Local Roofer in Exeter

Capping an unused chimney stops rain, birds and debris from getting in, but the flue still needs some ventilation. A vented cap at the top, together with an air vent where the fireplace has been blocked up, lets air move through the flue so that condensation does not build up and cause damp. Before a chimney is capped, it is important to check that no fire, stove or boiler still uses the flue.

Pressure washing can damage roof tiles if it is not done carefully. High pressure can crack older or more fragile tiles, strip away the surface of concrete tiles and force water up under the tiles into the roof space. That is why moss is best removed by hand first, followed by a low-pressure soft wash and biocide treatment, with pressure washing only used on durable surfaces where it is suitable.

Clay and concrete tiles require very little maintenance and rarely need any treatment. If necessary, professional roof cleaning can be done to remove moss or other dirt and debris as and when required.

Yes. Flat roofs are well suited to solar panels because the panels can be mounted on angled frames that face them south at the best tilt, rather than following the slope of the roof. Most systems use weighted (ballasted) frames, so the waterproof covering doesn’t need to be pierced. Before fitting, the roof should be checked to make sure it can take the extra weight and that the covering has plenty of life left, as it’s far cheaper to replace it before the panels go on than to remove them later. We can survey your roof and advise whether it’s ready for solar.

Costs will vary depending on the size of your roof, the thickness of the rubber you want to use, how accessible your roof is and the length of time it may take. Contact us and we will be happy to offer a free site survey and quote for your rubber flat roof.

A professionally laid GRP fibreglass roof will last 30 years or more with very little maintenance.

Speed matters when water is getting into your home. In many cases, Secure Roofing Ltd can attend to leaking roofs in Exeter within 24 hours. We start by locating the exact source of the leak, which isn’t always where you think, it can track under tiles, felt, or flashing before appearing inside. Once we’ve assessed the issue, we’ll recommend the best repair option, whether it’s replacing a single tile, resealing flashing, or fixing damaged underlay. Because we carry common materials on our vans, we can often complete minor repairs immediately, helping you avoid further water damage and costly repairs later.

It depends on what caused the leak. Most home insurance policies cover sudden damage, such as tiles blown off in a storm or a tree falling on the roof, but not leaks caused by general wear and tear or a lack of maintenance. If your roof is leaking after a storm, contact your insurer as soon as possible, take photos of the damage and keep any receipts for emergency work. We can inspect your roof and provide a written quote for the repair to support your claim.

Chimney flashing is normally the leadwork or roof flashing that creates a waterproof seal to protect your chimney and roof from water damage and penetration.

The cost of roof repairs in Exeter depends on the type and scale of damage. Minor fixes, like replacing a broken tile, can cost less than you expect, while larger jobs involving structural repairs or significant weather damage will naturally be higher. At Secure Roofing Ltd, we provide free, no-obligation roof surveys to give you an accurate price before work begins. We believe in clear, upfront quotes, no surprises, no pressure and we’ll always explain whether a repair or a full replacement is the best long-term solution.

It depends mainly on the material and the quality of the installation. As a guide, a three-layer torch-on felt roof lasts around 10 to 20 years, a GRP fibreglass roof 30 years or more, and an EPDM rubber roof 30 to 50 years. Good falls so that water drains away, clear outlets and regular inspections all help a flat roof reach the top end of its expected lifespan.

Gutters are in place to carry rainwater as it falls from your roof. Instead of falling down the side of your home, it is redirected down the downpipes. This ensures it does not cause problems to the external walls or foundations of your home.

The cost of roof cleaning will vary depending on the size of your roof and the extent of the moss or debris build-up. Contact us and we will be happy to provide a free site survey and a no obligation quotation.

Not every problem means you need a brand-new roof. Many issues, like loose tiles, damaged flashing, or small leaks can be fixed quickly and cost-effectively. At Secure Roofing Ltd, we always try to repair before recommending a replacement. We’ll carry out a full inspection of your roof in Exeter, explain the condition of the materials, and give you honest advice. If your roof is still in generally good shape, a targeted repair will extend its life for many more years, saving you money and disruption.

We recommend having a flat roof inspected at least twice a year, ideally in spring and autumn, and after any severe storm. An inspection checks for blocked outlets, ponding, splits or blisters in the covering, lifting seams and damaged flashings, so small problems can be fixed before they turn into leaks. Our drone surveys let us check your roof without the need for ladders or scaffolding.

The duration of the cleaning process depends on the size of your roof and the extent of the moss or debris build-up. In general, most roof cleaning and moss removal services can be completed in a day or less.

An EPDM rubber roof is an exceptionally durable roof made from synthetic rubber roofing membrane. An EPDM roof is usually fully adhered onto the flat surface and has a life expectancy of up to 50 years.

If you can hear or see a more concentrated stream of water either hitting the ground or pouring over the tops of the gutters, then it is time to get your guttering system professionally checked. Guttering is designed to deal with rainfall, so the water should not be overflowing or leaking at any time unless it is blocked or broken. DIY gutter inspections pose all kinds of risks to your safety and the condition of your property.

The most common causes are lead flashings that have cracked, lifted or come away from the brickwork, worn pointing or porous bricks that let rain soak into the stack, cracked flaunching around the chimney pots, and open pots on unused flues that let rain fall straight down the chimney. Finding the exact cause matters, because each one needs a different repair.

The cost depends on the size and height of the chimney, how much of the pointing needs replacing, access and scaffolding, and whether other work such as new flaunching, pots or lead flashing is needed at the same time. Because every chimney is different, the most reliable way to get an accurate price is a survey. We offer free surveys and no-obligation quotes for chimney repairs in Exeter.

When a chimney develops damaged joints, allowing moisture entry, it is recommended to remove the damaged portions and replace them with proper materials. This repair is known as repointing.

Although fibreglass roofs are superior and much more resistant to heat, moisture, water and fire than alternative flat roofing materials, meaning that they need much less maintenance as a result, they still require a level of maintenance and cleaning occasionally.

A GRP Flat Roof, or fibreglass roofing as it’s also known, is one of the most popular flat roofing solutions in the UK. GRP stands for Glass Reinforced Polyester, a composite material formed by strengthening plastic with fine fibres made of glass.

When your roof needs urgent attention, you want a team that’s local, experienced, and dependable. At Secure Roofing Ltd, we’ve been carrying out roof repairs across Exeter for years, fixing everything from slipped tiles and cracked slates to major storm damage. Because we’re based locally, we can respond quickly, often on the same day for emergencies and provide a full inspection before any work begins. We use only quality materials, offer transparent quotes with no hidden fees, and back our repairs with a guarantee so you know the job will last.

There isn’t one best material for every roof. EPDM rubber is laid as a single sheet with no joints, lasts a long time and is good value on larger roofs. GRP fibreglass gives a seamless, hard-wearing finish that copes well with foot traffic, so it suits balconies, terraces and roofs with lots of detailing. Torch-on felt is the most budget-friendly option and works well on garages and outbuildings. We’ll recommend the right material after looking at your roof’s size, use and budget.

If you notice that the mortar on your chimney has changed colour, it is a sign that the mortar and bricks are old and need repointing. If the mortar has started to flake or chip off, this can also mean that the mortar has gone brittle and become weak.

Most gutters should be cleaned at least once a year, ideally in late autumn once the leaves have fallen. If your home is close to trees or your roof has a lot of moss, twice a year is better. Signs that your gutters need clearing include water overflowing in heavy rain, plants growing in the gutter and damp patches on the walls below.

Over time, the bricks and mortar joints in most chimneys begin to deteriorate. Unfortunately, chimney deterioration is a natural process due to exposure to the elements, such as rain, snow, ice and winds. These elements can impact the chimney from all directions, so deterioration is often inevitable.

Also known as ‘benching’, chimney flaunching is a term that refers to the strong mortar mix that holds your chimney pots in place. The flaunching on your chimney provides a tough waterproof barrier to keep the interior of your chimney and your home dry.

In theory yes, but like any work at height, gutter clearance or repairs should not be attempted without the right training and equipment. The result will most likely be damage to your gutters, your property or even yourself.

Because an EPDM rubber roof is made from rubber, the material cannot be affected by the sun’s UV rays as well as standard weather conditions such as snow, rain and wind. If maintained properly a rubber roof can last up to 50 years.

Damp on a chimney breast is usually caused either by rain getting into the stack, through failed flashings, worn pointing or an uncapped flue, or by condensation inside a flue that has been blocked up without any ventilation. In older chimneys, salts left behind by years of burning coal or wood can also draw moisture out of the air and cause damp patches and staining. Identifying which of these is the cause is the first step to fixing it.

Gutter joints are sealed with rubber seals, which perish and harden over time, especially on older plastic gutters that get a lot of sun. A blocked gutter can also cause water to back up and spill out at the joints. A leaking joint can usually be fixed by cleaning it out and replacing the joint or its seal, but if several joints are failing at once, the gutter may be reaching the end of its life.

GRP/Fibreglass is a newer roofing system that lends itself best to flat roofing but is also suitable for pitched roofs in some applications. Fibreglass is more durable than felt and stronger too. A fibreglass roof will last 30 years or more and it’s less likely than felt to develop a fault.

Initially yes, however, the long-term benefits will be obvious as it will outperform the felt roof – you won’t have to worry about replacing it again for a very long time.

There are several reasons as to why your gutters may be leaking. They could be blocked, causing water to overflow, or cracked, allowing water to seep out before reaching the downpipes. Alternatively, they might be sagging or bowed, so water gathers and overflows rather than flowing freely through the pipes. The best way to find out is with a professional inspection.

The cost of replacing a flat roof depends on the size of the roof, the material you choose (felt, EPDM rubber or GRP fibreglass), access, and whether the timber deck underneath needs repairing or replacing. Because every roof is different, the most reliable way to get an accurate price is a survey. We offer free surveys and no-obligation quotes for flat roofs in Exeter, so you can see the full cost before deciding.

Flexi Proof EPDM rubber can be used on low pitched roofs. Our installers are experts in bonding the rubber membrane on low pitched roofs. We have successfully installed many EPDM rubber roofs onto pitched roofs.

The frequency of roof cleaning depends on several factors, including the climate in your area and the type of roofing material you have. In general, it’s recommended to have your roof cleaned every 2-5 years. However, if you notice moss or other debris accumulating on your roof, you should have it cleaned sooner to prevent damage.

Yes, if it is left to build up. Moss holds rainwater against the tiles like a sponge, and in cold weather that water can freeze and expand, cracking and flaking the tiles. Thick moss can also lift tiles at the edges, letting wind-driven rain get underneath, and clumps that break away wash into the gutters and block them. Removing moss before it gets established helps your tiles last longer.

Ponding is water that’s still sitting on a flat roof 48 hours after rain. It’s usually caused by poor falls, a sagging deck or blocked outlets. The first step is to clear any blocked gutters and outlets. Small dips can sometimes be built up, but if ponding covers a large area, the lasting fix is to re-lay the roof with proper falls, often using tapered insulation or timber firrings so water runs to the outlets. Left untreated, ponding speeds up wear on the covering and can lead to leaks.

After the moss has been removed, a biocide treatment applied to the roof kills any remaining spores and slows down regrowth. Cutting back overhanging branches lets more light and air reach the roof so it dries out faster, and keeping the gutters clear stops moss from taking hold along the eaves. Roofs in shaded or damp spots will still need cleaning from time to time, so it is worth having yours checked every few years.

EPDM roofs offer a wealth of benefits that traditional roofing materials don’t offer. The main benefits are that they’re incredibly long lasting, extremely easy to maintain as moss and algae don’t grow on it and it’s environmentally friendly as the EPDM is made from recycled rubber and materials.

Professional roofers or roofing contractors have the necessary experience to repoint your chimney properly so it will last many more years. If you do this early enough, the repairs will be minor, and it will simply be a matter of pulling out the old mortar and putting in the new.

Yes. Storms, high winds, or falling branches can cause sudden roof damage that needs immediate attention. Secure Roofing Ltd offers emergency roof repair services throughout Exeter to make your property safe and watertight as quickly as possible. Whether it’s temporary tarpaulin protection to stop a leak overnight or a permanent repair the next day, we’ll ensure you’re not left worrying about further damage. Our local team is available year-round and fully insured, so you can rely on us when it matters most.

Well-installed gutters can last upwards of 10-25 years if they are well maintained. But after a few decades, even well-maintained gutters can become brittle/rotten and susceptible to leaks.