✓ Verified Google reviews·✓ Reviewed regularly·✓ Updated 29 May 2026
Written by Mark Reid,
Trades Editor ·Verified 29 May 2026
Sunderland's housing stock is a real mix. You've got Victorian terraces across Hendon and Pallion with ageing Welsh slate that's increasingly hard to source, post-war semis in Farringdon and Houghton-le-Spring covered in concrete interlocking tiles, and a decent spread of flat-roofed extensions and 1970s bungalows dotted through Silksworth and Ryhope. The North Sea weather doesn't help matters either. Coastal exposure means UV degradation, driven rain, and freeze-thaw cycles that work away at pointing, flashing, and lead work faster than you'd see further inland. Emergency call-outs for storm damage are a regular fixture for local roofers, particularly after Atlantic lows track up the east coast between autumn and spring. Whether it's a failed ridge tile on a Monkwearmouth semi or a ponding flat roof over a Southwick extension, the roofing challenges here are specific to this part of the north-east.
Every business on this page has been drawn from third-party public business listings and ranked by public review rating and review count, with a small lift applied to businesses that have both a working website and a listed phone number. Before anything appears here, we check each business's homepage to confirm that roofing is what they primarily do. That step keeps general builders, scaffolders, and unrelated trades off this list. Any listing flagged as permanently closed is removed automatically. Where you see a Trust Verified badge next to a business, that company has gone further and passed our full independent verification, which covers trade qualifications and accreditations, public liability insurance, trading history, customer review history, and registered company information. You can see exactly what that process involves on our How We Verify page. Businesses without that badge haven't been independently verified by us, and it's worth doing those checks yourself before you commit to anything.
Before you book a roofer, get at least three written quotes that break down labour and materials separately. Prices for a full re-roof on a typical three-bed Sunderland semi run broadly between £4,000 and £9,000 depending on pitch, tile specification, and access, so the spread between quotes can be significant. Ask specifically whether the price includes removing and disposing of the old roof covering, because skip hire and disposal costs add up. For any work involving lead flashing, ask to see evidence of public liability insurance and check the contractor is familiar with NHBC or LABC standards if your property has any recent build warranty considerations. If you're having new felt, battens, and tiles fitted, confirm the felt specification meets current BS 5534 requirements. Don't rely on a verbal quote for anything over a few hundred pounds, and make sure any agreed guarantee on workmanship is written down.
How We Select & Rate The Best Roofers in Sunderland
Rankings on this page are driven by public review rating and review count pulled from third-party business listings, with a small lift for businesses that have a working website and phone number. We check each business's homepage to confirm that roofing is what they primarily offer, which keeps unrelated trades off the page. Permanently-closed listings are removed automatically. Businesses showing a Trust Verified badge have additionally passed our full verification covering qualifications, insurance, trading history, customer review history, and registered company information. See our How We Verify page for the full list. Other businesses here have not been independently verified by us, and inclusion is not an endorsement. Always do your own checks before hiring.
Positions 1–5 (Recommended and Featured) may be paid placements. Every other listing is ranked on rating and review count from third-party business listings. How we rank & verify →
Monument Roofing Ltd provides comprehensive roofing services across Sunderland and the surrounding Washington area from their base in Crowther. The company has earned a strong reputation with customers, maintaining a 4.6-star rating from 81 verified Google reviews. Their experienced team handles various roofing projects for residential and commercial properties throughout the NE38 postcode area.
A. Armstrong Roofing Est.1976 provides professional roofing services across Sunderland and the surrounding areas from their base in Washington. With nearly five decades of experience since 1976, the company maintains a strong reputation with a 4.6-star rating from 58 verified customer reviews. They offer comprehensive roofing solutions including repairs, maintenance, and installations for residential and commercial properties.
CSM Trade North East Ltd provides roofing services across Sunderland and the surrounding areas from their base in SR3. The company has earned a strong reputation with customers, maintaining a 4.8/5 star rating from 42 verified Google reviews. Their team handles various roofing projects for residential and commercial properties throughout the North East region.
Estates Roofing provides professional roofing services across Sunderland and surrounding areas from their base on Glover Industrial Estate in Washington. The company maintains an exceptional 5-star rating from 29 verified customer reviews on Google. Their experienced team handles various roofing projects for residential and commercial properties throughout the region.
Brian Scales Roofing Contractor provides professional roofing services to customers across Sunderland and the surrounding areas. Based in SR4, the company has earned a strong reputation with a 4.5-star rating from 41 verified customer reviews. Their experienced team handles a comprehensive range of roofing work for both residential and commercial properties.
Contemporary Roofline Home Improvements provides professional roofing services throughout Sunderland, operating from their base on Renfrew Road in the SR5 area. The company has earned a perfect 5-star rating from 19 verified customer reviews, reflecting their commitment to quality workmanship and customer satisfaction. They specialise in comprehensive roofing solutions for residential properties across the local area.
Wakefield Roofing provides professional roofing services to customers across Sunderland from their base in Silksworth. The company has earned a strong reputation with a 4.6/5 star rating from 30 verified customer reviews on Google. Their experienced team handles various roofing projects throughout the SR3 area and surrounding districts.
Michael Cookson Roofing provides professional roofing services throughout Sunderland, operating from their base in the SR3 area. The company maintains a strong reputation with customers, earning 4.7 out of 5 stars from 15 verified Google reviews. Their experienced team handles various roofing projects for residential and commercial properties across the local region.
DVC Commercial Roofing Contractors provides professional roofing services from their Washington base, serving businesses across Sunderland and the surrounding areas. The company has earned a 4.4/5 star rating based on 18 verified customer reviews, reflecting their reliable service delivery. Based at Parsons Workshops, they specialise in commercial roofing solutions for local enterprises.
J. R. Manners Roofing Ltd. provides roofing services to properties across Sunderland and the surrounding areas from their base in Houghton le Spring. The company has earned a perfect 5-star rating from 5 verified customer reviews on Google. They serve the DH4 postcode area and neighbouring communities throughout the North East.
North East Roofing Contractors provides roofing services to customers across Sunderland and the surrounding areas from their Washington base. The company has earned a 4.6 out of 5 star rating based on 9 verified customer reviews. They handle various roofing projects including repairs, maintenance and installations for residential and commercial properties.
David Graham Roofing provides professional roofing services throughout Sunderland, operating from their base in Roker. The company has earned a perfect 5-star rating from 4 verified customer reviews, reflecting their commitment to quality workmanship and customer satisfaction.
Goodey Roofing provides professional roofing services to customers in Sunderland and the surrounding areas from their base on Helmsdale Road. The company has earned a perfect 5-star rating from 3 verified Google reviews, reflecting their commitment to quality workmanship. Their services cover all aspects of roofing repair, maintenance and installation for residential and commercial properties across the SR4 postcode area.
Transparency notice: Recommended (#1) and Featured (positions 2-5) listings may be paid placements, so a business's fee affects whether and where it appears in those positions. All other listings are ranked by a combined score drawn from ratings and review counts published on third-party business listings, plus basic completeness signals such as a working website and phone. A Trust Verified badge means we have independently checked that business's documents; businesses without it have not been independently verified by us. How we verify →
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Roof repairs typically range from £150-£800 depending on the issue - replacing a few tiles might cost £200-£400, while fixing a small leak could be £300-£600. Full roof replacements start around £8,000-£12,000 for a typical terraced house, rising to £15,000-£25,000 for larger properties. Slate work costs more than standard tiles due to material and labour costs. Always get two or three written quotes to compare approaches and pricing.
How quickly can a roofer fix an emergency leak in Sunderland?
Most local roofers offer emergency call-outs within 24-48 hours for urgent leaks, though this might be a temporary fix initially. Emergency work typically costs £100-£200 more than standard rates. During winter months or after storms, response times can stretch to several days. Keep buckets handy and try to contain water damage while you wait - many roofers will give phone advice on immediate steps you can take safely.
Do I need planning permission for roof work in Sunderland?
Most repairs and like-for-like replacements don't need planning permission. However, if you're changing roof materials, adding dormers, or your property is in a conservation area, you'll likely need permission from Sunderland City Council. Listed buildings always require consent for roof changes. Your roofer should know the local requirements, but check with the council's planning department if you're unsure - it's your responsibility as the homeowner.
What's the difference between felt and rubber flat roofing?
Traditional felt roofing costs £40-£60 per square metre and lasts 10-15 years, but needs regular maintenance. Modern rubber membranes (EPDM) cost £60-£90 per square metre but last 20-25 years with minimal upkeep. Rubber roofs handle temperature changes better and are less prone to cracking. For Sunderland's climate with frequent rain and temperature swings, many roofers now recommend rubber for new flat roof installations.
Should I replace or repair my slate roof?
If less than 20% of slates are damaged and the underlying structure is sound, repairs usually make sense. Welsh slate repairs cost £8-£15 per slate including labour. However, if you're constantly fixing different sections or the roof is over 80 years old, replacement might be more economical long-term. A good roofer will assess the battens, felt, and overall structure before recommending the right approach for your specific situation.
How do I check if a roofer in Sunderland is legitimate?
Verify they have current public liability insurance (minimum £1 million) and ask to see the certificate. Check their business is properly registered - you can search Companies House for limited companies. Look for memberships of trade bodies like the National Federation of Roofing Contractors. Ask for recent local references and actually contact previous customers. Avoid anyone who cold-calls or demands payment upfront - reputable roofers typically ask for materials deposits only after work begins.
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