Question 1

What is your service area?

Accepted Answer

We work across Clermont‑Ferrand and within a 30 km radius: Beaumont (3 km), Chamalières (4 km), Royat (5 km), Cournon‑d'Auvergne (8 km), Pont‑du‑Château (12 km), and all communes in the Clermont‑Ferrand conurbation in Puy‑de‑Dôme (63). For more distant communes, contact us — we consider each request individually.

Question 2

Is the estimate really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, 100% free and with no obligation. A roofer visits you, inspects the roof, and clearly explains line by line what needs to be done. You pay nothing until you have accepted the quote and the work has started. No commitment whatsoever.

Question 3

Are you insured and guaranteed?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We hold 10-year warranty insurance and professional public liability cover, both verifiable on request. All our roofing works carry a 10-year guarantee in line with current legislation. Our insurance certificates are available on request before the start of any job.

Question 4

What are your response times?

Accepted Answer

For emergencies (active leak, storm damage): as soon as possible, and in any case within 24 to 48 hours for tarpaulin and temporary weatherproofing. For planned work: 1 to 2 weeks after accepting the estimate in normal times, up to 3-4 weeks in peak season (spring and autumn). We always provide a precise schedule before work begins.

Question 5

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept payment by cheque, bank transfer, and cash. For major works (over €1,000), a 30% deposit is required on signing the quote, with the balance paid on receipt of works after joint inspection. For small repairs, full payment is made at the end of the job.

Question 6

Do you work at weekends?

Accepted Answer

Our site hours are Monday to Friday from 8am to 7pm and Saturday by appointment. Estimates and diagnostic visits can therefore be scheduled on Saturdays. For emergencies (leak, storm), we are reachable and can respond 7 days a week on 06 25 09 58 10.

Question 7

Do you need a permit for roofing work?

Accepted Answer

For a like-for-like repair (same material, same colour), no authorisation is required. However, if you change the type of covering, colour, or roof shape, a prior works declaration to the local council is required. For buildings within the protected perimeter of a listed monument, approval from the Architects of France is mandatory. We advise you on the procedures for your situation.

Question 8

How do I choose a good roofer?

Accepted Answer

Check these 5 key points: 1) Valid 10-year warranty insurance (ask for the certificate). 2) Registration with the Trade Register or Trades Directory. 3) Verifiable physical address (be wary of PO boxes). 4) Online customer reviews (Google, Yellow Pages). 5) Detailed line-by-line estimate (refuse lump-sum estimates without breakdown). At Toit des Dômes, we meet all these criteria and our certificates are available on request.

Question 9

Can you help me with my insurance claim?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we regularly support our customers with their claim files. We provide: detailed photos of the damage, a quote meeting insurer requirements (with precise description of the works), and we can be present when the loss adjuster visits if needed. Remember to declare your claim within 5 working days of noticing the damage.

Question 10

How quickly can you respond for an emergency repair?

Accepted Answer

For emergencies (major leak, storm damage), we respond within 24 to 48 hours to make your home safe: professional tarpaulin, temporary weatherproofing, securing of the damaged area. The permanent repair is then scheduled in the following days, subject to material availability.

Question 11

How much does a roof repair cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost depends on the extent of the damage, the type of materials, and the accessibility of the roof. As a guide: a few tile replacements from €150, flashing repair €200-500, ridge work €30-50 per linear metre, gutter replacement €25-40 per linear metre. The free estimate after on-site diagnosis will give you an exact price, line by line.

Question 12

Do you work on all roof types?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we work on all roof types: tiles (Roman, channel, flat), natural slate, zinc, steel cladding, lauze, and fibre-cement (excluding asbestos). We master both traditional and modern techniques. This includes heritage roofs in the old Clermont‑Ferrand area and recent constructions.

Question 13

My roof is over 40 years old — is it better to repair or renovate?

Accepted Answer

This is a question we encounter often. If the damage is localised (a few tiles, a flashing, a section of gutter), repair is generally the most cost-effective solution. If the covering is overall porous, the ridge in poor condition, and the framework weakened, a full renovation will be more cost-effective in the long term. Our free diagnosis will help you make the right decision with concrete figures.

Question 14

Are repairs covered by the 10-year warranty?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all our roof repair works are covered by our 10-year warranty in line with the law. This includes tile replacement, flashing repair, ridge work, gutter replacement, and any work affecting the weathertightness of the roof.

Question 15

How often should a roof be cleaned?

Accepted Answer

We recommend professional cleaning every 8 to 10 years on average. This frequency may vary depending on your roof's exposure: a north-facing slope shaded by trees will need more frequent maintenance (every 5-7 years) than a clear south-facing slope. Damp communes like Pont‑du‑Château or Royat also require shorter cycles.

Question 16

Does high-pressure washing damage tiles?

Accepted Answer

Yes — it is one of the most common mistakes. High‑pressure washing (Kärcher type, 100-200 bar) strips the tile's protective surface layer (the slip glaze) making them more porous than before cleaning. Moss returns faster and tile lifespan is shortened. All tile manufacturers advise against this practice. That is why we use exclusively a gentle method: professional anti-moss treatment, manual brushing if needed, and low-pressure rinsing (15-20 bar maximum).

Question 17

How long does roof cleaning take?

Accepted Answer

For a standard detached house (80-120 m² of roof), allow 1 working day: anti-moss product application in the morning, dwell time, rinsing in the afternoon. For heavily soiled or large roofs, the job may take 2 days. The waterproofing treatment, if included, is applied the following day or a week after cleaning (the substrate must be dry).

Question 18

Can a slate roof be cleaned?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but with specific precautions. Natural slate is a fragile material that cannot withstand high pressure or acidic products. We use a pH-neutral anti-moss treatment, very gentle brushing with nylon brushes (never metal brushes), and rinsing at very low pressure. The result is excellent with no risk to the slates.

Question 19

Is the anti-moss product dangerous for plants?

Accepted Answer

Our products comply with current environmental regulations. Before each treatment, we cover flower beds and vegetable gardens. After application, we rinse walls and downpipes. The products degrade within a few days and present no risk to fauna and flora once diluted.

Question 20

What is the difference between a sealant and a waterproofing?

Accepted Answer

A sealant forms a watertight film on the surface — water cannot get in, but indoor moisture cannot get out either. Result: condensation and mould inside. Waterproofing penetrates the tile and repels rain (water beads and slides) while letting the roof breathe. It is the only recommended solution for roofs and walls.

Question 21

How long does a waterproofing treatment last?

Accepted Answer

Our professional waterproofing offers 8 to 10 years of protection, certified by manufacturers. The exact duration depends on several factors: roof orientation (a south-facing slope exposed to UV wears faster), type of substrate (porous tiles absorb more product and are better protected), and local climate. In very damp areas like the Allier valley, we recommend renewal every 7-8 years.

Question 22

Does the roof need to be cleaned before waterproofing?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. Applying waterproofing to a moss- or dirt-covered roof is pointless: the product will not penetrate the material and will not bond properly. Prior cleaning is an essential step. We offer cleaning + waterproofing packages that include both services for an optimal, lasting result.

Question 23

Does waterproofing change the colour of my tiles?

Accepted Answer

The colourless waterproofing we use does not alter the natural shade of your tiles. It may slightly revive colours by evening out the surface (tiles look more 'new'). If you want to change the colour of your roof, we also offer tinted waterproofings (terracotta, slate, anthracite) that restore a fresh look to tiles faded by time.

Question 24

How much does roof insulation cost?

Accepted Answer

The price varies by technique and area. Indicatively: blown cellulose or mineral wool insulation (flat lofts) from €25/m², rigid board insulation under rafters from €40/m², external insulation (sarking) from €100/m². These prices include labour but not grants, which can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket cost. A free, personalised estimate is offered after diagnosis.

Question 25

What grants are available for insulation?

Accepted Answer

Several schemes can fund a large part of your insulation works: MaPrimeRénov' (up to €75/m² depending on income), energy saving certificates (CEE, bonuses paid by energy suppliers), the zero-rate eco-loan (up to €50,000 interest-free), and reduced VAT at 5.5% on supply and installation. Depending on your tax profile, these combined grants can cover up to 80% of the total cost. We support you with all administrative procedures.

Question 26

How long do insulation works take?

Accepted Answer

Timelines depend on technique and area: flat loft blown insulation: 1 day for a standard house (80-120 m²). Rafter insulation with panels: 2 to 3 days. External insulation (sarking): 1 to 2 weeks as it requires removing and relaying the roof covering. These are indicative and may vary with site complexity.

Question 27

How much energy saving can I expect?

Accepted Answer

The roof accounts for 25 to 30% of heat loss in an uninsulated home (the largest source of loss, ahead of walls and windows). Effective loft insulation can reduce your heating bill by 20 to 30% from the first winter. The return on investment is generally 3 to 5 years for flat lofts, 5 to 8 years for rafter insulation, taking available grants into account.

Question 28

Can I insulate without redoing the roof?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in most cases. Blown flat loft insulation and rafter insulation with panels do not require touching the roof covering. Only external insulation (sarking) involves removing and relaying the covering — it is therefore recommended when the covering already needs renovation. We will advise you on the most suitable technique during the free diagnosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Roof Repair

Cleaning & Moss Removal

Waterproofing Treatment

Insulation & Weatherproofing