Emergency make-safe in the UK
Same-day make-safe to stop water coming in, ahead of a proper repair.
Typical UK cost range
£250–£1,200
National baseline. City-specific ranges are adjusted for local labour and access costs on the city pages below. See the full UK cost guide for the methodology and the factors that move a quote.
What the job involves
An emergency make-safe is a holding action, not a repair. A local roofer arrives within a few hours, climbs the roof if it is safe to do so, and applies a tarp, temporary seal, or weighted membrane over the area where water is getting in.
The goal is to stop the water tonight so you can schedule the full repair in daylight and reasonable weather. Make-safes typically last three to seven days depending on exposure and wind.
What changes the price
- Time of day — out-of-hours and weekend callouts typically add £100–£250.
- Access — second-floor or higher jobs usually need a ladder access plan or a cherry picker.
- Roof pitch and safety — working a steep wet roof in wind adds time and risk.
- Distance from the roofer’s base in rural or outlying areas.
Timeline: Usually 1–2 hours on site. A full repair follows within the next few days once the weather allows.
Pick a city for local pricing
Each city page has adjusted cost ranges, local context, and the roofers in our directory that cover it.
Major English cities
Other English cities
Northern Ireland
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Start my quote requestCommon questions
Does a make-safe fix the leak permanently?
No. It is a temporary measure to stop water until a full repair can be carried out in daylight and reasonable weather. Most roofers will then quote the permanent fix separately.
Should I call my insurer first or the roofer first?
Call the roofer first to get the water stopped — most home insurance policies have a duty-of-care clause that actually requires you to prevent further damage. Then call your insurer within 24 hours to log the incident.
Related guides
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