You cannot inspect a roof yourself, but you can judge the work from the ground, the loft and the way the job was run. These are the signs of a job done well.
Most people never see their roof up close, so it can be hard to know whether the work was done properly. You do not need to climb up to find out. Kingswood roofs are often hipped and tiled, with garages and extensions attached, and there are plenty of clues you can check safely from the ground and from inside.
What the roof looks like from outside
Standing in the garden or on the pavement, look for even lines. Ridge and hip tiles should be straight, tiles should sit in neat rows with no gaps or tilted ones, and the edges should be clean. New work should look consistent, not patched. Gutters should sit level and meet downpipes properly. Compare with a similar slope on a neighbour's house if it helps you judge what neat looks like.
What to look for in the loft
Inside, with the hatch safely open, the underside should look dry and the felt intact. There should be no daylight through the covering where there was before, and insulation should be back in place. Any new timbers should be neat and tight. If you saw damp before, check the area stays dry after rain. Ask for a photograph of the same area taken before the work, if one exists.
- No daylight showing through the roof covering
- Felt and timbers dry and undisturbed
- Insulation put back where it was
- No new stains on the ceilings below
How the job was run
A good job is explained before it starts and again at the end. You should get a written description of the work, be told how access would be arranged, and hear promptly about anything unexpected found under the tiles. The site should be left clean, with debris removed and no tiles or nails on the drive. Agreed changes to the work should be written down as they come up.
Photographs and explanation
Photographs of the problem areas before and after help you understand what was done, because you cannot easily see for yourself. We think a roofer should be happy to explain each stage and answer questions in plain terms. Vague answers are a reason to ask again. If a roofer cannot explain a step simply, that tells you something too.
If something does not look right
If something seems wrong after the work, such as a new stain, a tile out of line or debris left behind, contact the roofer promptly and ask for it to be looked at. A good roofer takes that seriously and arranges a visit. Do not go up to inspect it yourself. Keep any photographs and the written description together for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check the work without going on the roof?
Yes. Use the garden or pavement to look at lines and gutters, and the loft to check for dampness and daylight. That covers most of what is useful, and for the rest, call a roofer for a proper look. Stay on the ground and call us for a proper look if something seems wrong. Stay on the ground.
What should I be given at the end?
A clear description of what was done, an explanation of anything unexpected and, ideally, photographs of the main areas. Ask for these if they are not offered, as they help in any future dealing.
How soon would problems show up?
Faults often appear in the first heavy rain or strong wind, so watch ceilings and the loft after bad weather. If a stain shows up, report it early rather than waiting. Report it early.
Talk to our team about general roofing services in Kingswood
Every roof is different — the fastest way to get an accurate answer is a quick chat with our team.