Ely Roofers carries out roof repairs in Mildenhall and the surrounding area, from a few slipped tiles to leaking flashings and failed flat roof sections.
When something goes wrong with your roof, the first question is always: repair or replace? Our answer is straightforward. If a repair will do the job properly, that is what we recommend. A full replacement is only the right call when the overall structure or covering has deteriorated beyond the point where patching will hold. We will tell you which applies, and why.
We cover Mildenhall and the wider area including Ely, Soham, Burwell, Newmarket, and nearby villages. Repair time depends on access and the extent of the problem.
Roof repairs are not one single job. The work varies considerably depending on the roof type, the material, and where the failure has happened. The common categories are:
Each of these involves different materials and different techniques. Choosing the right material for the repair is where the quality of a job is often decided, and that is the main focus of this page.
When a concrete interlocking tile cracks or slips, the ideal replacement is a matching tile from the same range. Concrete tiles from the 1970s and 1980s can be difficult to match exactly because many of those profiles are no longer manufactured, but salvaged tiles are often a practical solution for small numbers. A good match matters for both appearance and performance, because mismatched tile profiles can leave gaps that let water in.
Clay plain tiles are found on older properties and on some newer builds that specify traditional materials. They are more expensive than concrete tiles but they tend to last longer, typically 60 years or more when well maintained. If you have clay tiles and only need five or ten replaced, using salvaged clay tiles of the correct gauge (the exposed surface area) is a sensible choice that avoids disrupting the whole roof.
Natural slate is a different job altogether. Welsh slate and Spanish slate are both available new, but they differ in thickness, texture and durability. Welsh slate is generally regarded as the better material, but Spanish slate is more affordable and adequate for most repair work. Salvaged Welsh slate, where it can be matched, is often the best option for repairing an existing Welsh slate roof because the colour and texture will blend in far better than new imports.
Ridge tiles were traditionally bedded and pointed in mortar. The problem is that mortar cracks over time as the roof moves with temperature changes, and once the joints open, water gets in and the mortar bond fails. Loose or rocking ridge tiles are a common source of leaks and a safety hazard in wind.
When ridge tiles need re-fixing, there are two approaches: re-bed them in fresh mortar, or switch to a dry-fix system. Dry-fix uses a mechanical fixing and a ventilated ridge roll rather than mortar. It does not crack, it does not rely on mortar bond, and it allows the roof to move without breaking the seal. The upfront cost is higher, typically 20 to 30 per cent more than a mortar re-bed, but a dry-fix ridge is more durable and will not need the same maintenance cycle. For a house where the ridge has failed twice in ten years, dry-fix is usually the more economical choice in the long run. We can advise on which is more appropriate for your property after looking at the roof.
Lead is the traditional material for flashings around chimney stacks, dormer walls, roof abutments and valleys, and it remains the best option in most situations. Properly dressed and fixed lead will outlast most other parts of a roof. The problem is usually not the lead itself but the pointing that holds the top edge into the masonry joint. When this pointing fails, water tracks behind the flashing and into the roof. Re-pointing the flashing groove and pressing the lead back into place is a straightforward repair if caught early.
Where lead has been stolen or is beyond saving, replacement is straightforward. Lead is sold by code number (Code 4 and Code 5 are the most common for flashings), and a competent roofer will specify the correct code for the location and exposure. Cheaper lead alternatives such as self-adhesive flashing tape are sometimes used for temporary repairs or in areas with very low exposure, but they are not a like-for-like replacement for lead and should not be treated as a permanent fix on a chimney or valley.
Flat roof coverings on extensions, bay windows and garage roofs are a common source of leaks. The two main repair and replacement systems available are built-up felt and EPDM rubber membrane.
Built-up felt is the traditional system. It consists of layers of bitumen felt bonded together, usually with a mineral cap sheet on top. A well-installed felt roof typically lasts 10 to 20 years depending on the number of layers, the quality of the felt and how well the edges and details are finished. Repairs to felt roofs are possible if the damage is limited to a specific area, but if the membrane has aged and is cracking in multiple places, a full re-cover is more economical than repeated patching.
EPDM rubber membrane is a single-ply system that has become the preferred option for many flat roof repairs and replacements over the last 15 years. A good quality EPDM installation is rated to last 40 to 50 years by manufacturers, though actual performance depends on the quality of the installation and particularly how the edges and outlets are dressed. EPDM is lighter than built-up felt, cold-applied (no naked flame), and less prone to splitting in cold weather. The material cost is higher, but the labour is often similar, and for a garage or extension roof where you want a long-term solution, EPDM is generally the better investment.
If a felt roof has a single blister or a localised crack, patching with a compatible torch-on felt section is a reasonable short-term repair. If the roof is older than 15 years and showing multiple signs of fatigue, discuss a full re-cover rather than chasing individual patches.
Chimney stacks take more punishment than any other part of a roof. They are exposed on all sides to wind and rain, the mortar in the brickwork is subject to freeze-thaw cycles, and the flashing where the stack meets the tiles has to cope with differential movement between two different structures. Common chimney repairs include re-pointing the stack brickwork, repairing or replacing the lead back gutter and soakers, and repairing the flaunching (the sloped mortar cap around the chimney pots). If a chimney is unused and in poor condition, capping it off and reducing it in height below the roofline is sometimes the most practical long-term solution.
Wind is the most common cause of sudden roof damage. Ridge tiles, hip tiles, and verge mortar are all vulnerable in strong winds. A missing ridge tile is not just a leak risk; a loose one that has not yet fallen is a safety hazard to anyone below. If you have visible damage after a storm, call us to arrange an inspection before conditions deteriorate further. A temporary weatherproof repair can prevent internal damage while materials are sourced or conditions allow a full repair.
Not every leak has an obvious source. Water can enter at one point on a roof and travel along battens or rafters before appearing on a ceiling some distance away. A proper investigation involves checking the obvious candidates first - flashings, ridge mortar, any visible damage - before looking at the underlay and timber condition where accessible. Correctly identifying the source saves time and money; a repair to the wrong area will not stop the leak.
In most cases, like-for-like roof repairs do not require planning permission. However, if your property is in a conservation area or is a listed building, restrictions may apply to the materials you can use or the type of work you can carry out. It is worth checking with the local planning authority before starting work if you are unsure, particularly if you are changing the material (for example, switching from natural slate to concrete tiles).
What are the signs my roof needs repairing? Damp patches or staining on ceilings, visible missing or cracked tiles from the ground, mortar debris in gutters, daylight visible in the loft, and lifting or loose ridge tiles are all signs that something needs attention.
Can you repair a roof that another roofer has worked on? Yes. We will assess what has been done and what needs to be put right. If previous work has contributed to the problem, we will explain what went wrong and what the correct fix involves.
How much does a roof repair cost? Small repairs such as replacing a handful of tiles typically cost £150 to £300. A ridge re-bed in mortar might be £400 to £700 depending on the length. Replacing a chimney flashing in lead is typically £300 to £600. A full flat roof re-cover on a standard garage is usually £800 to £1,800 depending on size and system chosen. These are typical UK ranges and will vary with access, roof pitch, and the materials specified.
Do you carry out emergency repairs? Yes. If you have sudden damage causing an active leak, call us to discuss the situation and arrange an inspection as quickly as possible.
If you have a roof problem in Mildenhall or nearby - whether it is a leak you cannot locate, tiles that came down in a storm, or flashings that have seen better days - call us to arrange a roof survey. We will give you an honest assessment and a clear price before any work begins.
No obligation · We usually respond within 2 hours
Storm damage, active leak, damaged ridge - we aim to be on-site within 24 hours.
