Flat RoofingContractors

Repairs and surveys

Edge trims, outlets and drainage across Midlothian

Across Midlothian, ponding on flat roofs is usually caused by shallow falls, a sagging deck or outlets that are blocked or set too high. A patch won't fix that. We explain whether new outlets will help or whether the falls need correcting with firring or tapered insulation as part of a replacement.

Aluminium drip trim discharging into a new black gutter beside a roof outlet on a rubber flat roofComputer-generated example image
Guide price
£110–£330
Repair price
Confirmed once the leak or damage is found
Condition survey report
£140–£290
Coverage
England, Wales, Scotland, NI

Midlothian at a glance

Largest towns
Bonnyrigg, Penicuik, Mayfield, Dalkeith
Postcode areas
EH
Building standards
Midlothian Council
Neighbouring areas
City of Edinburgh · East Lothian · West Lothian · Scottish Borders
Guide price region
Scotland (−5% on West Midlands rates)

How much does a new roof edge or outlet cost in Midlothian?

Guide prices including VAT at Scotland rates. We confirm the price once we've traced the leak or seen the damage.

JobGuide price inc VAT
Outlet or drainage repair£110–£330
Localised patch repair£140–£480
Upstand or flashing repair£240–£620
Emergency temporary weatherproofing visit£170–£430
Condition survey and leak investigation£140–£290

Which flat roofs are common in Midlothian?

Flat roofs in Midlothian sit on lock-up garage blocks on estates, 1930s semis with flat-roofed garages and kitchen extensions and newer estates where the first extension roofs are now being replaced. Scotland averages roughly 1,570 mm of rain a year, with the west far wetter than the east, so drainage, falls and wind uplift are part of every specification we write. Approximate 1991–2020 regional averages based on Met Office data.

Building standards in Scotland

In Scotland a building warrant is usually needed for alterations, structural work and new roofs; like-for-like repairs to a covering can be exempt. Section 6 of the technical handbooks sets a domestic roof benchmark of 0.12 W/m²K, applied as far as reasonably practicable on an existing roof. In Midlothian the application goes to Midlothian Council (building standards). More on the rules.

Do flat roofs need overflows?

Roofs that drain to internal outlets or behind parapets should normally have an overflow, so that if an outlet blocks, water spills somewhere visible instead of rising over the upstands and into the building.

An overflow is usually a spout or weir set through the parapet or kerb at a level below the top of the upstands. When water runs from it, that is a sign the main outlet is blocked or overloaded. On a simple roof that drains over a drip trim into an external gutter, the open edge itself does the same job.

We look at where the water goes in heavy rain, how many outlets the roof has for its size, and whether the outlets, hoppers and downpipes are clear and properly connected. Leaf guards on outlets help on roofs near trees, as long as they are cleared regularly.

Should I fix the edges and drainage or replace the whole roof?

Fix the edges and drainage on their own if the covering is in good condition and the deck is sound. If the covering is near the end of its life or the falls need correcting across the whole roof, it is usually better value to do everything together as part of a replacement.

Trims and outlets are bonded into the waterproofing, so replacing them means cutting into the covering around the edge. On a roof with plenty of life left, that is a worthwhile repair. On an old, brittle covering, the new detail can end up stronger than the roof around it, and correcting falls means taking the covering off anyway. Our repair or replace guide sets out how to decide.

Which towns in Midlothian do we cover?

Edge trims, outlets and drainage in Midlothian: questions

Which towns in Midlothian do you cover?

All of Midlothian. The main towns have their own pages below, and if yours isn't listed we still cover it: send your postcode and we'll confirm.

How much does a new roof edge or outlet cost in Midlothian?

£110–£330 for an outlet or drainage repair, at Scotland guide rates including VAT. We confirm the price once we've traced the leak or seen the damage.

Which council handles building standards for a flat roof in Midlothian?

It depends on where the roof is: in Midlothian that's Midlothian Council. In Scotland a building warrant is usually needed for alterations, structural work and new roofs; like-for-like repairs to a covering can be exempt. We confirm which applies at the survey.

What's the difference between a drip trim and an edge trim?

An edge trim finishes the edge of the roof and holds the waterproofing down. A drip trim has a profile that throws water clear into the gutter. On many roofs a single trim does both jobs.

Is some standing water on a flat roof normal?

A thin film that clears within a day or two of rain is common and usually harmless. Deeper water that lingers for days points to poor falls, a sagging deck or a blocked outlet and should be looked at.

Can a flat roof be re-laid with better falls?

Yes, as part of a replacement. Falls are corrected with tapered firring pieces under a new deck or with tapered insulation in a warm roof build-up.

Everything about edge trims, outlets and drainage → · All flat roofing in Midlothian →

Get a fixed price for your flat roof

Free survey and a written fixed quote for replacement and new roofs. No obligation.

Call usGet a guide price