1) What counts as a roofing emergency

Not every roofing issue requires immediate intervention, but some situations need rapid attention to prevent further damage to your home, electrics and belongings. We treat the following as emergencies:

• Active leaks causing water ingress into ceilings, lofts or walls
• Storm damage with lifted, cracked or missing tiles or slates
• Loose or damaged ridge tiles and hip tiles at risk of falling
• Flat roof failures on EPDM, felt or GRP leading to exposed substrates
• Compromised flashings around chimneys, valleys, dormers and abutments
• Impact damage from fallen branches or debris
• Chimney instability, loose pots or severe mortar failure

Issues that often can wait 24-72 hours include minor slipped tiles with no internal damp, cosmetic roofline damage, or slow gutter overflows. If you are unsure, call us and we will triage your situation and guide you.

For urgent help call 07311091804.

2) Your first call – what we ask and how we prioritise

When you call Maxwells Roofing, we prioritise by risk and get you the fastest safe solution. Expect a few quick questions so we can arrive prepared:

• Where is the leak or damage – near a chimney, valley, rooflight or flat roof
• Is water near electrics or light fittings
• When did the issue start and is it getting worse in wind or rain
• Roof type and height – tile, slate, EPDM, felt, GRP – bungalow or multi-storey
• Any previous repairs or an insurance claim number if applicable

We aim for same-day or next-day attendance wherever possible. If weather conditions make working at height unsafe, we will advise on immediate containment and return as soon as it is safe to proceed.

Call now: 07311091804.

3) Safety first – steps to take before we arrive

Your safety is the priority. Please do not climb onto the roof. Instead:

• Move valuables from beneath drips and place a bucket or tray under active leaks
• If water is near lights or sockets, isolate the affected circuit at the consumer unit
• Lift rugs and lay towels on access routes so we can work cleanly
• Take clear photos or short video from the ground if safe
• Keep pets and children away from work areas

We will talk you through any other immediate steps over the phone.

4) Arrival, access and on-site assessment

On arrival, our owner-led team introduces themselves, performs a brief risk assessment, and agrees safe access. We use ladders, roof ladders, harnesses and, where appropriate, drones to assess hard-to-reach areas without unnecessary disturbance.

Our assessment includes:

• Visual checks of coverings, ridges, hips, valleys, flashings and roofline
• Tracing the source of ingress – which is often not directly beneath the visible leak
• Taking photos and short videos to document findings
• Clear options – immediate make-safe measures and permanent repair choices

We never compromise on safety. In high winds or lightning, external work may be limited to essential make-safe until conditions improve.

5) Make-safe repairs we can do immediately

In most call-outs we stop or significantly reduce water ingress on the first visit. Typical make-safe solutions include:

• Replacing slipped or broken tiles and slates, securing ridges and hips
• Temporary weatherproofing using tarpaulins, membranes and emergency sealants
• Flat roof patches for EPDM, torch-on felt and GRP to prevent further penetration
• Re-dressing or securing lead flashings around chimneys, dormers and abutments
• Clearing emergency blockages in valleys and gutters to stop back-ups
• Chimney pot stabilisation or temporary capping where unsafe

These measures protect your property and create time to specify a durable long-term fix.

6) Permanent fixes, materials and timescales

Once the immediate risk is controlled, we recommend a lasting repair or replacement using quality materials and proven methods:

• Tiled and slate roofs: like-for-like replacements, re-bedding or repointing ridges, breathable underlay upgrades, correct fixings to current standards
• Flat roofs – EPDM, felt, GRP: localised patching or full-system renewal with correct trims, outlets and drainage falls
• Leadwork: new flashings, soakers and trays formed to code, properly chased and sealed
• Chimneys: repointing, crown repairs, flaunching, pot replacement or safe removal where appropriate
• Roofline: fascia and soffit repair or replacement, gutter realignment and downpipe fixes

Timescales vary by scope and weather. Smaller permanent fixes are often completed within 24-72 hours after make-safe. Larger refurbishments are scheduled promptly with clear start dates. You receive an itemised written quotation and timeline before any further work proceeds.

Questions about materials or timescales? Call 07311091804.

7) When Building Regulations apply

Emergency make-safe work typically does not require Building Control. If permanent works involve significant refurbishment or structural changes, we will advise you clearly. Key points:

• Part A – Structure: If adding heavier coverings or altering structure, we assess load capacity and specify appropriate fixings and supports.
• Part B – Fire safety: Materials must meet appropriate fire performance. Flat roof systems should maintain suitable classifications.
• Part C – Moisture: Repairs must prevent rain and condensation ingress using breathable membranes and correct detailing.
• Part F – Ventilation: Refurbishments should ensure adequate roof space ventilation.
• Part L – Energy: If more than 25% of the roof area is replaced, upgrading insulation is usually required.

If Local Authority Building Control needs to be notified, we will guide you through the process and coordinate timing so your project runs smoothly.

8) Pricing – what affects the cost

We keep pricing clear and fair. Emergency call-outs include make-safe work and a no-obligation quote for permanent repairs. Final costs depend on:

• Roof type and height: tile, slate or flat roof system – bungalow vs multi-storey access
• Extent of damage: localised patch vs wider refurbishment
• Materials: like-for-like tiles or slates, EPDM, felt, GRP, lead grades and trims
• Access and safety: ladder-only, mobile tower or scaffold requirements
• Weather: extra visits if conditions are unsafe to complete in one go

You will always receive an itemised written quote before permanent work begins. To discuss your budget and options, call 07311091804.

9) Insurance and storm damage claims

For storm damage and escape of water claims, we can provide the documentation you need:

• Photo and video evidence of cause and damage
• Make-safe report and itemised permanent repair quotation
• Material specifications that align with common insurer expectations
• Liaison with loss adjusters on request

We can usually make safe immediately and supply the paperwork your insurer requests so your claim can progress without delay.

10) Aftercare, guarantees and prevention

We stand by our workmanship. Permanent repairs include appropriate guarantees, with scope and duration set out in your quote. To reduce future emergencies, we recommend:

• Annual or biennial roof and gutter inspections to catch issues early
• Regular clearing of gutters, valleys and outlets to prevent back-ups
• Post-storm visual checks from the ground and a quick call if you notice displaced tiles or debris

Looking to plan ahead? Ask about preventative maintenance visits tailored to your property.

11) Why choose Maxwells Roofing

• Family-owned and local: Genuine Milton Keynes roofer with fast response and local knowledge
• Owner-led quality: Company owner Luke Maxwell oversees each project
• Proven reputation: 80+ 5★ Checkatrade reviews and 5★ Google reviews
• Rapid call-outs: Same-day or next-day wherever possible
• Fully insured and qualified: Safe systems of work at height and neat, professional finishes
• Straightforward pricing: Clear explanations and itemised quotes
• All roof types covered: Tile, slate, EPDM, felt, GRP, leadwork, chimneys, rooflights and roofline

Ready to talk to a friendly local expert? Call 07311091804.

12) Areas we cover

We attend emergency roofs in Milton Keynes, Northampton, Bedford, Luton, Stony Stratford, Newport Pagnell, Bletchley, Great Linford, Bradwell and all nearby villages and estates.

13) Emergency roofing FAQs

Do you charge for emergency call-outs

We price make-safe work on site based on time, access and materials used. You then receive a free, no-obligation written quote for any permanent repairs.

How quickly can you get here

We aim for same-day or next-day attendance across Milton Keynes and nearby areas. In severe weather we prioritise safety, provide immediate containment advice, and return as soon as conditions allow.

Can you stop a leak on the first visit

In most cases, yes. We usually stop or significantly reduce water ingress straight away with make-safe measures, then agree a permanent fix and timescale.

Will you work on flat roofs in the rain

We can often install temporary protection during wet weather. Permanent flat roof repairs require suitably dry conditions for correct adhesion and a long-lasting result.

Do you repair all roof types

Yes. We work on tiled and slate roofs, EPDM, felt and GRP systems, as well as leadwork, chimneys, rooflights and roofline components.

Are your repairs guaranteed

Yes. Permanent repairs include appropriate workmanship and material guarantees, set out in your written quote.

Will Building Control be needed for my job

Make-safe measures do not usually require Building Control. If more than 25% of the covering is replaced or the structure is altered, Building Regulations may apply. We will advise and help manage the process.

Ready to talk

Do not wait for the next downpour. If you have a leak, storm damage or a concern you want checked, our friendly local team is ready to help with fast, professional support and clear advice.

Call now for a free quote: 07311091804
Email: sales@miltonkeynesroofing.uk

For related services and next steps, explore these helpful pages: Emergency Roofing, Roof Repairs, Flat Roof Systems, Gutter Maintenance and Roof Inspections.