Eleanor Pike
Eleanor researches and writes guides for Top Rated Roofers, turning prices, rules and official guidance into plain advice for homeowners. She volunteers at a local food bank.
Articles by Eleanor Pike
Re-Roofing a Listed Building or a House in a Conservation Area
When roof work on a listed building or in a conservation area needs consent, why a repair can become a re-roof in the council's eyes, and what to ask your council before a roofer starts.
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Chimney Caps and Cowls and When Your Chimney Needs One
Chimney caps and cowls explained: what each does, when a flue needs one, why a capped flue must still be vented, typical 2026 prices and when to call a sweep or registered installer.
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Nail Sickness in Slate Roofs and How Roofers Fix It
What nail sickness is, why slates keep slipping on older roofs, how roofers repair it, when re-slating is needed and what listed building rules and typical 2026 repair prices apply.
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What to Do When a Storm Damages Your Roof
What to do in the first day after a storm damages your roof: stay safe, record the damage, call your insurer, arrange a temporary repair and avoid cold callers.
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Can You Get a Grant for a New Roof in the UK?
There is no general grant for a new roof in the UK. What the main schemes really cover, which have closed, what a Disabled Facilities Grant is, and how to spot a free roof scam.
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How Much Does Shed Roof Felt Cost and Should You Pay a Roofer?
What a shed roof felt replacement costs in 2026, how long felt lasts, signs it has failed, whether a repair will do and when it is worth paying a roofer rather than doing it yourself.
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Why Your Roof Is Leaking and What to Do Next
What to do when water comes through the ceiling, the usual causes of a roof leak, how a roofer traces it, typical 2026 repair costs and when to call your insurer.
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Ridge Tiles and Verges Explained With Repair Costs
What ridge, hip and verge tiles do, mortar versus dry fix systems, what the British Standards now expect, and typical 2026 costs to repair, repoint or upgrade them.
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Parts of a Roof Explained in Plain English
The parts of a pitched and flat roof in plain words, from ridge, hip, valley and verge to rafters, purlins, battens and flashing, so you can read a roofer's quote.
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Asbestos Garage Roof Removal and Replacement Costs
How to tell if your garage roof may contain asbestos, when it is safer to leave it alone, and what removal and a new roof typically cost in 2026.
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Clay, Concrete and Slate Roof Tiles Compared
How concrete tiles, clay tiles and natural or man-made slate compare on price, lifespan and looks, and the rules that apply if you change from one to another.
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