Roofing advice from people who climb the ladders.
Straight, jargon-free guidance on slate, flat roofs, tenement repairs, storm damage and costs — written by our own surveyors and roofers.
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EPDM vs GRP vs Felt: Which Flat Roof Is Best?
EPDM rubber, GRP fibreglass or felt — how the three flat-roof systems compare on lifespan, cost, looks and durability, and which suits your extension or garage.
Do I need planning permission for roof work in Scotland?
When roof work in Scotland needs planning permission, a building warrant or listed building consent, and what counts as permitted development.
Solar panels on a slate or tenement roof in Edinburgh
Can you fit solar panels on an Edinburgh slate or tenement roof? Yes, with the right roofing prep — fixings, flashing, weight and conservation rules explained.
Edinburgh tenement roof repairs: who pays & statutory notices
Who's responsible for an Edinburgh tenement's shared roof, how the cost is split between owners, what a statutory notice means, and how to organise a repair.
How to check your roof's condition without climbing up
Check your roof's condition safely from the ground and loft: what to look for, what you can't see, and how to get an instant AI roof report from your address.
How to choose a roofer in Edinburgh (without getting burned)
Spot a proper Edinburgh roofer over storm-chasers and cash-only cowboys: accreditation, written quotes and the questions to ask before anyone climbs up.
How long does a slate roof last in Scotland?
How long a natural slate roof lasts in Scotland, what affects its lifespan, the warning signs of failure and how to make yours last.
Single-Ply Flat Roofing Explained
What single-ply membrane roofing is, the benefits and trade-offs of systems like PVC, TPO and EPDM, and where it suits commercial and domestic buildings.
Natural Slate vs Tile: Which Roof Is Right for Your Home?
How natural slate compares with concrete and clay tile on looks, lifespan, cost and weight, and which suits Edinburgh homes best.
Signs your roof needs attention — a checklist
A homeowner's checklist of the early warning signs of roof trouble, inside and out, so you can catch small faults before they become expensive repairs.
A homeowner's guide to roof maintenance
Why prevention beats repair, how to inspect your roof safely through the seasons, and a simple guide to what you can do yourself and what's worth calling in.
The Benefits of a Flat Roof
Why a flat roof can be the right choice for extensions and modern homes, plus an overview of the EPDM, GRP and single-ply systems used today.
Does Building Insurance Cover Roof Repairs?
When building insurance pays out for roof repairs, how storm-damage claims work, what counts as wear and tear, and how a roofer's report supports your claim.
My roof is leaking — what to do right now
How to tell if your roof is leaking, the immediate steps to limit the damage, safe DIY stop-gaps, and when to stop and call a roofer.
Getting your commercial roof ready for a Scottish winter
Prepare your commercial or flat roof for a Scottish winter: inspections, clearing gutters and drainage, plus planned maintenance that prevents big repairs.
Pitched roofs explained — types, materials and trade-offs
A plain-English guide to pitched roofs, the common designs (including gable), where each one works, and the slates and tiles most often used to cover them.
Heritage Roofing in Edinburgh
A practical guide to conservation roofing on Edinburgh's listed buildings and tenements, covering slate, leadwork, planning rules and sympathetic restoration.
Gutter maintenance — protecting your home from water damage
Why gutters matter more than people think, what clogged ones do to your home, and a straightforward guide to cleaning them safely twice a year.
Caring for a Felt Flat Roof
How to maintain a felt or built-up flat roof, the signs of wear to watch for, and when it makes sense to recover rather than patch.
Real Edinburgh case studies.
See exactly how we approach the jobs we write about.
A Georgian New Town roof, brought back to life in natural slate.
Re-slating a Georgian New Town roof in Edinburgh in natural Scottish slate: conservation-area compliant, with new lead valleys and a leak-free guarantee.
Re-roofing a live Manchester landmark — flat roofing the Midland Hotel.
Commercial flat roofing at Manchester's Grade II-listed Midland Hotel: 5,000+ sq ft delivered while the hotel stayed fully operational, guests in residence.
A 3,000 m² school flat roof, replaced around an occupied building.
Re-roofing a 3,000 m² flat roof at Musselburgh Grammar School, East Lothian: warm-roof build-up and term-time phasing with minimal disruption to the school.
A live NHS hospital roof, waterproofed in seamless liquid coating.
Waterproofing 1,400 m² at The Whittington Hospital, London, in cold-applied Garland liquid coating: no disruption to wards, low-odour and fully guaranteed.
Still not sure what your roof needs?
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