Questions we get asked

Not for a straightforward look at something visible. For a hidden leak that needs a proper investigation — loft, torch, following the water back — we charge, because doing it properly takes time. It comes off the bill if we do the work. A free quote is usually a guess from a ladder.

Six to eight weeks for planned work, most of the year. That is the honest cost of not using subcontractors — there are five of us and we can only be on so many roofs. Repairs and anything actively letting water in jump the queue.

Five million public liability, certificate on request, on every job. Ask anyone else you are talking to for theirs as well, and be wary if it takes them more than a day to find it.

Ten years on workmanship, in writing, on every re-roof, plus whatever the manufacturer gives on materials. As CompetentRoofer registrants we also self-certify the Building Regulations side and hand you the certificate.

No. Never have. There are five of us and the people who turn up are the people whose names are on the van. It is why we book weeks out.

For a re-roof, yes — materials get ordered and they are not cheap. Staged, against work done, and never the full amount up front. If anyone asks you for the whole lot before they start, do not pay it.

Mostly you do not. Age is not a fault. A ninety-year-old roof with sound timbers and blown mortar hips is three repairs, not a replacement. Get someone to go in the loft with a torch before you accept a strip.

Yes, apart from fibreglass, which needs dry and reasonably warm to cure properly. We would rather move a flat roof by a fortnight than lay it badly and come back to it.

We photograph and document storm damage properly and itemise make-safe separately from the permanent repair. What we will not do is describe four years of neglect as storm damage. If your claim is weak we will tell you before you make it.

Sutton Coldfield and the towns around it — Boldmere, Wylde Green, Four Oaks, Mere Green, Walmley, Tamworth, Lichfield. Most of our work is within four miles of the yard. If somebody closer would serve you better we will say so.