You cannot climb up to inspect new roofwork, but you can judge a lot from the ground, from the loft and from the paperwork and photos you ask for.
After roofwork, most owners have no way to see the result for themselves, and on tall Edwardian houses in Henleaze that is especially true. The good news is that quality shows in several places you can check safely. This guide lists what to look at from the garden and loft, what to ask for, and the signs that something was rushed.
Before work starts
Good work begins with a clear written description of what will be done, how access is arranged, and what happens to waste. Ask for the scope in plain words, and keep it. If the roofer describes the fault and the repair without being vague, you are in a better place to judge the result afterwards. A short, plain scope is far more useful than a long vague one.
What you can see from the ground
Stand back and look along the roof lines. Rows of tiles should be straight and even, ridge lines level and verge edges tidy. Gutters should run true with no sagging, and fascias should sit flat. Check paths and borders for fallen tiles, offcuts or mortar, since a tidy site is a sign of care. A few minutes with binoculars from the garden is worth it.
- Straight, even courses of tiles or slate
- Level ridge and neat hip ends
- Gutters sloping evenly, no drips at joints
- Garden and drive left clean and clear
What you can check indoors
In the loft, look for daylight where there should be none, damp patches that were not there before, and gaps where insulation has been disturbed. Ceilings below should be dry. If work was near a roof window or chimney, check the lining and surrounding wall for fresh stains after the next heavy rain. Take dated photos so you can compare later.
Ask for evidence
A roofer should be willing to talk you through the work and show photos of the stages that are hidden when finished, such as felt, battens, flashings and fixings. This matters most on the areas you cannot see from the ground. Ask for the final scope again so you can compare it with what was done. Honest roofers expect these questions.
- Photos of felt, battens and lead before covering
- Clear explanation of what was replaced
- Written description matching the finished work
If something looks wrong
Raise it promptly and calmly, and describe what you see with photos. A good roofer will come back and explain. Do not climb up or use a ladder to inspect it yourself. Where work may need planning or Building Regulations checks, we advise before work starts, and that applies to any contractor you choose. Keep notes of who said what, and when.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of a rushed roof job?
Uneven tile rows, a wavy ridge, loose-looking flashings, mess left on the ground, or no explanation of what was done. If answers are vague when you ask, that is worth noting. None of these alone proves a poor job, but several together do.
Should I be there while the work is carried out?
You do not need to supervise, but being around for the start and the finish helps. Ask for updates on anything unexpected, such as rotten timber, and for photos of work that will be covered up.
How soon after the job will a problem show?
Some faults appear in the first heavy rain, others take longer. Check the loft and ceilings after the first big downpour, and tell the roofer promptly if you see damp so it can be traced while fresh.
Talk to our team about general roofing services in Henleaze
Every roof is different — the fastest way to get an accurate answer is a quick chat with our team.