Roof Repairs
Cavan
A leak found early costs a fraction of the damage it causes if ignored. We diagnose and fix roof problems properly — no guesswork, no unnecessary work, no mess left behind.
Fully Insured & VAT Registered Fast Free Quotes
What Roof Repairs Actually Means
"Roof repairs" covers a wide range of work — from replacing two broken slates to relaying an entire roof section, from repointing a leaking ridge to renewing all the lead flashings around a chimney stack. The common thread is that something has failed and water is either getting in or at serious risk of getting in.
We deal with the full range of pitched roof problems on Cavan homes: natural slate, concrete interlocking tiles, clay plain tiles and older Bangor blues. We also carry out flat roof repairs on extensions and garage roofs as a separate service.
Every roof repair job starts with a thorough inspection. We find out what has failed, why it has failed, and what needs to be done to fix it properly rather than patch it temporarily. You get a clear written quote before any work starts.
- Slipped & cracked slates
- Ridge & hip tile re-bedding
- Lead flashing repairs
- Valley repairs & relaying
- Chimney repointing
- Verge & barge repairs
- Felt underlays (partial)
- Emergency storm damage
Problems We Fix on Cavan Roofs
These are the faults we diagnose and repair most often. Each one has a root cause — understanding the cause is what stops the same problem coming back six months later.
Slipped or Missing Slates
The fixing nails corrode over time — especially on older Irish properties. Once a slate loses its nail it slips down or falls completely. A single missing slate exposes the felt underlay, which then deteriorates rapidly in our climate. We source matching slates where possible to keep the roof looking right.
Failed Ridge or Hip Mortar
The cement bedding that holds ridge tiles in place becomes porous with frost and age. When it cracks, ridge tiles rock loose and water penetrates directly into the roof space at the apex. Re-bedding and pointing ridge tiles is one of the most cost-effective repairs on any roof.
Deteriorated Lead Flashings
Lead flashings seal the junction between the roof covering and vertical surfaces: chimney stacks, parapet walls, dormer cheeks, skylights. Lead is long-lasting but eventually lifts, cracks or pulls away from its chase. When it does, water runs straight down the inside of the wall. This is one of the most common causes of internal damp in older Cavan homes.
Cracked or Blocked Valleys
Valleys are the internal angles where two roof slopes meet. They channel a high volume of rainwater and are vulnerable to cracking (lead or mortar types) or blockage from moss and debris (open-cut types). A blocked valley backs water up under the slates on either side, leading to widespread damp across a large ceiling area.
Rotted or Perished Felt Underlay
Older roofs used bitumen felt that becomes brittle and cracks after 20-30 years. Once the felt fails it no longer acts as a secondary barrier and even tiny gaps in the slates allow water in. Partial felt replacement — stripping a section and relaying with modern breathable membrane — can buy many more years of service life.
Storm Damage
Cavan and Meath are exposed to Atlantic weather coming from the west and south-west, and winter gusts regularly lift slates and dislodge ridge tiles. After any significant storm it's worth a visual check from ground level. Missing slates at the ridge or verge, dislodged chimney pots and lifted sections of flashing all require prompt attention to prevent secondary water damage inside.
What's Involved in a Roof Repair
Every job follows the same structured process. No surprises, no scope creep — you know exactly what we're doing and why before we lift a slate.
- Free Inspection & Diagnosis
We get on the roof and examine it properly — not a drive-by assessment. We check slates and tiles for cracks and movement, test ridge mortar, inspect all flashings, look at the verges and valleys, and assess the condition of the felt where accessible from the eaves or loft hatch. We then explain what we've found in plain terms.
- Written Quote
You receive a written, itemised quote detailing what work is required, why it's required and what it will cost. We don't add items on the day without calling you first. If we find additional defects mid-job we stop, tell you, and get approval before proceeding.
- Access & Safety Setup
Depending on the scope of work we use extendable ladders with stand-offs to protect gutters, scaffold towers for sustained work along a roof section, or a full scaffolding frame for larger repairs. Safe access protects both your property and our team.
- The Repair Work Itself
We strip only what needs to come off, carry out the repair to the correct standard, and re-cover. Slates are fixed with copper or stainless nails, not lead clips alone. Mortar work uses the correct mix for the application — not a one-size mix that will crack out in a year. Flashings are properly dressed into chases and secured with lead wedges rather than just pointed over with mortar.
- Check & Clean Up
Before we leave we walk the roof again to confirm the repair, check that no tiles or debris are sitting in gutters, and sweep or blow down the work area. If access equipment has touched your fascias or gutters we inspect for any marks before removing it.
Materials & Equipment We Use
- Natural slate (Welsh, Spanish or matching reclaimed)
- Concrete & clay plain/interlocking tiles
- Code 4 and Code 5 milled lead sheet
- Breathable roofing underlay (Klober or equivalent)
- Copper & stainless steel fixing nails
- Roof mortar for ridge and verge
- Extendable ladders & ladder stand-offs
- Scaffold towers & full scaffolding where required
What Affects the Cost of Roof Repairs in Cavan
We don't publish fixed prices because no two roofs are the same. What we can do is explain exactly what drives the cost, so you know what questions to ask and what to expect when we quote.
Scale of the Repair
Replacing three slates and repointing two ridge tiles is a short, straightforward job. Stripping and relaying a full roof section, renewing all the valley leadwork and re-bedding an entire ridge line is a much larger undertaking. The scope drives the labour cost more than any other single factor.
Access & Roof Pitch
A low-pitch bungalow roof accessible from a single ladder costs less to work on than a tall, steeply-pitched house requiring full scaffold. Difficult access — hipped roofs, large stacks, dormers or neighbouring properties — adds time and sometimes equipment hire costs.
Materials Required
Natural Welsh or reclaimed slate costs more than concrete plain tile. Code 5 lead sheet costs more than Code 4 but lasts significantly longer in exposed positions. Where we recommend a more durable material we'll always explain why it's worth the extra spend over the lifetime of the repair.
Extent of Hidden Damage
Sometimes lifting slates reveals that the battens or felt beneath are in worse condition than expected. We always report this before carrying on. Secondary damage discovered mid-repair is quoted separately so you can make an informed decision rather than being faced with a surprise bill.
VAT
As a VAT-registered contractor all our quotes clearly show whether VAT applies. For homeowners, roof repair work on a principal private residence may qualify for the VAT refund scheme — we can advise you on this at quote stage.
What Our Quote Includes
Every written quote covers: labour, materials, access equipment, debris removal and a final inspection. There are no call-out fees and no charge for the initial inspection. If the job is straightforward enough to quote on the spot, we do.
For a full breakdown of typical roof repair costs in Ireland, see our guide: how much does roof repair cost in Ireland.
Honest Reasons to Use Falcon Roofing
We're a local roofing and building contractor based in Cavan. Here's what that actually means in practice.
Fully Insured
We carry full public liability insurance. Working at height on someone's home carries real risk — for your property and for our team. You should always ask a roofer for proof of insurance before letting them onto your roof.
VAT Registered
Being VAT registered means we operate as a legitimate, accountable business. You receive a proper invoice that you can use for home improvement records or insurance purposes — not a handwritten docket.
Genuinely Local
We're based in Cavan and work regularly in Meath, Navan and Ashbourne. We know the property types, the typical roof constructions and the specific weather exposure in this part of Ireland. That local knowledge makes a real difference when diagnosing problems.
Clear, Written Quotes
No verbal estimates that shift when the invoice arrives. Every quote is written, itemised and fixed unless you ask us to extend the scope. If we find additional work mid-job, we stop and get your agreement before doing it.
Tidy, Respectful Work
We remove all broken slates, old mortar and packaging before we leave. Your garden and driveway should look the same as when we arrived — minus the roof problem. We also check gutters for debris before packing up access equipment.
Fast Response
A leaking roof can't wait for a two-week booking slot. We aim to inspect promptly and, for straightforward repairs, turn work around quickly. Call us directly on 085 225 9711 to discuss urgency.
Where We Carry Out Roof Repairs
We're based in Cavan and cover the surrounding counties regularly. Whether you're in Cavan town, out in the rural parts of the county, or across the border into Meath, we can get to you. Travel within our service area does not affect your quote.
We also carry out the full range of roofing services — including slate roof repairs, chimney repairs, gutter repairs and roof cleaning and painting — across all the areas below.
Roof Repair Questions We Hear Every Week
Straight answers to the questions Cavan homeowners ask us most often. If yours isn't here, just call us.
How do I know if my roof needs repairs or a full replacement?
Most roofs need repairs, not replacement. A roof typically lasts 30–50 years depending on the slate or tile used. If you have isolated leaks, a few slipped slates, failed pointing on ridge tiles or a deteriorating flashing, targeted repairs are nearly always the right call. Replacement only makes sense when the timber structure underneath is rotting, more than 40–50% of the slates are cracking or breaking, or the entire roof is well beyond its service life. We inspect fully before recommending anything — we have no interest in selling you work you don't need.
My ceiling is staining after heavy rain. Where is the water getting in?
A ceiling stain doesn't always sit directly below the entry point. Water tracks along rafters and purlins before dripping. Common entry points on Cavan homes include failed lead or felt around chimneys, cracked ridge mortar, slipped or cracked slates, and blocked valleys causing water to back up under the covering. We trace the leak from the roof down, not just from the stain up.
How long does a typical roof repair take?
Minor repairs — replacing a handful of slates, re-pointing ridge tiles or fixing a small flashing — are usually completed in half a day to a full day. Larger repairs such as replacing a full roof section, relaying a valley or repairing significant chimney masonry can take two to three days. We give you a clear timeframe before we start so you can plan around it.
Is it safe to leave a roof repair until summer?
It depends on the severity. A missing slate or cracked ridge tile left through an Irish winter can allow water in repeatedly, softening the sarking felt and eventually the rafters underneath. Once timber is wet and stays wet, rot sets in — and what was a small repair job becomes a much larger and more expensive one. We recommend getting an inspection booked promptly so you know exactly what you're dealing with and can decide from there.
Do you carry out roof repairs in Navan and Ashbourne as well as Cavan?
Yes. As well as Cavan, we cover Meath, Navan and Ashbourne regularly. See our dedicated pages for roofing in Navan and roofing in Ashbourne. Travel within our service area does not affect how the work is priced — you get the same free inspection, written quote and quality of finish regardless of your location.
Got a Roof Problem?
Let's Sort It.
Free inspection, written quote, no pressure. Call today or fill in the form below and we'll get back to you fast.
Request Your Free Roof Repair Quote
Fill in the details below and we'll get back to you promptly. All fields marked with * are required.