Pitched Roof Specialist in Bracknell, Berkshire & Surrey

Underlay, battens and ventilation

Under the tiles sits the underlay, bitumen felt on older roofs, breathable membrane on newer ones, and the timber battens that carry the tiles. Brittle felt that has torn at the eaves lets wind-driven rain reach the timbers. Where battens or felt have failed over an area, the tiles are stripped, the area re-felted and re-battened, and the tiles relaid.

Ventilation matters too. A roof without airflow traps condensation in the loft, which can look exactly like a leak. Scott will tell you if that's the real issue.

Ridges, hips and verges

Ridge and hip tiles cap the joints between slopes. Traditionally they are bedded in mortar, which cracks over time. Verges, the edge of the roof at the gable, are also often mortar-pointed. Options are re-bedding in fresh mortar or upgrading to a dry-fix system that is mechanically fixed and needs far less maintenance.

Valleys and abutments

Where two slopes meet, a valley carries a concentrated flow of water. Valleys may be lead, GRP or tiled. Where the roof meets a wall or chimney, lead flashings seal the joint. These are the most common leak points on any pitched roof and are checked on every inspection. See our leadwork page for more on how they're made.

Pitched roofs only, no flat roofs

SLW Roofing works on pitched roofs: houses, bungalows, extensions, garages and outbuildings. Flat roofing isn't offered, so every job is in Scott's specialist area.

Signs your pitched roof needs attention

Look out for tiles that sit out of line, gaps along the ridge, mortar on the ground below the verge, granules or tile fragments in the gutters, and damp or daylight in the loft. Inside, check the underside of the felt after heavy rain for drips and water marks on the rafters.

Spotting these early usually means a small, quick repair. Leaving them often means a larger section has to be stripped and rebuilt.

Extensions, garages and dormers

Pitched roofs on extensions and dormers are often lower in pitch and have more junctions with the main house. They need the right tile for the pitch and well-made lead at every abutment. Scott checks that the tile type suits the slope, because a tile laid below its minimum pitch will let water in no matter how well it is fixed.

Choosing a Roofer for Pitched Roofs in Bracknell

Whoever you choose for pitched roofs, ask four questions before you agree to anything: who will actually do the work, is the price fixed or a day rate, what guarantee is offered, and is the roofer insured. The answers tell you more than any advert.

With SLW Roofing, Scott Workman is on every job himself. He started roofing at 14 and has 25 years' experience on the roofs of Berkshire and Surrey. The person who inspects your roof is the person responsible for fixing it, so nothing is lost between a salesman's promise and the work on your roof.

Every quote is free and every price is fixed. Once you've agreed it, it doesn't change because a job took longer than expected. If something unexpected is found, such as rotten timber hidden under tiles, you'll be shown it and asked before any extra work goes ahead.

All work comes with a 10-year guarantee. SLW Roofing holds £1 million public liability insurance and Scott is CSCS registered, a recognised site safety credential. Emergency repairs are available 7 days a week, and standard hours run Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm.

SLW Roofing is based in Bracknell and covers homes up to 30 miles away, including Wokingham, Ascot, Sandhurst, Crowthorne, Camberley, Reading, Windsor, Maidenhead, Slough, Staines-upon-Thames, Woking, Guildford and Farnham. Wherever you are in that area, you get the same owner-led service, the same fixed pricing and the same guarantee.