A sagging ridge line visible from the street, roof slopes that bow between rafters, doors and windows that have started sticking on the top floor, or cracking in the loft timbers are all signs that the structure itself is moving — not just the covering. A loft inspection is the quickest way to confirm what is happening. If you’re seeing internal damp in the absence of any of these, it’s more likely a covering issue than a structural one.

Not always. Many sagging-ridge and collar-tie issues can be addressed without formal engineering input. Where the scope is larger — for example loft conversion remediation, purlin replacement at long spans, or anything that affects load paths — we engage an engineer and provide the trade-side input on the specification. We’ll tell you upfront whether your project needs that step.

Every project — including structural roof repairs — is backed by £1 million of public liability insurance as standard.

In many cases, yes. Original slates and clay tiles in serviceable condition are stripped, set aside and re-laid once the structural work is complete. Where the original covering is past its useful life, replacement is discussed with you at the quotation stage rather than discovered mid-project.

It varies considerably by scope. A localised intervention — sister rafters, collar tie reinstatement, a wall plate section — can often be completed within a few days. Full purlin or rafter replacement with engineer sign-off and re-covering generally runs to two to four weeks. The written quotation includes a projected programme.