Roofer in Kirkwall, Orkney Islands (2)

The average roofer cost in the UK is roughly as follows:

• Hourly rate: £18 - £25 per hour
• Day rate: £150 - £250 per day
• Roof repairs: Flat roof repairs start at around £40 per m², while pitched clay roofs can cost up to £180 per m²
• Full replacement: For an average-sized home, a full roof replacement might cost anywhere from £3,000 to £8,000+ depending on the materials

The exact cost of hiring a roofer in Kirkwall will depend on the roof type, materials, the complexity of the job and the individual roofer’s experience, as well as your property's location.

Roofer costs per square metre

As a rough guide, here are some average costs per square metre for a roofer in Kirkwall:

• Plain tiles – £80 per m²
• Clay tiles – £120 per m²
• Rubber roof – £80 - £100 per m²
• Tin roof – £50 - £65 per m²
• Flat roof – £40 - £55 per m²

It’s always good to discuss the details of your roofing project with roofers working locally in Kirkwall to understand what’s involved.

They’ll also be able to give you a realistic cost for the project. Learn more in our guide to roof installation costs.

Roof repair costs in Kirkwall

One of the most common jobs that homeowners hire local roofers in Kirkwall for is roof repair

Here are some average roofer costs for roof repair services in Kirkwall:

• Flat roof – £100 per m²
• Pitched clay roof – £180 per m²
• Pitched concrete roof – £140 per m²
• Pitched slate roof – £170 per m²
• Repair one roof valley – £350
• Repair two roof valleys – £450

If you’re looking for more information, read our guide to roof repair costs. If it turns out you need your whole roof replaced, then our guide to roof replacement costs will be useful reading.

You can also get clued up by checking out our complete guide to planning for roof repair.

Quotes for roofer costs in Kirkwall

For accurate costs for a roofing job, it’s always sensible to get multiple quotes from different roofers near you.

By shopping around you can make sure you're paying a fair and competitive price for the roofing work.

You can use our quick and simple request a quote tool and we’ll get multiple roofers working in Kirkwall to contact you directly.

Why are roofers expensive?

Roofing is skilled work that involves risk, precision, and physical labour. You’re paying for:

• Experience and training
• Specialist tools and safety gear
• High-quality materials
• Insurance and compliance

That said, prices vary – so it’s always worth comparing quotes. Don’t go for the cheapest option without understanding what’s included.

If your roof is damaged, it’s worth considering whether it can be repaired or needs replacing.

Here are some of the factors that can affect the roofing job needed:

• Age - If your roof is over 20-25 years old, it might be more cost-effective to replace it
• Damage - Minor leaks or a few broken tiles are usually repairable. Widespread or recurring problems might mean a full replacement
• Cost - Repairs are cheaper short-term, but may add up if you’re constantly patching issues. A new roof can offer better energy efficiency and peace of mind
• Structural integrity – If the roof damage has affected the underlying structure then a full roof replacement might be needed

Get advice from roofers working in Kirkwall

The best way to understand whether your roof can be repaired or needs to be replaced is to speak with roofers working in your local area.

They will be able to assess your roof’s condition and the extent of the damage and offer advice on the best course of action.

Use our search tool now to find roofers covering Kirkwall.

Roofs have to deal with the daily effects of weather and wear and tear. The resulting damage can appear in various forms.

Here are some of the most common signs of roof damage in the UK:

• Missing or damaged tiles or slates
• Cracks or holes in the roof
• Sagging roof
• Blistering or peeling paint
• Water stains on ceilings or walls
• Musty smell
• Noise from the roof
• Increased energy bills
• A roof that’s over 20-25 years old

If you notice any of these signs, it's time to call in the help of a roofer to identify any roofing work needed.

When hiring a roofer in Kirkwall, look for the following qualifications and certifications:

• CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card – A mandatory requirement for working on construction sites in the UK
• NVQ Level 2 in Roofing – Typically recognised as the industry standard qualification for a roofer to show a solid understanding of roofing principles and practices
• CHAS certificate – Demonstrates a knowledge and understanding of health and safety standards
• Membership of professional bodies – Popular accreditations in the UK include the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) and the Confederation of Roofing Contractors (CORC)

In addition to qualifications and accreditations, it’s also worth considering the following when hiring a roofer working locally in Kirkwall:

• Experience – Look for a roofer with several years of experience, particularly in your local area
• Insurance – Only ever hire tradespeople with adequate public liability insurance to protect you in case of accidents or damage
• Positive customer reviews – You want to hire a roofer who has plenty of positive customer reviews from previous jobs

By doing your homework and checking the credentials of individual roofers, you can be more confident you’re hiring the right roofer for the job.

You’ll find that most reputable roofers in the UK will offer a guarantee or warranty on their work.

A roofer’s guarantee will typically cover both the materials they use and their workmanship.

When choosing a roofer to hire, always ask them if they offer a guarantee and, if so, details about what it covers. You’ll want to consider:

• Length of warranty – Roofing warranties commonly range from 5 to 25 years
• Coverage – Ask for details that specify exactly what the warranty covers, such as material defects, faulty workmanship, or leaks
• Insurance-backed guarantees – These provide you with additional protection, especially if the roofing company goes out of business

Offering a guarantee or warranty is often a sign that the roofer is dedicated to their craft and responsible for the quality of their work.

By choosing a reputable roofer and understanding the details of their warranty, you can have peace of mind knowing that your roof is protected.

Yes, most do. In fact, a free quote is generally a standard part of hiring a roofer. This usually involves a site visit so they can properly assess what needs doing. You should receive a written breakdown of the costs, materials, and timeframe.

Let us do the legwork by using our request a quote tool to get multiple quotes from roofers in Kirkwall.

Generally, yes, but safety comes first. Roofers working in Kirkwall are typically prepared to work in all weather conditions – within reason.

Light rain or wind usually isn’t a problem, especially for experienced roofers. But heavy rain, strong winds or icy conditions can delay the work.

Good roofers will plan around the forecast and let you know if timings need to change. They may also use waterproof covers or temporary fixes to protect your home if the weather turns mid-project.

There are no fixed timelines for roofing jobs. Timings will depend on several factors, including roof type, weather, and size of the roofing team.

As a rough guide, here are some estimated timings for common roofing jobs in Kirkwall:

• Small roof repair (e.g. fixing a few tiles) – 1-2 days
• Medium roof repair (e.g. repairing a section of roof) – 2-5 days
• Full roof replacement (small to medium-sized house) – 1-2 weeks
• Complex roof replacement for a large house – 2-4 weeks
• Gutter cleaning and repair – 1-2 days
• Fascia and soffit replacement – 2-5 days

To get accurate timelines, speak to roofers working locally in Kirkwall and discuss the details of your specific roofing project.

A key part of hiring a roofer in Kirkwall is making sure they have the appropriate insurance to cover them and their work.

At a minimum, your roofer should have:

• Public liability insurance – This covers the roofer against any associated legal costs if a member of the public is injured by their work
• Employers’ liability insurance – This is a legal requirement for any roofer who employs other workers who will be working on-site

Your roofer may also have various other types of insurance cover, including:

• Tools insurance to protect their tools and equipment from damage or theft
• Personal accident insurance to cover themselves against any injuries they suffer on-site
• Professional indemnity insurance to protect them against legal costs associated with a customer claiming that their work was not up to standard

Before you hire, ask to see valid insurance documents. Any reputable roofer will be happy to show you.

A good roofer combines practical know-how with reliability. Here’s what to look for:

• Solid experience, ideally with similar projects in your local area
• NVQ Level 2 in Roofing or similar trade qualifications
• Membership of trade bodies like the NFRC or CORC
• Public liability insurance (a must)
• Good communication skills – they’ll explain things clearly and won’t rush your questions
• Transparent quotes and payment terms
• Customer reviews and photos of recent work

A good roofer won’t pressure you into a quick decision. They’ll help you understand your options and give you time to think things through.

What are some red flags in a roofer?

• They insist on cash-only payments or large deposits upfront
• They refuse to provide a written quote or contract
• Their pricing is suspiciously cheap (if it’s too good to be true, it usually is)
• They dodge questions or rush you into a decision
• They can’t show valid insurance or customer references
• They have poor or no online presence, or reviews that feel fake

When in doubt, walk away. Checkatrade can help you choose verified roofers who have been reviewed by real customers and pass our checks.

In the UK, the most common roofing jobs include:

• Replacing broken or slipped tiles
• Fixing leaks or cracks in flat roofs
• Repairing flashing around chimneys
• Sealing roof valleys where water runs off
• Clearing and repairing guttering

Small issues can often be sorted quickly, but left untreated, they can cause major damage. If you're unsure, a roofer can assess your roof and recommend the most cost-effective fix.

While some roofers may accept cash, it’s not the safest option. Paying by bank transfer or through Checkatrade means:

• You have a clear paper trail
• You’re more likely to be protected if something goes wrong
• You could be eligible for the Checkatrade Guarantee (up to £1,000 - T&Cs apply)

Cash might seem quick and easy, but it offers little protection if problems arise later.

Roofing is often seasonal. Spring and summer are busiest, which can mean longer wait times and higher costs. Booking in autumn or winter could save you money, but availability depends on weather conditions.

If you’re planning ahead, speak to roofers who work in Kirkwall early to secure the best rates and timing, as this can vary depending on your location too.