RAAC Roofing

This very much depends on the materials being used and whether it is entirely new work or simply a minor repair. Some minor localised repair work to old degraded roofs and rainwater goods cannot be guaranteed for obvious reasons, however, new works are typically guaranteed for a period ranging from 10-25 years. To get an accurate answer on how long we can guarantee your new roof for, reach out for some advice and a free, no obligation, quote.

We always recommend that most roofs are maintained by way of our annual (or biannual) maintenance packages. We offer a range of different packages which include a full meticulous inspection, a general overhaul of the coverings, and complete gutter cleaning service. This service is offered at a relatively modest fee, but helps to ensure your roof is kept in good order over the long term. Additionally, any developing issues on aged roofs are brought to your attention at the earliest possible opportunity, in order for you to take proactive action long before the problems identified develop into a major issue.

There are a high number of roofing & building contractors operating within Edinburgh & the Lothians today. By carrying out due diligence, you can greatly narrow down your search; some tips on what to look for in a contractor include:-

Ensuring the contractor you are considering using has proper accreditations. Ask to see proof of the various qualifications they have, with a particular focus on Health & Safety certification. The company should have a proper Health & Safety Policy and/or officer, and also be affiliated with certain governing bodies who rigorously vet and test their protocols and standards; furthermore their staff members, particularly at management level, should have their own personal qualifications, such as SMSTS, CSCS and SSSTS, you should ask for copies of such relevant documentation before commissioning the company.

Confirming the contractor has the appropriate insurance for the project. Ask for a copy of the contractors insurance certificate and read the small print to ensure they are indemnified to work on properties to at least the value of the property you are having work done on. Specifically check that the contractor does not have any limitations in cover i.e. no restrictions on working at height, and ensure they are covered for ‘Hot Works’ should they be intending on using heat during the course of the work. 

Obtaining photographs of the current condition of your roof and ensuring photographs will be provided at the end of the project. Some similar examples of previous projects should be provided by the contractor, ideally with a client who can confirm that the contractor actually did the work they claim to have done. Most accomplished contractors should have scores of previous case studies they can show you, which can give you peace of mind. For our insurances, accreditation and proof of previous projects, please simply ask us for these at the quoting stage and we will be happy to provide them.

We are asked this question a lot and the answer is simple: rope access may be fine to get to a single missing slate or two, or to do a minor repair to a gutter for example, but for most other roof repairs which include significant materials, more than 1 person, or the works will be done over a
longer period, scaffolding is usually the most effective, practical solution to do the work. Scaffolding may cost more, but you can be assured that the work is done to the highest standards with no compromise when we use a proper, fixed scaffolding tower.

The short answer is no. We generally do not take deposits from clients once a contract is agreed, we simply ask for our standard Terms & Conditions to be signed and returned, where either interim payment intervals are detailed and agreed, or the full sum is required to be settled on completion of the contract.

Apart from on the most minor of jobs, we generally take photographs of the roof before we start, and then on completion of the work, the project is signed off by one of our contracts managers and photos are emailed to you for your records.