Frequently Asked Questions
At Prestige Roof, we know that hiring a contractor can bring up a lot of questions. Whether you are worried about planning permission for a new roof , we want you to feel informed and confident.
We have grouped our most common queries below to help you find the information you need quickly. From technical details about our materials to practical questions about how we manage waste and payment, we aim to be as open as possible.
If you cannot find the answer you are looking for here, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team directly. We are always happy to offer advice.
Got questions?
Frequently asked questions
Are you fully insured?
Yes, Prestige Roof carries comprehensive Public Liability Insurance. This covers us for all roofing and specialist removal works. We are happy to provide copies of our insurance certificates upon request for your peace of mind.
Do you offer a guarantee on your work?
Absolutely. We stand by the quality of our craftsmanship.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
We generally do not ask for full payment upfront. For larger projects (like a new roof), we may require a small deposit to book the dates and cover initial materials. The final balance is only due once the work is completed and you are satisfied.
Will you take away the rubbish?
Yes. We are licensed waste carriers. Whether it’s old roof tiles, dug-up concrete, or garden waste, we remove everything from your site and dispose of it responsibly at recycling centers. We aim to leave your property tidier than we found it.
How do I know if I need a new roof or just a repair?
You don't always need a new roof. If the damage is localized (e.g., a few slipped tiles or a minor leak in a valley), a repair is often sufficient. However, if the roof is sagging, over 50 years old, or has multiple leaks appearing in different places, a replacement might be more cost-effective in the long run. We will always give you an honest assessment, we never sell you a new roof if a repair will do.
Do you work in bad weather?
We monitor the forecast closely. We can strip and felt a roof in sections to ensure it remains watertight overnight. However, for safety reasons, we cannot work on roofs during high winds or heavy, continuous rain. If we need to delay for weather, we will keep you informed every step of the way.
Will I need planning permission for a new roof?
Generally, no. Re-roofing falls under "Permitted Development" as long as you aren't raising the roof height or changing the material significantly (e.g., from slate to tiles) in a Conservation Area. If permission is needed, we can help guide you through the process.
How long does a new roof take to install?
<p>A typical house re-roof takes anywhere from a few days to a little over a week, depending on the size of the roof and the weather. The coast can be exposed, so we keep an eye on conditions and agree realistic timings with you before we start.</p>
Will removing spray foam really help me get a mortgage?
Yes. Most UK mortgage lenders currently refuse to lend on properties with spray foam in the loft because it hides the condition of the timbers and can trap moisture. By professionally removing the foam and providing a completion certificate, you restore the inspectability of the roof, which is the key requirement for surveyors and lenders.
Is spray foam removal messy?
It can be, but we manage it strictly. We sheet up the entire working area and use industrial vacuums to collect the foam as we scrape it away. We treat your home with respect and ensure the loft is left clean and timber-ready.
My cavity wall insulation is causing damp. Can it be fixed?
Yes. Old insulation (like white wool or foam) can slump or bridge the cavity, drawing rain from the outside wall to the inside. We use a vacuum extraction method to remove the old material and clear the cavity. Once the cavity is clear, the walls can dry out naturally, stopping the damp.
How much does a new roof cost in Hunstanton?
<p>Every roof is different, so the cost depends on the size and pitch of your property, the materials you choose and how straightforward access is. We never quote blind. One of our team will visit your Hunstanton home, take proper measurements and give you a clear written quote with no obligation.</p>
Which roofing materials suit a coastal Hunstanton home?
<p>The older seafront terraces tend to carry slate or clay pantile, while post-war stock often has concrete interlocking tiles. Whatever the covering, the salt-laden wind off The Wash is the deciding factor, so we fit a breathable membrane and dry ridge and verge systems that stand up to that exposure far better than traditional mortar bedding alone.</p>
Do you manage the whole job from scaffolding to finish?
<p>Yes. As a third-generation family firm we handle the entire project, from the first scaffold through to the final ridge tile and the clean-up afterwards. We are fully insured for all roofing work and every new roof comes with a written guarantee.</p>
Can you come out quickly for a roof leak in Hunstanton?
<p>We are based in Dersingham, about 13 miles south of Hunstanton, so our response time to the town is the same as it is to King's Lynn. When water is getting in we treat it as a priority, get the roof made safe and stop the leak before it does more damage inside.</p>
Why do Hunstanton roofs seem to need repairs more often?
<p>The town faces The Wash, and the salt-laden onshore wind is relentless. It works away at lead flashings and ridge mortar in particular, which is why coastal roofs tend to show wear sooner than those further inland. Regular checks catch small problems before they become expensive ones.</p>
Will you help with an insurance claim after storm damage?
<p>Yes. After a storm we will make the roof safe first, then carry out a full assessment and give you a clear written report documenting the damage, which is exactly what insurers ask for to support a claim.</p>
Do you repair flat roofs on extensions and garages too?
<p>We do. We patch and repair EPDM, GRP and felt flat roofs, and we will always tell you honestly whether a targeted repair will buy you meaningful extra life or whether a full replacement is the more sensible route.</p>
Should I replace my fascias or have them capped?
<p>It depends on the condition of the timber behind the existing boards. If it is structurally sound we can cap it with UPVC to save cost and disruption. If it has started to rot, a full replacement is the better long-term answer. We will check properly and tell you which makes sense for your home.</p>
Why do coastal Hunstanton rooflines fail faster?
<p>Salt spray on exposed gables, strong UV and wind-blown debris all take their toll. Salt corrodes fixings, UV fades and cracks older UPVC, and gutters fill quickly, so rooflines on the coast simply work harder than those in more sheltered spots.</p>
Is UPVC or timber better for a Hunstanton property?
<p>For most homes UPVC is the practical choice on the coast: it shrugs off salt air and needs no annual painting. Where a period or heritage property calls for timber to keep the right look, we are happy to work in timber instead and will advise on what suits your property.</p>
Do you clear and realign gutters as well?
<p>Yes. Alongside fascia and soffit work we clear and realign gutters, replace cracked or sagging runs, fit ventilated soffits where damp is a problem, and renew downpipes. We can also simply clear sound gutters before the autumn rains if that is all that is needed.</p>
Why is my chimney leaking onto a bedroom ceiling in Hunstanton?
<p>On coastal properties the usual culprits are failed lead flashing, cracked flaunching or open mortar joints at the stack, all of which let water track down inside. We trace the source properly rather than just sealing the obvious spot, so the repair lasts.</p>
Does my chimney need re-pointing or a rebuild?
<p>If the brickwork is still sound, re-pointing is usually all that is needed. Where years of weathering have left a stack unstable, a partial or full rebuild is the safer option. We will show you what we have found and never recommend a rebuild when a re-point will do the job.</p>
Can you fit a cowl or birdguard on an unused flue?
<p>Yes. We fit stainless steel cowls and birdguards to keep out rain, birds and downdraught, and we can usually do this at the same time as any other chimney work to save you a second visit.</p>
How often should a coastal chimney be checked?
<p>Given the salt and frost this stretch of coast sees, it is worth having the pointing, flaunching and flashings looked over every five years or so. Catching softening mortar early is far cheaper than dealing with water damage later.</p>
Should I choose EPDM or GRP for my Hunstanton extension?
<p>EPDM rubber is highly flexible and copes very well with salt air, which makes it our usual recommendation for residential flat roofs on the coast. GRP fibreglass gives a seamless, hard-wearing finish that suits areas with foot traffic such as a balcony or walkway. We will advise on the best fit for your property.</p>
Can my old felt roof be repaired, or does it need replacing?
<p>If the problem is a single leak point we can often carry out a targeted repair. Where the felt is cracking, blistering or holding water across the whole roof, a full replacement with EPDM or GRP is almost always the better long-term value. We will be straight with you about which applies.</p>
Do coastal conditions shorten the life of a flat roof?
<p>They can. The constant salt-laden wind off The Wash ages older felt faster here than it would inland, which is exactly why choosing the right modern membrane from the outset matters so much on this coast.</p>
How long does a flat roof replacement take?
<p>A small garage or extension roof is usually a day or two, with larger or more complex roofs taking longer. We give you a clear written quote and agree timings before any work begins, with no obligation.</p>
Do you work on listed and period properties in Old Hunstanton?
<p>Yes. We carry out sympathetic, like-for-like slate work on period and listed properties, using traditional verge and ridge detailing and the right fixings so the finished roof keeps the character of the building and respects any conservation requirements.</p>
Welsh or Spanish slate, which is right for my roof?
<p>Welsh slate is the premium, traditional choice and ideal for heritage homes. Spanish slate is more cost-effective while still being durable and long-lasting. We will recommend whichever best matches your existing roof and your budget.</p>
Can you match the slate on my existing roof?
<p>In most cases, yes. We source slate to match the colour and size of your existing covering and use either nail or hook fixings as appropriate, so repairs and replacements blend in rather than stand out.</p>
Do I need a repair or a full re-slate?
<p>Where only a few slates have slipped we salvage and re-fix sound ones wherever we can. If the fixing nails have corroded across the whole roof, a condition known as nail sickness, a full re-slate is the lasting answer. We will inspect and tell you honestly which you need.</p>
Is a mossy roof actually a problem in Hunstanton?
<p>It can be. Moss holds moisture against the tiles, can lift and dislodge them, and washes down to block gutters. The damp, salt-laden coastal air encourages both moss and lichen, so it is worth treating before it leads to repairs.</p>
Do you use a pressure washer to clean the roof?
<p>No. High-pressure washing strips the surface off tiles and can do more harm than good. We use a gentle soft-wash method followed by a biocide treatment, which clears the growth and keeps it from coming back without damaging the roof.</p>
How long does a moss treatment last?
<p>The biocide carries on working over the following months to keep regrowth down. How long the roof stays clear depends on how shaded and exposed it is, so we will advise whether and when a periodic re-treatment is worthwhile.</p>
Do you clear the gutters and check the roof while you are up there?
<p>Yes. As part of the job we clear gutters and verges of moss and debris, and we keep an eye out for any slipped tiles or other issues while we have access, so you get a full picture of the roof's condition.</p>
Ready when you are
Ready to book your free survey?
Whether you need a new roof or insulation removal, the Prestige Roof team can visit, assess the property and provide a clear, no obligation quote.
- Free, no obligation surveys
- Honest advice on the best options for your home
- Written quotes with no hidden extras