Roofing Cork
FAQs.
The questions homeowners ask us most about roofs, answered plainly.
- The most common roof damage comes from wind, water getting past flashings and age.
- Stay off a roof unless you work at height every day; never walk on a wet one.
- A roof leaks at its joints, so look at chimneys, valleys, ridges and flat-roof seams.
- As a 2026 guide, a leak repair is €400–€2,500.
- A complete roof replacement carries the Lifetime Leak Guarantee.
What is the most common roof damage?
In Cork, wind and water do most of it: slates and tiles that slip or crack, ridge and hip bedding that crumbles, flashings that lift at chimneys and walls, and moss that holds water against the covering. Age adds to all of them. A roof that has had no attention for twenty years usually has several of these at once.
What should you not do on a roof?
Do not go on it if you do not have to. Never walk on a wet or mossy roof, on a slate or tile that is not supported, on a flat roof of unknown condition or on a roof window. Do not use a pressure washer on tiles and slates, which can drive water under them and damage the surface. Do not rely on a ladder as safe access for roof work.
What are the three main types of roof?
On Cork houses you mostly find pitched roofs covered in natural slate or concrete tile, flat roofs on extensions, garages and some commercial buildings, and low-slope roofs on larger buildings. Each fails in a different place, which is why the survey is where we start: roof repairs, flat roofing and commercial roofing are quite different jobs.
What is the weakest part of a roof?
The joints. A chimney, a valley, a ridge, a wall abutment or a flat-roof seam is where two parts of the roof meet, and where water gets in first. Lead flashings and chimney repairs are a large part of what we do for that reason.
Does walking on a roof cause leaks?
It can. Walking on tiles and slates can crack them, and walking on a flat roof can damage the membrane or the deck. That is why a roofer uses crawling boards and safe access, and why you should not go up to look.
How do you prevent roof leaks?
Keep the roof and its gutters clear, have loose slates, tiles and flashings fixed early and have the roof inspected every year or two, and after any severe storm. A roof maintenance visit does this for you.
What makes a roof last longer?
Good fixings and lead at the time it is laid, ventilation so the timbers can dry, and regular attention afterwards. A cheap roof laid badly will not outlast a good one laid well.
How much does a repair cost?
As a 2026 guide, a roof leak repair is €400–€2,500, from the same day to three days. A full price list is on our service pages.
| Service | Indicative price (2026) | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|
| Roof Leak Repairs | €400–€2,500 | Same day–3 days |
| Chimney Repairs | €800–€3,500 | 1–3 days |
| Emergency Storm Repair | €1,500–€8,000+ | 1–5 days |
These are guide figures for 2026, not a quote. The size and pitch of the roof, what it is covered in, how easily we can get to it and the state of the timber underneath all change the final figure, so we fix your price in writing after a free survey. VAT is added at 13.5% on residential work.
What happens if I fall through a roof?
It is a serious accident, and the reason roofing is treated as high-risk work under Irish safety law. If anyone is injured, ring 112 and do not move them unless there is further danger.
“Thanks micheal and his crew for coming out and doing a brilliant job yesterday on my roof fixed broken leek and tiles and sealed up the chimney no more problems done a great job would highly recommend them for these jobs!!”
What we guarantee
Installation work carries a written 10-year workmanship guarantee, handed over before we start. A complete roof replacement also carries the Lifetime Leak Guarantee. Repairs and part-roof jobs stay on the written workmanship cover, and you are told in writing which one applies before you agree to anything. Our own crews do the work and nothing is subcontracted without you being told. You can read what past customers wrote on the home page.
Questions, answered.
What is the most common roof damage?
Slipped and cracked slates and tiles, cracked ridge bedding, lifted flashings and moss, all made worse by wind-driven rain and age.
What should you not do on a roof?
Do not walk on a wet roof, on unsupported slates or tiles or on a flat roof of unknown condition, and do not use a ladder as the only safe access.
What are the main types of roof?
Pitched roofs in slate or tile, flat roofs and low-slope roofs.
What is the weakest part of a roof?
The joints: chimneys, valleys, ridges, abutments and flat-roof seams.
Does walking on a roof cause leaks?
It can, by cracking tiles or slates or damaging a membrane.
How do I prevent roof leaks?
Keep it clear, fix faults early and have it inspected every year or two.
How do I protect my roof from rain?
Fix loose slates and flashings, clear valleys and gutters and deal with moss.
Is it safe to go on a wet roof?
No.
What type of roof lasts longest?
It depends on the material, the quality of the fixing and how well it has been looked after. Natural slate has the longest record when fixed well.
What is the easiest roof to maintain?
A simple pitched roof with few joints is the easiest, because there are fewer places for water to get in.
How much does a roof leak repair cost in Cork?
€400–€2,500 as a 2026 guide, depending on the fault.
Do you cover my area?
We cover Cork city and its suburbs.
Get your roof
looked at.
Write a line or two about the roof and where it is. After a free survey you get a plain written price. Rather talk it through? Ring: