Exeter’s roofs take a battering. Annual rainfall here is among the highest in England, and the south-westerly weather systems rolling off Dartmoor push water into every crack and joint. We fix leaks, replace slipped slates, repair ridge lines and re-bed mortar across Exeter’s full range of housing stock — from Georgian city centre to 1970s suburban estate.
Roof repairs in Exeter cover slipped tiles, lead flashing failure, ridge mortar and leaks, typically costing 150 to 900 pounds depending on scope. We diagnose the actual cause with a free survey before quoting. NFRC-registered, 10-year guarantee. Call 01392 759 295.
Exeter’s housing stock spans five centuries of building. The Cathedral Close has properties from the medieval period. Southernhay carries Georgian and Regency townhouses. Victorian terraces dominate St Thomas and Heavitree. Post-war and 1960s–70s estates fill the northern and eastern suburbs. Each era presents different repair challenges, and we have experience across all of them.
Natural Welsh slate was the dominant roofing material on Exeter’s Victorian terraces, and many properties still carry their original slates after 130–150 years. When individual slates slip or crack, we source matching natural slate and nail-fix or hook replacements correctly. We do not use adhesive as a permanent fix for slates — it is a temporary measure that causes further problems.
The 1960s and 70s estates in Whipton, Beacon Heath and Pinhoe were built with concrete interlocking tiles fixed with iron nails. After 50–60 years, these nails corrode and tiles begin to slip — a condition called nail sickness. We carry out tile-by-tile assessments and advise honestly on whether targeted repair or full replacement represents better long-term value.
Lead flashings around chimney stacks, in valleys and at abutments are the most common point of water ingress on Exeter’s older properties. Devon’s temperature variation — warm humid summers and cold damp winters — causes lead to fatigue and crack over time. We cut and dress new lead properly, with correct step and back flashing profiles.
Individual slates or tiles, sourced to match, correctly fixed
New lead dressed to chimney, valley or abutment
Ridge and hip mortar replaced, re-bedded and pointed
Lead or GRP valley liner replacement, full re-dress
“They matched the Welsh slate on our Heavitree Road Victorian terrace exactly. You genuinely cannot tell where the repair is. Properly done, not bodged.”
“Chimney flashing had been weeping for years. Previous roofer used sealant which failed in six months. These guys cut and dressed new lead properly and it’s been dry for two winters.”
“Ridge tiles were rocking and one had already fallen into the back garden. Came next day, re-bedded the full ridge, pointed properly and cleared up after themselves. Very pleased.”
Minor repairs such as replacing individual slates, resealing a flashing or re-bedding a ridge tile typically cost £150–£400 in Exeter. More involved repairs including valley lead replacement, extensive ridge line repointing or large tile sections can be £400–£900. We provide a free, itemised quote before any work begins.
Yes. Many of Exeter's Victorian terraces in St Thomas, Heavitree and the Pennsylvania Road area were originally roofed with Welsh slate. We source matching natural Welsh slate from suppliers in Wales and can blend repairs into the existing roof so the repair is not visible from the street.
Nail sickness occurs when the iron nails holding slates or tiles corrode and fail, causing fixings to lose grip. Signs include multiple tiles or slates slipping out of position on the same roof plane, tiles resting on gutters, or a noticeable increase in repair call frequency. Whipton, Beacon Heath and Pinhoe estates built in the 1960s–70s are most commonly affected in Exeter.
If fewer than 20% of tiles require attention and the underlying structure is sound, repair is usually the right decision. If nail sickness is widespread, if the battens are rotten, or if the underlay has deteriorated, a full replacement is more cost-effective over a 10-year horizon. We carry out a free roof survey and give you an honest recommendation either way.
Most tile and slate repairs are completed in a single visit of 2–4 hours. Lead flashing replacement typically takes a full day. Larger repairs involving ridge work or valley replacement may take 1–2 days. We'll give you a realistic timeframe in your quote.
Standard like-for-like repairs do not require planning permission. If your property is listed or in a conservation area — common in Exeter's city centre and St Thomas — material changes may need consent. We advise on this during the survey.
If repair costs are reaching 50% of replacement cost over a 5-year horizon, replacement is usually better value. We give you an honest assessment at the survey stage — not a sales pitch. Call 01392 759 295 to book a free survey.
Location-specific guides with local pricing, housing stock detail and common problems for each area we cover.
We’ll come out, inspect your roof, and give you a clear written quote with no obligation.
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