When you discover roof damage, you want two things: clarity and a quick, reliable solution. Understanding how the roof damage repair process works step by step helps you stay in control, avoid unpleasant surprises and make informed decisions. Dakdienst Nederland guides homeowners and property managers throughout the Netherlands through this process every day, from the very first phone call to the final inspection after repair.
In the Netherlands, roof damage is often caused by storms, loose or broken tiles, ageing bitumen, leaking flat roofs, or poorly installed details around chimneys and skylights. Every situation is different, but the basic steps in a professional repair process are the same. By knowing these steps in advance, you immediately see what is reasonable to expect from a contractor and where you should pay special attention.
Below you will find a detailed, yet practical explanation of how Dakdienst Nederland handles roof damage: how the assessment works, which decisions are made along the way, what the indicative price ranges are in the Dutch market, and when a repair is sufficient or a (partial) roof replacement is wiser. For exact quotations and tailored advice, you should always contact Dakdienst Nederland directly, as every roof and every damage pattern is unique.
Step-by-step roof damage assessment by Dakdienst Nederland
The process always starts with reporting the problem. You contact Dakdienst Nederland by phone or online, describe the symptoms (for example water stains on the ceiling, damp insulation, visible broken tiles, or wind lifting the roofing) and indicate the type of roof: flat, pitched, tile roof, bitumen, EPDM, or others. At this stage, the priority is to determine how urgent the situation is. Active leakage during rain or storm-related damage is treated as urgent; less acute problems can often be scheduled more flexibly.
Next, an appointment is made for a free on-site roof inspection. It is important to stress that, although roof inspections in the Netherlands are often charged at around €75–€150 by many companies, Dakdienst Nederland carries out this inspection entirely free of charge. During this visit, a roofer inspects the exterior roof surface, the rood edges, roof penetrations (chimneys, ventilation pipes, skylights), and – where possible and safe – the inside of the roof structure or the attic to track the path of moisture or see internal damage.
The roofer also evaluates the overall condition and lifespan of your roof. Local damage on an otherwise young roof often lends itself to a simple repair, while repeated leaks, extensive wear, or aged roofing material may indicate that small repairs are only a temporary solution. This broader assessment is essential, because it determines whether you are better off with a focused local repair or a more structural intervention in the long term.
What the roofer specifically checks during inspection
During the inspection, Dakdienst Nederland follows a structured checklist. The roofer looks at the type of roofing material (tiles, bitumen, EPDM, PVC, metal, etc.), the year of installation if known, and any previous repairs. Visible damage such as cracks in bitumen, loose seams, open overlaps, broken tiles, sagging gutters, or lifted ridge tiles are documented. Photographs are taken so that you can clearly see afterwards what has been found and so that it can be used later in an insurance claim if necessary.
Special attention is paid to so-called critical points: roof edges, connections to walls, flashing around chimneys, skylights and dormers, and penetrations for pipes and cables. These are the places where leaks occur most often. The roofer checks whether the detailing is executed correctly, whether there is sufficient overlap, and whether the materials are still flexible and watertight. Poor detailing or outdated materials here can cause disproportionate damage inside the property.
If there is indoor access to the roof structure or attic, moisture spots, mould, rotten wood, insulation damage and condensation are assessed. This helps distinguish between acute leakage and long-term moisture problems. For example, a single storm-related leak often leaves a clear mark, while long-term moisture penetration shows broader discolouration and sometimes wood rot. This distinction is important for choosing the right repair method and estimating the costs accurately.
From findings to a clear diagnosis
Based on all these observations, the roofer formulates a clear diagnosis. Where is the direct cause of the leak or damage? Is there one identifiable defect, or is there a pattern indicating structural wear? Is the roof still within its expected life span, or is it already at or past it? These questions are answered in understandable language, supported by photos and, if desired, a written overview.
Dakdienst Nederland then explains which repair options are available. Sometimes a small local repair is sufficient, for example replacing a few broken tiles or patching a small tear in a bitumen roof. In other cases, a larger intervention is more sensible, such as renewing the entire roof covering on a section or replacing heavily corroded flashing around a chimney. The roofer will briefly explain the pros and cons of each option and the expected lifespan of the chosen solution.
At this stage, an indicative cost estimate is given, based on average Dutch market prices. For example:
- Local tile repairs can range roughly from €150–€450 depending on access and number of tiles.
- Flat roof leak repairs (bitumen or EPDM patches) often range between €250–€650.
- Partial roof covering replacement can quickly range from €75–€130 per m².
These are merely reference ranges; for an exact price you should always request a tailored quotation from Dakdienst Nederland, adjusted to your roof, surface area and access situation.
From first inspection to final roof repair explained
Once you agree to the proposed solution, Dakdienst Nederland plans the repair work. In urgent situations – for example, active leakage during rain – temporary emergency measures can be taken immediately after the inspection, such as placing a waterproof tarp, applying emergency sealing, or temporarily closing openings. Such emergency solutions in the Dutch market often fall in the range of €150–€400, depending on complexity and height, but can sometimes be included as part of the total repair agreement; contact Dakdienst Nederland for an exact arrangement.
For non-urgent work, a suitable date is scheduled and you receive a written confirmation with a description of the work and the agreed pricing. You will be informed about practical matters, such as:
- Whether scaffolding, an aerial platform, or a roof ladder is needed
- How long the work is expected to take
- Whether access to the inside of the house or attic is required
- Any preparations you should take (clearing driveway, protecting items in the attic, etc.)
On the day of the work, the team arrives with the necessary materials, tools and safety equipment. Safety is paramount: roofers use fall protection, proper ladders or scaffolding, and work according to Dutch safety regulations. Before starting, the work area around your home is secured as much as reasonably possible so that passers-by and residents are not endangered by falling debris or material.
The actual roof repair: how the work proceeds
The precise repair steps depend on the type of roof and the nature of the damage, but the process usually follows a fixed pattern. First, the damaged area is carefully opened. On a tiled roof, this means removing tiles and sometimes battens; on a flat roof, the upper layers of bitumen or membrane are cut open around the defect. The roofer checks the underlying structure – such as decking, insulation and timber – for hidden moisture or rot. Where necessary, rotten parts are removed and replaced.
Then the actual repair is carried out. Some typical examples:
- Tiled roof: replacing broken or shifted tiles, renewing damaged battens, re-fixing or re-mortaring ridge tiles, renewing flashing around chimneys or dormers.
- Flat roof (bitumen): drying the substrate, applying primer, welding new bitumen patches over the damaged area with sufficient overlap, renewing roof edges or upstands if necessary.
- Flat roof (EPDM/PVC): cleaning and drying, applying special adhesive, placing a new membrane patch with generous overlap, carefully rolling and sealing all edges.
Where connections and detailing are involved (for example around chimneys, roof windows or walls), these are usually upgraded to current standards. Old zinc or lead flashing may be replaced by new zinc, lead or modern alternatives. This often has a large impact on durability. The roofer also checks gutters and roof drains in the immediate vicinity of the repair, because many leaks are indirectly caused by standing water or poor drainage.
Quality control, finishing and aftercare
After the repair, Dakdienst Nederland performs a final inspection. The roofer visually checks all seams, overlaps, fastenings and details. On flat roofs, there is often a water test or a simulated water run to make sure that drainage is adequate and no water remains standing near seams or penetrations. On pitched roofs, the coverage is checked carefully from different angles to ensure that everything is neatly fitted and aligned.
You are then walked through the work that has been carried out. Often, before-and-after photos are shown so that you can clearly see the difference and understand what has been done. Any recommendations for the future are discussed, for example:
- Periodic roof maintenance (such as cleaning gutters and checking roofing every 1–2 years)
- Considering a (partial) roof replacement within a few years if the overall roof is nearing the end of its lifespan
- Preventive measures, such as wind anchors on ridge tiles or improved flashing around vulnerable areas
Finally, you receive an invoice that reflects the previously agreed-upon pricing. As a rough indication for the Dutch market:
- Smaller roof repairs are often in the range of €250–€750
- Medium repairs (for example, larger sections of bitumen replacement or extensive tile and flashing work) often range between €750–€2,000
- Very extensive repairs or partial renewals can exceed this, depending on surface area and complexity
For exact pricing, customised to your roof, location and the specific damage, it is always necessary to contact Dakdienst Nederland directly. They can then translate the inspection results into a precise and transparent quotation.
A professional roof damage repair process is much more than simply patching a leak. It starts with a thorough, free inspection, a solid diagnosis and clear advice, and only then moves on to the actual repair work and final quality control. By following these steps carefully, Dakdienst Nederland ensures that not only the visible damage is solved, but also underlying problems are discovered and addressed where necessary.
Indicative price ranges can give you a first idea of what to expect, but the real cost always depends on your specific situation: type and age of the roof, access, surface area, and the severity of the damage. That is exactly why the free roof inspection and personal quotation are so important. They translate the general process into a tailored solution for your property.
If you suspect roof damage, it is wise not to wait. Moisture problems almost always become more expensive the longer they are left unresolved. By contacting Dakdienst Nederland in time, you make use of a clear step-by-step approach: from initial assessment to final professional repair, with transparent communication and attention to both the short and long term.