How to Identify Poor Roofing Workmanship
A clear, homeowner-friendly guide to spotting poor roofing workmanship across Milton Keynes and nearby areas. Learn the fastest checks to do from the ground, what good work should look like, which UK rules apply, and the exact steps to take if you suspect shoddy work. Written by Maxwells Roofing, owner‑led by Luke Maxwell (80+ 5★ on Checkatrade, 5★ on Google). Free inspections and photos provided.
Quick red flags you can spot in 60 seconds:
- Wavy or uneven tile lines; mismatched tiles/slates
- Ridges/hips held only with mortar (no mechanical fixings)
- Lead flashing smeared with sealant, not chased into brickwork
- Valleys filled with mortar rather than GRP/lead troughs
- Dry verge caps with gaps or rattling in wind
- Underlay drooping into gutters; no eaves trays or bird combs
- Flat roof ponding beyond 48 hours, blisters or lifted seams
- Upstands under 150 mm at walls/doors
- Damp patches on ceilings, mouldy loft timbers, rusty nail tips
What the guide covers:
- Pitched roof faults: set‑out, headlap, fixings, ridges/hips, flashings, valleys, eaves/verges, chimneys
- Flat roof failures: falls/ponding, seams/edges, upstands, material pitfalls (felt, EPDM, GRP), fire ratings (e.g., BROOF(t4))
- Ventilation and insulation: Part F airflow, vapour control layers (VCLs), Part L upgrades
- UK Building Regulations to know: Parts A, B, C, F, L; when Building Control is required (>25% replacement, structural works)
- Milton Keynes patterns: wind uplift on open estates, moss in shaded streets, low‑pitch extension leaks, aging 1970s eaves felt
- What good work looks like: BS 5534‑compliant fixings, dry ridge/hip systems, proper leadwork, eaves trays/bird combs, GRP/lead valleys, documented stages, written warranty
- What to do next: how to document issues, ask for rectification, arrange an independent inspection, make‑safe measures, and when to notify Building Control
Service area: Milton Keynes, Newport Pagnell, Bletchley, Stony Stratford, Great Linford, Bradwell, Bedford, Northampton, Luton and nearby villages.
Need fast, fair help? Call 07311091804 or email sales@miltonkeynesroofing.uk for a free inspection and written quote.
