In the UK, a well-maintained roof typically lasts between 20 and 50 years, depending on the material. Concrete and clay tiles can last 40–50 years, slate roofs can exceed 100 years with proper care, while flat roofs using felt or EPDM rubber tend to last 15–25 years. Properties across Chatham and Medway often have Victorian and Edwardian-era roofs which may need more frequent maintenance due to their age.

Key signs you may need a full replacement include: widespread cracked or missing tiles, sagging roof decking, daylight visible through the roof boards, persistent leaks after repairs, or a roof over 30 years old with multiple problem areas. If damage is isolated to a small area — a few broken tiles or a failed flashing — a repair is usually sufficient and far more cost-effective. Our Roofgo team can inspect your roof in Chatham, Rochester, Strood or anywhere across Medway and give you an honest assessment.

We recommend a professional roof inspection at least once every two years, and ideally each autumn before the harsh winter weather sets in. Kent's coastal influence means Medway properties can experience strong winds and heavy rainfall — catching minor issues early prevents costly water damage to ceilings, insulation, and structural timbers. After any major storm, a quick check is always wise.

Our roofers are trained to access roofs safely using appropriate equipment. Walking on a roof should always be done by a professional — it can crack tiles and cause further damage if done incorrectly. We use roof ladders, crawl boards, and proper safety equipment in line with current health and safety regulations. In many cases, a thorough inspection can also be carried out from a ladder with binoculars or using drone technology.

The most common repair jobs we carry out across Chatham, Rochester and Strood include: replacing broken or slipped roof tiles, repointing ridge tiles, repairing or replacing lead flashing around chimneys and skylights, fixing leaking flat roofs, repairing fascias and soffits, and clearing blocked gutters causing water ingress. Older properties in areas like Rochester city centre often require lime mortar repointing to chimneys and ridge work.

If you have an active leak, the first priority is to minimise internal damage. Place containers to catch dripping water, move furniture and valuables away from the affected area, and if safe, put towels or plastic sheeting down. Do not attempt to climb onto the roof yourself. Call Roofgo immediately — we offer emergency roof repairs across Chatham, Rochester, Strood and the wider Medway area. We'll make the roof watertight as quickly as possible to prevent further structural damage.

Many roof repairs can be carried out year-round, including during colder months. However, some materials — particularly certain roof coatings and mortar mixes — require dry conditions and minimum temperatures to cure properly. Emergency repairs will always be prioritised regardless of weather. For non-urgent work, we'll advise on the best timing to ensure a long-lasting result. Kent winters can be unpredictable, so we always work to the safest and most effective schedule.

Flashing is the waterproof sealing material — usually lead, aluminium, or a rubberised membrane — fitted at joints where the roof meets vertical surfaces like chimneys, walls, skylights, and dormers. It fails over time due to thermal expansion and contraction, freeze-thaw cycles, UV degradation, or simply old age. Faulty flashing is one of the leading causes of roof leaks in Medway homes. Replacing it is a cost-effective repair that prevents serious water damage.

Costs vary depending on the type and scale of work. As a rough guide for the Medway area: replacing a handful of tiles: £150–£350 | ridge tile repointing: £300–£800 | chimney flashing repair: £250–£600 | flat roof repair: £300–£1,000+ | full roof replacement: £5,000–£15,000+ depending on size and material. Roofgo provides free, no-obligation quotes for all roofing work across Chatham, Rochester, Strood and Medway — prices are always transparent with no hidden charges.

Yes — all quotations from Roofgo are completely free and carry no obligation whatsoever. We'll visit your property in Chatham, Rochester, Strood, Gillingham or anywhere across Medway, carry out a thorough inspection, and provide a clear written quote explaining exactly what work is needed and why. We believe in honest, transparent pricing — you'll never receive a surprise bill.

Yes — an unusually low quote can be a warning sign. Rogue traders are sadly common in the roofing industry and often target homeowners in areas like Chatham and Medway with door-to-door visits claiming to have spotted urgent problems. They may do poor quality work, use inferior materials, or take payment without completing the job. Always get at least two or three written quotes, check reviews, verify the company is registered and insured, and be wary of anyone demanding cash upfront.

It depends on the cause and your policy. Sudden storm damage — such as tiles blown off in high winds — is often covered by buildings insurance. Gradual wear and tear, or damage resulting from lack of maintenance, is typically excluded. We recommend checking your policy documents or contacting your insurer before making a claim. Roofgo can provide detailed written reports and photographs to support insurance claims for storm or accidental damage across Medway.

Kent has a long history with plain clay tiles, which suit the regional architectural style and are excellent for the local climate. Concrete interlocking tiles are a more affordable and popular modern alternative. Slate — both natural Welsh slate and imported Spanish slate — is premium, durable, and suits older period properties common in Rochester and Chatham. When choosing a material, we consider your roof pitch, the age and style of your property, planning requirements, and your budget.

Modern flat roof systems are far more reliable than the old felt roofs of the past. The main options are: EPDM rubber roofing (extremely durable, 30+ year lifespan), GRP fibreglass roofing (seamless, rigid, very long-lasting), and torch-on felt (cost-effective and widely used). Each has its advantages depending on your budget and the size of the roof. We fit all three across Chatham, Strood, Rochester and Medway and will recommend the best option for your property.

A re-roof involves stripping the existing tiles or covering back to the bare roof deck, inspecting and repairing the structure beneath, then re-felting and re-tiling from scratch. An overlay lays new tiles over the existing ones without stripping back. While overlaying is cheaper short-term, it adds weight to the roof structure and can mask underlying problems. We always recommend a full re-roof for the best long-term result and typically insist on stripping back to inspect the decking properly.

Yes — Roofgo is based in Chatham, Kent, and we cover the full Medway area including Chatham, Rochester, Strood, Gillingham, Rainham, Walderslade, Lordswood, Hempstead, Parkwood, and surrounding villages. As a local company, we understand the housing stock in this area — from Victorian terraces in Rochester to 1960s and 70s estates in Walderslade and Lordswood — and we can respond quickly to jobs across all these postcodes.

Most like-for-like roof repairs and replacements do not require planning permission. However, properties in conservation areas — such as parts of historic Rochester city centre — may have restrictions on materials and appearance. Listed buildings require Listed Building Consent before carrying out any roof work. If you're in a conservation area or have a listed property in the Medway area, we can advise you accordingly and liaise with Medway Council's planning department if needed.

Medway has a diverse range of housing built across different eras. Victorian and Edwardian terraces (common in Rochester and central Chatham) typically feature plain clay tiles with multiple chimneys. 1930s semi-detached homes (found across Gillingham and Rainham) usually have concrete interlocking tiles. Post-war and modern estates across Walderslade and Strood often have a mix of concrete tiles and flat roof extensions. We're experienced with all these roof types and have extensive local knowledge of what works best for each area.

Yes — Roofgo offers emergency roofing services across Chatham, Rochester, Strood, Gillingham and the wider Medway area. If your roof has been damaged by a storm, fallen tree, or sudden structural failure, we'll aim to respond as quickly as possible to make the roof watertight and prevent further damage to your home. We can fit temporary weatherproof covers where needed and carry out permanent repairs at the earliest opportunity.

A roofing emergency is anything that poses an immediate risk to your home or safety. This includes: an active water leak entering the property, a large section of tiles blown off by storm damage, a collapsed or sagging roof section, a chimney that has partially fallen, or significant damage to a flat roof allowing water ingress. If you're unsure, call us and we'll advise you — it's always better to get a professional opinion quickly rather than wait and risk further damage.

First, ensure everyone in the property is safe and move away from any areas where there's a risk of water damage or structural collapse. Photograph the damage if you can do so safely from ground level. Contact your home insurer to report the damage and ask about the claims process. Then call Roofgo — we'll attend promptly, assess the damage, make the roof safe, and provide a full written report which can be submitted to your insurer. Do not attempt to go on the roof yourself.

When choosing a roofer in Chatham, Rochester, Strood or the wider Medway area, look for: proof of public liability insurance (minimum £1 million), a written quote and contract, a physical local address (not just a mobile number), verifiable customer reviews, no demand for large cash payments upfront, and a guarantee on their workmanship. Ask how long they've been trading and whether they have experience with your specific roof type. Roofgo ticks all these boxes as a trusted, established local business.

Yes — Roofgo carries full public liability insurance and all work is carried out in accordance with health and safety regulations. We can provide proof of insurance on request. This protects you as the homeowner in the unlikely event that anything goes wrong during the works. Never hire a roofer who cannot provide evidence of insurance — you could be left liable for accidents or damage that occur on your property.

Yes — all roofing work carried out by Roofgo comes with a written workmanship guarantee. The duration depends on the nature of the job — minor repairs typically carry a 12-month guarantee, while larger re-roofing projects may be covered for longer. Material guarantees from manufacturers are also passed on where applicable. We stand behind the quality of our work and are proud of our reputation across Chatham and the Medway towns.

Protect yourself by: never agreeing to work from an unsolicited doorstep visit, always getting at least two written quotes, checking Google and Checkatrade reviews, verifying the company's address exists, never paying the full amount upfront, and always insisting on a written contract. If someone pressures you to make a quick decision, walk away. Legitimate local roofers like Roofgo will always give you time to think.

Signs that gutters need attention include: water overflowing during rain, visible cracks or splits in the guttering, sagging or pulling away from the fascia, plant growth inside the gutter, staining down the external walls, or damp patches on internal walls near the roofline. Many older Medway homes still have cast iron guttering which, while durable when maintained, is prone to rust and cracking. uPVC guttering is a popular, low-maintenance modern replacement.

Yes — Roofgo provides a full fascia, soffit and guttering service across Chatham, Rochester, Strood and Medway. Fascias and soffits protect the roof structure from moisture and pests. Rotting timber fascias are extremely common in older Medway properties and, if left unchecked, allow water into the roof timbers causing structural damage. We replace timber fascias and soffits with low-maintenance uPVC as standard, fitting new guttering at the same time if required.

Gutters should be cleaned at least once a year, ideally in autumn after the leaves have fallen. Homes near trees — common in residential areas of Chatham, Walderslade and rural parts of Medway — may need clearing twice yearly. Blocked gutters cause water to back up under roof tiles and overflow against walls, leading to damp problems inside the home. It's a small maintenance cost that prevents much larger repair bills down the line.