Quick Answer
Always get 3 written quotes, check the roofer has public liability insurance of at least £2 million, never pay more than a 10–20% deposit upfront, verify any NFRC or CompetentRoofer scheme membership, and avoid anyone who cold-calls claiming to have spotted damage from the street.
Roofing is one of the trades most plagued by rogue traders in the UK. Unlike gas or electrics, there is no mandatory licensing to call yourself a roofer — which means anyone with a ladder and a bag of felt can take on your roof and leave you worse off than before. This guide shows you exactly how to find a reliable roofer in 2026, what to check before you hire, and the red flags that should make you walk away.
In this guide
Why Finding a Reliable Roofer Is Hard
In the UK, there is no legal requirement to hold a licence or qualification to work as a roofer. Anyone can legally offer roofing services — and unfortunately, many do so without the skills, insurance, or materials knowledge to do the job properly. This is in sharp contrast to gas engineers (who must be Gas Safe registered) and electricians (who must be certified under a competent person scheme for notifiable work).
The result is a trade with a higher concentration of cowboy operators than most. Trading Standards and Citizens Advice consistently report roofing among the top five trades for consumer complaints. The problem is made significantly worse after storms, when a wave of opportunistic cold-callers descends on affected streets, offering to "check your roof for free" and then presenting inflated or entirely fabricated damage reports.
Common warning signs of an unreliable roofer
- Knocks on your door unsolicited, often following a storm
- Quotes a suspiciously low price to get started, then increases the cost dramatically mid-job
- Cannot provide a written quote or contract
- Asks for a large cash payment upfront before any work begins
- Cannot provide proof of insurance or any trade membership
- Has no verifiable reviews, no trading address, and no landline
- Pressures you to decide immediately or claims the deal expires today
The cost of a bad roofer doesn't stop at the original job. Poorly laid felt, incorrectly fitted flashing, or substandard tiles can allow water ingress that causes tens of thousands of pounds of damage to ceilings, walls, insulation, and structure before it's detected. Getting this right first time matters enormously.
Check These Accreditations
While there is no single mandatory licence for roofers, several credible schemes exist that give you meaningful assurance about a roofer's competence and accountability. Always ask for evidence — don't just take their word for it. Membership details can be verified directly on each organisation's website.
| Scheme / Accreditation | What It Means | How to Verify |
|---|---|---|
| NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) | UK's largest roofing trade body. Members are vetted, insured, and must pass a technical competence assessment. Complaints are handled by the NFRC. | nfrc.co.uk — search by postcode |
| CompetentRoofer | Government-authorised Competent Person Scheme. Members can self-certify roofing work without council building control notification. Only reputable contractors are admitted. | competentroofer.co.uk — search by postcode |
| TrustMark | Government-endorsed quality scheme covering many trades including roofing. Members are vetted for workmanship, customer service, and trading practices. | trustmark.org.uk — search by postcode |
| Public Liability Insurance (min £2M) | Covers damage to your property or injury to third parties caused by the roofer's work. Essential. Minimum £2M; £5M is better for larger jobs. | Ask to see the insurance certificate — verify the expiry date and coverage amount |
| Manufacturer accreditation | Some roofers hold accreditations from manufacturers (e.g., Velux, Marley, IKO). These typically include training on correct installation of that product. | Ask the roofer which product brands they are accredited for |
Be aware that some less scrupulous traders claim membership of trade bodies they are not actually registered with. Always verify online using the roofer's company name or registration number — never accept a laminated card or a logo on a van as sufficient proof.
The 3-Quote Rule
For any roofing work above a minor repair, you should get at least three written quotes. This is not just about finding the cheapest price — it's about understanding the scope of work, the materials being proposed, and whether each roofer has diagnosed the same problem.
How to make quotes comparable
- Specify the same materials. Ask each roofer to quote using the same tile type, felt grade, and flashing material. If one quotes on cheap felt and another on breathable membrane, the prices aren't comparable.
- Request an itemised written breakdown. Labour, materials, scaffold hire, and VAT should all appear as separate line items. A single lump-sum quote tells you nothing useful.
- Ask about access and scaffold. Some roofers quote without scaffold (using ladders or a tower instead). For work on a two-storey roof, full scaffold is the safe standard — check all three quotes use the same access method.
- Ask what is NOT included. Fascia boards, guttering, felt to the ridge — there may be additional items that appear on one quote and not another. Clarify the exact scope for each.
Why cheapest isn't best
A roofer who undercuts the other two quotes by 30% has to be cutting something — usually the quality of materials, the depth of preparation, or the time spent on the job. On a roof, cut corners are invisible until they become expensive leaks. Price should be a factor, but a quote in the middle range from a roofer with NFRC membership, verified reviews, and a clear written specification is almost always the right choice over the cheapest bid.
For context on what different types of roofing work should cost, our roof repair cost guide gives a full breakdown of typical prices across the UK in 2026.
Never Do These Things
| What Not to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Pay more than 20% deposit upfront | A legitimate roofer has trade accounts and doesn't need your money to buy materials. Large upfront payments are the number one mechanism for roofers to disappear mid-job or never start at all. |
| Pay in full before work is finished | Retain at least 10% until the job is complete and you've inspected the work. On completion, check inside the loft for any water ingress signs before releasing final payment. |
| Hire someone who knocked on your door after a storm | Post-storm cold-calling is the most common tactic of rogue roofers. They claim to have spotted damage from the street, get onto your roof (sometimes creating damage themselves), then present an inflated quote or demand immediate payment. |
| Let anyone on your roof without a written agreement | Once a roofer is on your roof, you're in a weak negotiating position. Always agree the scope and price in writing before any work begins — even for a free inspection. |
| Skip asking to see the insurance certificate | If a roofer damages your property or is injured on your roof without valid public liability insurance, you could be liable. Always see the actual certificate, not just a verbal assurance. |
| Hire from a leaflet through the door alone | Leaflet drops are cheap — anyone can have them printed. A leaflet with no verifiable address, no company registration number, and no trade membership tells you nothing about the trader behind it. |
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Roofer
A straightforward set of questions will quickly separate genuine, professional roofers from those who can't or won't back up their claims. Ask these before agreeing to anything:
| # | Question | What to Listen For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | How long have you been trading, and can you give me the company registration number? | At least 3–5 years trading. Look up the company on Companies House (companies house.gov.uk) to confirm it exists and is active. |
| 2 | Can I see your public liability insurance certificate? | Should be at least £2M cover, current expiry date, issued to the company name that matches the quote. |
| 3 | Are you a member of the NFRC or CompetentRoofer scheme? | If yes, verify it yourself online before appointing them. NFRC members can be searched at nfrc.co.uk. |
| 4 | Do you use your own staff, or will you subcontract the work? | Subcontracting isn't automatically bad, but you should know who will actually be on your roof. Your contract is with the company you hire, not the subcontractor. |
| 5 | Will you provide a written guarantee, and how long does it cover? | A reputable roofer will offer a workmanship guarantee of at least 5–10 years. Some manufacturers also provide product guarantees (e.g., 15–20 years on tiles) — ask whether these will be registered in your name. |
| 6 | What scaffolding access will you use, and is it included in the quote? | For most two-storey work, full scaffolding is the professional standard. Confirm it's included in the quoted price, not a surprise add-on. |
| 7 | What materials will you use — brand, grade, and specification? | They should specify the felt (BS EN 13707 rated), tile type and manufacturer, and flashing material. Vague answers like 'standard materials' are a warning sign. |
| 8 | How long will the job take, and will you be on site every day? | Reliable roofers give realistic timelines. If they say 'two days' for a full re-roof of a semi-detached house without a good explanation, that's a concern. |
Red Flags: Signs of a Cowboy Roofer
These are the most reliable warning signs that a roofer is not trustworthy. If you see two or more of the following, walk away:
- Cold-call following a storm. Legitimate roofers don't need to door-knock for business. This is the single most consistent indicator of a rogue trader.
- Demands full cash payment upfront. No legitimate contractor needs 100% payment before starting. Asking for full cash payment is both a red flag and often a mechanism to avoid VAT.
- Cannot or will not provide insurance documentation. If they hesitate, make excuses, or say the certificate is "in the van" and never produce it, assume they have none.
- Quote is dramatically lower than the others. In roofing, a quote 30–40% below market usually means inferior materials, inadequate preparation, or an intention to charge more once work has started.
- Refuses to provide a written quote or contract. Any serious roofer will put the scope, materials, price, and payment terms in writing. A verbal agreement offers you no protection.
- Creates pressure to decide immediately. "I can start tomorrow if you pay me today" or "this price is only valid for 24 hours" are classic high-pressure sales tactics. A trustworthy roofer gives you time to think.
- Only offers felt repairs on a tiled roof. Applying new felt over existing deteriorated tiles is a temporary patch at best. If a roofer's solution to a failing tiled roof is always "a bit of felt", they are not offering you a proper repair.
- No reviews, no trading address, no landline. A mobile number and a Facebook page is not a business. Check for a verifiable trading address and consistent reviews across multiple platforms (Google, Checkatrade, Trustpilot).
What a Fair Roofing Quote Looks Like
A written quote from a reputable roofer should contain all of the following. If any element is missing, ask for it to be added before you sign anything:
| Quote Element | What It Should Include |
|---|---|
| Job description | Clear description of exactly what work will be carried out — e.g., 'strip and re-felt hip roof to rear dormer, replace 20 broken tiles, re-point ridge' |
| Materials specification | Brand and grade of felt, tile type and manufacturer, type of flashing (lead, aluminium, Code 4/5), any insulation or breathable membrane details |
| Labour cost | Shown separately from materials so you know what you're paying for each element |
| Scaffold cost | Shown as a separate line item — not bundled into a vague 'access' figure |
| Estimated duration | Number of working days or weeks, start date, and any conditions (e.g., weather dependent) |
| Payment schedule | Deposit amount (no more than 20–30%), interim payments (if applicable), final payment on completion |
| Written guarantee terms | Duration of workmanship guarantee, what it covers, and whether it's a company guarantee or a formal insurance-backed guarantee |
| VAT | Quoted price should state whether VAT is included or excluded — and at what rate |
For flat roof jobs specifically, the materials and specification vary significantly — EPDM rubber, GRP fibreglass, felt torch-on, and liquid coatings all perform differently and carry different costs. Our flat roof replacement cost guide covers each option in detail.
If you've recently had storm damage or a leak, you may be wondering whether to claim on your home insurance. Our guide on claiming on house insurance for roof damage explains what's typically covered, what isn't, and how to navigate the process without inadvertently voiding your policy.
Ready to find a roofer? Visit our roofers hub page to post your job and receive quotes from vetted local roofers near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much deposit should I pay for roofing work in the UK?+
A deposit of 10–20% is reasonable for most roofing jobs. On larger jobs (full re-roof, extensive structural repair), 20–30% may be requested to cover material costs before work begins — this is acceptable if the roofer has a verifiable trading history and gives you a written contract. Never pay more than 30% upfront, and never pay the full amount before the work is finished and inspected.
Is it worth getting a roof inspection before buying a house?+
Yes — strongly recommended. A standard RICS homebuyer's survey may flag roof concerns but rarely includes a detailed inspection from a roofer. Commissioning a separate roof inspection (typically £150–£300) before exchange gives you a detailed condition report on the tiles, felt, flashing, guttering, and chimney stacks. If problems are found, you can renegotiate the purchase price or insist on remedial work before completion.
Do roofers need planning permission?+
The roofer doesn't personally need planning permission, but the work they do may require it. Most like-for-like roof repairs and replacements are covered by permitted development rights and don't need planning consent. Exceptions include: adding roof windows to a flat roof visible from the street (may need consent), extending a dormer, raising the ridge height, or any changes in a conservation area or listed building. Always check with your local planning authority if you're unsure — the responsibility is ultimately yours as the homeowner.
What guarantee should a new roof come with?+
A reputable roofer should offer a minimum 10-year workmanship guarantee on a full re-roof. Many NFRC members offer 20-year guarantees backed by an insurance underwriter (so the guarantee is valid even if the roofer ceases trading). On top of this, tile and slate manufacturers typically offer 20–50 year product warranties. Always ask for guarantees in writing, and if the workmanship guarantee is insurance-backed, ask for the guarantee certificate from the insurer — not just the roofer.
What should I do if a roofer does a bad job?+
First, raise the issue directly with the roofer in writing (email or letter, not just a phone call) and give them a reasonable opportunity to fix it. If they refuse or can't be contacted, your next steps depend on how you hired them. If they are an NFRC member, you can raise a formal complaint with the NFRC who operate a dispute resolution service. If you paid by credit card (for any amount over £100), Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act gives you a claim against your card issuer. For smaller amounts, the Money Claims Online service (small claims court) is an option. Trading Standards can also take action if there is evidence of fraud or criminal behaviour.
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