and drive for debris, and look at the fascia for neat joints and clean cuts. Please do not climb up to inspect anything. Look at how the new work meets the old, since the joins show care or the lack of it.
- Straight ridge and hip lines
- Even rows of tiles with no gaps or chips
- Gutters level and secure with no drips
- Clean, tidy edges at the eaves and verge
In the loft
If the work affected the roof structure, look in the loft with a torch afterwards. You should see no daylight where it should not be, felt that is flat and tidy, and no new damp. Ask for photographs of any hidden work. Loose debris, mortar droppings or left-over offcuts should have been cleared. A loft torch check takes minutes and tells you a lot.
The state of the site
Good roofers leave the property tidy. Paths and gardens should be swept, waste removed and any damage to plants or paving reported. In a street where space is tight, tidy habits matter even more. A clear, courteous way of working during the job usually reflects the quality of the job itself. Any damage should be reported to you on the day, not discovered later.
What to ask when it is finished
Ask for the work to be talked through, with photographs of the before and after. Ask what to watch for in the coming weeks, such as how the roof behaves in the next heavy rain. Keep the written description and photographs together in case you need to refer to them later. A short call a few weeks on is a fair way to confirm all is well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the work looks fine but I still have a leak?
Tell the roofer straight away, with the date and weather. Sometimes a leak has more than one cause. A reputable roofer will come back, find where the water is entering and explain what they found.
Should I be present during the work?
You do not need to supervise, but be available. Good roofers explain anything unexpected they find, with photographs, so you can agree what to do. If you cannot be there, ask for an update by message.
Can I check the roof myself afterwards?
From the ground, yes: line, tidiness, gutters and debris. Please stay off the roof. If something looks wrong, photograph it and ask the roofer to explain. For a second view, call us and we will look.
Talk to our team about general roofing services in Eastville
Every roof is different — the fastest way to get an accurate answer is a quick chat with our team.