Honest advice over sales pressure—sometimes that means telling you what you DON'T need. Time served traditional slater and roofing contractor.
Heritage roofing specialists serving Perth & Perthshire since 2012.
22+ years experience with listed buildings, traditional Scottish slate & period properties. Specialising in slating, roof tiling, lead work, guttering and flat roofs.
28/01/2026
🌪🌪🌪 Storm Chandra hit Perth and Kinross hard yesterday. 🌪🌪🌪
If you spent yesterday afternoon watching water come through your ceiling, calling around trying to get hold of a roofer, and getting nowhere, I get it.
Storm days are chaos. Everyone's stretched thin, phones ringing off the hook, and you're left sitting with buckets on the floor wondering what to do next.
Here's some guidance:
✅Take photos.
✅Videos.
✅Everything. With timestamps. Before you clean anything up.
Check your loft if you can safely get up there. Look for wet insulation, water on timbers, daylight coming through where it shouldn't.
Write down what you've found and when you discovered it.
Without evidence, insurance claims get difficult. Document first, clean up second.
I've written a full guide covering exactly what to do after a roof leak, who to call, what your insurance needs, and the mistakes that turn £300 repairs into £3,000 disasters:
📖📖 Have you checked out our Knowledge Centre lately? 📖📖
We've been putting together honest guides on the stuff you actually ask us about. No sales patter, just straight answers.
There's posts on:
✅ What's actually an emergency when storm damage hits (and what can wait till morning)
✅ Why "free" roof inspections aren't always what they seem
✅The real differences between Welsh, Spanish and Chinese slate
Plus plenty more on repairs, maintenance, and knowing when something genuinely needs sorting.
Different situations, different roofs, different problems. Whatever you're dealing with, there's probably something in there that'll help.
And if you've got a specific question that's not covered, just ask. That’s usually how these posts get written anyway 👍
21/11/2025
Your insurance company is counting on you not reading this.
After Storm Babet last winter, a Kinross homeowner lost £8,500 because she couldn't prove one thing: that her roof was in good condition before the storm hit.
The damage was 100% legitimate. The insurance company denied it anyway. Called it "pre-existing wear and tear."
Here's what I've learned after 22+ years dealing with insurance claims: Most denied claims aren't denied because the damage isn't real. They're denied because homeowners don't have the right documentation at the right time.
Insurance assessors know exactly which documentation gaps let them reject your claim. And they're very good at finding them.
I've just written the guide insurance companies don't want you to read:
▪️The ONE document that protects claims worth £5,000-10,000
▪️What to photograph after every storm (most people get this completely wrong)
▪️The 5 tactics insurers use to deny legitimate claims
▪️How to counter each one with evidence they can't argue with
▪️Real examples from Perth homeowners who won and lost claims
Storm season is here. The question isn't whether your roof will get damaged - it's whether you can prove it to your insurance company when it happens.
A £60 inspection creates the documentation that protects future claims worth thousands. That's not me selling - that's just the truth insurance companies hope you don't learn.
Taking a few days away with the family this weekend.
We're heading off with four other families for our annual getaway - something we've been doing for years now.
All the kids go to school together, and honestly, it's become one of the highlights of the year. Watching them grow up together, the parents becoming genuinely good friends... this is what being part of the Perth community looks like.
Now, to address the elephant in the room! We have all been there, trying to get a nice family picture, and the kids are having none of it. Our daughter is sulking because she doesn't want her picture taken and our son is being a wee prankster 😂
But the reason I love this photo is because it real!
I'll be back Sunday, but the team knows the drill if any emergencies come up while I'm away. (Though hopefully everyone's roofs behave themselves and we all just enjoy the weekend!)
One thing I've realised over the years: The best part of running MF Roofing isn't just the work itself - it's being embedded in this community. Protecting the homes of people we know. Kids whose parents we see at school. Neighbours who become friends.
If you've been meaning to get your roof sorted before winter properly arrives, I'll be back in the office Monday ready to help.
Have a brilliant weekend, Perth. See you Monday! 🏴
Matthew Farmer
MF Roofing
01738 314551
12/11/2025
Three properties this week. Same problem. All preventable.
I've been clearing gutters across Perth over the past few days, and I'm finding the same issue everywhere: gutters completely choked with autumn debris.
Here's what most homeowners don't realise: blocked gutters don't just overflow and make a mess. When water can't drain properly, it backs up and saturates the fascia boards behind the gutter. Over time, that constant soaking rots the timber.
Once the fascia goes, the gutter fixings fail. Water starts finding its way under your roof edge and into the roof space. What started as "just need the gutters cleared" becomes structural timber replacement.
Here's what surprised me this week:
All three properties looked fine from inside the house. No leaks. No obvious problems. But when I got up there? Gutters packed solid with leaves and moss that's been building up since summer. The fascia boards on two of them were already starting to show water damage.
**The cost difference is stark:**
- Clear the gutters now: £150-300
- Rotted fascia boards that need replacing: £600-1,200 per elevation
- Water damage to roof timbers if it's been leaking behind: £1,500-3,500+
One homeowner said to me: "I had no idea it was that bad - the gutters looked fine from the ground."
And that's the thing. You can't see the damage happening until it's too late. This is exactly why proper maintenance matters - not sales pitches, not scaremongering, but actually getting up there and checking before small problems become expensive ones.
I've written a complete guide on all 5 warning signs, your roof might not be ready for Scottish winter - including gutter issues, and what else you should be watching for.
£60 inspection. We photograph everything and show you exactly what we find.
Matthew Farmer
MF Roofing, Perth
11/11/2025
"How do I know if my roof actually needs attention, or if a roofer is just trying to sell me work?"
Got asked this question twice last week. And honestly? It's a brilliant question to ask.
Because there IS a lot of unnecessary scaremongering in the roofing industry. Some roofers see pound signs before they see problems.
Here's my honest answer:
Three things you can check yourself from the ground:
1️⃣ Walk across the street and look at your roof with your phone camera. Zoom in properly. See any slates sitting at odd angles? Actual gaps where slates are missing? Those aren't selling tactics - those are real problems you can see.
2️⃣ Check your gutters during the next rain. Overflowing during moderate rainfall means blockage. That's a £80-150 clear now, not a sales pitch.
3️⃣ Look for green or white staining running down from your chimney. That's lead oxidation - it means the lead flashing is degrading. You can see it from the ground.
What you CAN'T see from the ground:
- Whether those nail fixings are actually still holding
- If the sarking boards under your slates are starting to rot
- Whether valleys are draining properly or just pooling water
- How much life your flashing actually has left
This is why I always say: get someone up there to look properly, but ask them to show you photos of what they find.
If they can't show you the problem, question whether it's real.
I've written a detailed guide on 5 things you CAN spot yourself, that indicate your roof needs attention before winter. It's designed to help you make informed decisions, not just book work.
And when you book an inspection with us? We photograph everything and send you our report. You see exactly what we see. No guesswork.
What other questions do you have about roof inspections or maintenance? Drop them in the comments 👇
Matthew Farmer
MF Roofing, Perth
01738 314551
09/11/2025
"I know my roof needs work. But does it need doing NOW?"
Fair question. Nobody wants to spend £5,000 if they can wait six months.
That Kippen flat roof we've been talking about this week? The timing question was crucial.
The homeowners had three options:
🟢 **CAN WAIT** - Minor issue, plan for next month when convenient
• You get the best price (standard rates, no urgency premium)
• You choose the timing
• Work gets done properly, not rushed
🟡 **URGENT** - Active leak, needs doing within days
• Standard rates still apply
• Some flexibility on timing
• Get it done before it becomes emergency
🔴 **EMERGENCY** - Water pouring in, call-out NOW
• £200+ callout fee
• Premium labour rates (+30%)
• Work done in worst conditions
• Limited contractor availability
• You pay whatever it costs
That Kippen roof was caught at URGENT in September.
Cost: £5,000
If they'd waited until January when it became EMERGENCY:
• 6 more months of water damage: £3,000+ in ceiling/joist repairs
• Emergency winter callout: £200+
• Storm season premium rates: +30% on labour
• Damp treatment: £1,000-2,000
Total they'd have paid: £9,000+
They saved £4,000+ by acting at URGENT instead of waiting for EMERGENCY.
Here's what most homeowners don't know: By the time you KNOW you have a problem (water coming in, visible damage), you're already at URGENT or EMERGENCY.
The CAN WAIT stage? You don't see it. That's the stage where a £200 repair prevents a £3,000 emergency.
This is exactly why our Bronze maintenance package exists. £19.50/month gets you annual inspections that catch problems when they're still CAN WAIT.
63p a day to never hit EMERGENCY.
Which stage is your roof at right now? Honest question - most people don't know.
Or join a maintenance package and we'll check it every year automatically.
Matthew Farmer
MF Roofing, Perth
📞 01738 314551
07/11/2025
This week: Failed roofs, difficult conversations, and telling people things they don't want to hear.
Tomorrow afternoon: None of that. 🐾
Saturday's are for muddy paws, Scottish countryside, and remembering why I run a local business in the first place.
The roofs will still need fixing on Monday. The autumn colours won't wait.
Balance matters.
What are you doing to reset this weekend?
05/11/2025
"Can't you just patch it?"
This is the question I get asked most often. And I understand why - patching sounds cheaper, faster, less hassle.
Remember that Kippen flat roof from Monday? The one that had defeated three other roofers?
When the homeowners asked me that exact question, "Can we just patch the leaking areas?" - here's what I showed them:
The visible leaks? They're just symptoms.
Under that recently-installed GRP membrane, water had tracked across almost the entire roof. The OSB decking was water-stained everywhere. Multiple pe*******on points unsealed. The bedroom below already showing ceiling damage.
Patching the visible holes would be like putting a plaster on a broken leg.
Here's what they needed to understand:
When a flat roof system is installed THIS badly, you're not dealing with one or two problems. You're dealing with systemic failure. The entire installation is compromised.
If I patched it:
• Water would still be tracking under the membrane
• New leaks would appear within weeks
• The damp damage would continue spreading
• They'd pay twice - once for my patch, once for the inevitable proper fix
And when it failed again? Guess whose door they'd be knocking on.
After 22+ years, I've learned to ask myself one question: "Would I put my name on a repair of this?"
In this case? Absolutely not.
The only honest answer was: Strip it all off. Replace the damaged decking. Install a proper mechanically-fixed Fatra system. Do it once, do it right.
Was it more expensive than patching? Yes.
Is it still working perfectly through October's storms? Yes.
Will they need to call me back in six months? No.
That's the difference between a patch and a solution.
Got a roof problem you keep patching? Maybe it's time for the honest conversation.
What's your experience - ever patched something that should have been replaced? 👇
Matthew Farmer
MF Roofing, Perth
05/11/2025
Remember Remember the 5th of Nov!! 🎆
Do you still remember this rhyme from your childhood? I certainly do 🙋♂️
Perth Round Table's Bonfire Night returns to South Inch tonight. A fantastic evening of fireworks, live music, and community spirit for Perth families.
📍 Location: South Inch, Perth (PH2 8AN)
🎪 Funfair: from 4:30pm
🎵 Live bands: from 6pm
🔥 Bonfire lighting: 7pm
🎆 Fireworks: 7:30pm
🎟️ Entry: FREE – donations welcome
If you've been to this event over the years, you know how special it is for Perth families. We'll be there supporting this local tradition.
Who else is planning to go? See you there!
14/08/2025
🧰 Roof Survey + Gutter Clean – Just £100 + VAT!
MF Roofing is offering a limited-time combo deal for properties within 30 minutes of our Perth office:
✅ Full Roof Survey – Spot issues before they become costly
✅ Gutter Clear – Prevent leaks and water damage
All for just £100 + VAT – ideal for homeowners and landlords preparing for the seasons ahead.
📅 Limited availability – book early to secure your slot!
📍 Serving Perth and surrounding areas
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when MF Roofing posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
I established MF Roofing in march 2012 with the aim to best, strive for excellence and to be the go to company for anyone looking to have roofing work carried out.
When i started back in 2012, i maxed out my overdraft and with a little bit of financial help from my parnter and my mum, i was able to buy a van, some tools and ladders, bascially enough to get the business up and running. I managed secured my first job through a friend i played golf with, they were looking to have the roof replaced at the place where he work. Previous too me taking the big plunge into the world of self employment, i worked with a company for 8 years and that is also where i served my apprenticeship and continued working for the next 4 years. In that time i was able to gain a great knowledge working on range of different property types. It was during those early of my career that i developed my love and passion for older properties and listed building, learning what they need and require to preserve their history and character. From that point i knew that i wanted to specialise in listed properties.
The first few weeks and months were definatley challanging trying go get the business up and running, to make people aware of who i was and what i was all about and establish a customer base. Through persiverance and hard work, it was starting to pay off, and with more work start to appear on the books it was time to make my first brave move towards growth and expansion by employ a member of staff.
In January 2013 i started my first apprentice (who still continues to work with me to this date). Bryan is actually my brother-in-law and he had not long left school, he was actually looking for a joinery apprecticeship at the time, but he was unable to get one, so i suggested he come work with me too see if he would enjoy roofing. Low and behold he really enjoyed it. He’s a practical person, amoung some of his hobbies are making walking stick.
As the business continuted to grow, mid way through 2016, i took the descion to add a second apprentice. I took this decsion to offer a position to a young person, as opposed to someone who had some experience, one reason i came to this decsion was prior to taking a second my second apprentice, i employed a so called “tradesman” but in the few weeks i had employed this person, i had more issues and complaints from customers 4 weeks, than i had in the 4 years previous. It was at this point, i knew the way forward was to take on apprentices and train them up to be top tradesamen, show them how slating and roofing should really be done. There is a lot to be said for investing time and energy into young people.
Throught the years since i started MF Roofing, i have always tried to keep up with all the latest trends and standards, so we are at the cutting edge within our sector. Even though not much has changedover the past hundred years in principle of how traditional slating methods are carried out, new building practices can be applied to make tradtional slating current and up to date. Tradtional slating itself is almost becoming a dying art, there are very little companies left, who fully know how to carry out this sort of work. Partly this is due to ecomonic pressures, people wanting work carried out as fast and cheaply as possible. Carrying out work to a roof using old reclaimed slate, with traditional methods is neither fast nor cheap. Having said all that, i was to ensure that i can carry on and pass on these old school ways of working for a few more generations to come.
