Your roof keeps rain out, holds warmth in and protects everything beneath it. So when something goes wrong, you want the job done properly first time.
The hard part is choosing who to hire. Search for roofers in Southgate and you will find plenty of names, but they do not all work to the same standard. Here is what to check.
Start with the basics
Ask a few simple questions before you talk about price.
Is the company local? A firm based near Southgate can come back quickly if something goes wrong later. Chasing a company fifty miles away is no fun when your ceiling is dripping.
Do they hold public liability insurance? This covers damage to your property and injury to other people. Ask to see the certificate. A genuine company will not mind.
Can they show you finished jobs nearby? Photos help, and speaking to a past customer helps more.
Read reviews properly
Check Checkatrade, MyBuilder and TrustATrader as well as Google. These sites verify that reviewers are real customers.
Look past the star rating. Are reviews recent and specific? Does the same complaint appear more than once? How does the company reply to criticism? A page of short five star reviews all posted on the same day should make you pause.
Get everything in writing
Never accept a price given only over the phone. A written quote should list the work included, the materials, the timescale, whether scaffolding is covered, payment stages, the workmanship guarantee and VAT.
Get three quotes. If one is far cheaper, ask why. Something has usually been left out.
What a roof survey should cover
A glance from the pavement is not a survey. A proper roof survey in North London checks the following.
| Area checked | What the roofer looks for |
|---|---|
| Tiles and slates | Cracked, slipped or missing pieces |
| Ridge tiles | Loose bedding, crumbling mortar |
| Flashing | Gaps around chimneys and valleys |
| Gutters | Blockages, leaks, sagging brackets |
| Fascias and soffits | Rot, damp, animal damage |
| Loft space | Damp patches, daylight showing, poor ventilation |
You should get photos afterwards, since most of us never see our own roof up close. Our team covers all of this when carrying out roofing repairs in Southgate.
Warning signs
Be careful if a roofer knocks on your door uninvited, asks for most of the money up front, pressures you to decide today, has no fixed address, or refuses to put anything in writing.
Also check whether your plans need permission. The Planning Portal guidance on roofs explains when permitted development applies.
Guarantees
Ask about two separate guarantees: the manufacturer warranty on materials, and the roofer’s own workmanship guarantee. Ten years is common on a full roof. Get it in writing.
Working with a local team
We have worked on homes across Southgate for years, from single slipped tiles to full roof replacement and repair projects. Many customers combine roof work with property maintenance in Southgate to sort gutters and brickwork in one visit.
Take your time and ask questions. A good roofer will be happy to answer them.