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Slate and tile roof repairs in Exeter

A single slipped slate doesn't look like much from the street, but it leaves a gap where rain can reach the battens and felt underneath. Left through a wet Devon winter, that gap can become rotten timber and a stained ceiling. Most slate and tile repairs are quick jobs when they're caught early. Tell us what you've spotted and a local roofer will get in touch to take a look.

Get a free roof repair quote

Tell us what's wrong and a local roofer will be in touch as soon as possible.

We'll pass your details to a vetted, independent roofer covering your area, who'll contact you to arrange a quote.

Signs you need slate and tile roof repairs

  • Slates or tiles lying in the garden or on the drive after windy weather
  • A visible gap, or a slate that's slipped down out of line with its neighbours
  • Cracked or broken tiles you can see from the ground or a window
  • Ridge tiles along the top of the roof that look loose, or mortar crumbling out from under them
  • A damp patch in the loft or upstairs ceiling below one part of the roof
  • Moss build-up lifting the edges of tiles

What the job involves

In general, a slipped slate is refixed or replaced using a copper or lead clip, known as a tingle, or by renailing where the roofer can reach the batten. Broken tiles are swapped for a matching tile, and the roofer will usually check the surrounding area for others that have worked loose. Ridge and hip tiles sit in a bed of mortar that weathers over the years. When that mortar cracks, the ridge can be rebedded and repointed, or converted to a dry-fix ridge system that uses mechanical fixings instead of mortar.

Matching materials matters. Natural slate, artificial slate, clay tile and concrete tile all look and behave differently, and a patch in the wrong material can stand out and weather badly. A roofer will try to match what's already on your roof, sometimes using reclaimed slate for older houses.

Roofer in a hard hat and hi-vis working on a tiled roof

Local factors in Exeter and Devon

Slate is the dominant roof covering across this part of Devon. Mid Devon's own appraisals describe Tiverton's historic centre as mostly natural or artificial slate, and Cullompton's as mainly blue Welsh slate with some red clay tile. In Exeter's twenty conservation areas, the city council advises against replacing original roof coverings with different materials. So if you live in a period property, ask your roofer about matching natural slate rather than a cheaper substitute.

Devon's wind-driven rain is hard on ridges and flashing, which is why slipped slates and cracked ridge mortar are among the most common repairs here after a stormy spell.

What happens when you enquire

Send us your postcode and a short description of the problem, with a photo if you have one. We'll pass it to an established local roofer covering your area, who'll contact you to arrange a visit. They'll inspect the roof, explain what needs doing and give you a quote. You're under no obligation to go ahead.

Typical costs

JobTypical cost
Replace slipped or broken tiles (5–10 tiles)£150–£350
Ridge tile repair or repointing£200–£550
Roof valley repair£300–£900
Repair a sagging roof section£1,000–£3,000+

Indicative UK price ranges published by MyJobQuote (updated October 2026). Your roofer will quote after inspecting the roof.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a roof repair cost?

It depends on the job. As a guide, MyJobQuote's October 2026 UK figures put replacing a handful of slipped tiles at around £150–£350, a minor leak repair at £150–£400, and a flat roof patch repair at £200–£700. Bigger jobs, like a sagging roof section, can run into thousands. Your roofer will give you a fixed quote after inspecting the roof.

How quickly can a roofer come out?

It depends on the job and the time of year. Urgent jobs, like active leaks and storm damage, are prioritised, and the roofer will aim to get to you as quickly as possible. Non-urgent repairs are booked at a time that suits you. Winter storms are the busiest time, so getting small faults fixed in the autumn helps.

Is the quote free?

Yes. Enquiring is free and the roofer's quote is free, with no obligation to accept it.

What happens after I fill in the form?

We pass your enquiry to an established local roofer covering your area. They'll contact you, usually by phone, to ask a few questions and arrange a visit. After inspecting the roof, they'll give you a quote, and you decide whether to go ahead.

Do I need a repair or a whole new roof?

Most problems can be repaired. A roof usually needs replacing only when damage is widespread, the timbers underneath have failed, or the covering has reached the end of its life. The roofer will explain what they find and why, so you can decide.

Is one slipped slate worth fixing?

Yes. A single gap lets rain reach the battens and felt underneath, and in wind-driven Devon rain it can quickly become a leak or rotten timber. It's normally a quick repair if caught early.

Can you match my existing slates?

A roofer will try to match what's on your roof, including natural slate, artificial slate and clay tile. For older homes, that may mean reclaimed slate. In conservation areas, matching the original material matters, as councils in this area advise against swapping to different coverings.

Who will carry out the work?

An established, independent local roofer who we've vetted for a solid reputation and quality of work. They quote, carry out the work and are responsible for it.

Other roof repairs

  • Flat roof repairs

    Felt, rubber (EPDM) and fibreglass roofs on extensions, garages and dormers, patched or repaired where they've split, blistered or started to pool.

  • Roof leak repairs

    Finding where the water's actually getting in, whether that's flashing, a chimney, a valley or a damaged slate, and fixing the cause.

  • Emergency roof repairs

    Storm damage and active leaks made safe quickly, with a proper repair to follow once the weather allows.

Spotted a slipped slate? Get it fixed before the next storm. Request a free quote.