Does anyone know if this sounds genuine from a roofer?

5 replies

Glatteop · 20/09/2026 19:46

Flat roof has a small leak in corner. It’s over the kitchen which was an extension. Someone has come out (recommended) and said there was a tear, showed me the photos, said it needed replacing with new felt roof. Had a quote for the full thing but I’m wondering now why there can’t be some other sort of fix? Can you not replace part of it or add on some cement or similar just to that corner? I don’t know anything about this so he may well be right and the whole thing has to be re done, I just don’t know.

OP posts:

NullaEffugium · 20/09/2026 19:50

I’d get some other quotes. It is possible the roof is at the age it does need to be replaced. He could repair that one bit, only for a new worn bit to spring a leak.

If you can get on the roof yourself or look at it from a window above, that would help.

NimbleNavyFinch · 20/09/2026 19:52

We had a flat roof in a previous house, patches didn’t work, the roof has a finite age and once it started to leak only a full replacement worked. Get some quotes though, but don’t necessarily go for the cheapest, could be a false economy. Take recommendations.

NotAnotherScarf · 20/09/2026 19:57

As an ex household claims manger I had to regularly explain that flat roofs have a short life span. Then it was 20 years max.

As someone who's had a "portfolio career " and worked at a lot of people's houses patches rarely work for more than a couple of years.

Plus the rip let water in, that would have damaged the wood underneath

missmollygreen · 20/09/2026 19:57

Flat roofs are a nightmare. Water ALWAYS finds a way in.
If he repairs it and it leaks again, then it is his problem.
If he puts new felt on he knows it wont leak, so no follow up phone calls.

Original poster

Glatteop · 20/09/2026 20:05

Thanks. Been quoted 1,600 for a double garage roof …?

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