Quick Answer
To vet a roofer in the UK, check for NFRC membership, verify they carry at least £2 million public liability insurance, ask for references from recent jobs, and never pay more than 25% upfront. Roofing has one of the highest rates of cowboy trader activity of any trade.
Roofing is one of the trades most frequently targeted by rogue operators in the UK. The combination of a job that most homeowners cannot inspect themselves, high repair costs, and the urgency created by a leaking roof makes it fertile ground for doorstep sales tactics, inflated quotes, and substandard work. In 2026, knowing how to vet a roofer properly is essential for any homeowner facing roof repairs or replacement.
This guide covers NFRC membership, what insurance to demand, how to spot a cowboy roofer before they start, the questions you must ask, and what a professional roofing quote actually looks like.
In this guide
NFRC Membership and Why It Matters
The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) is the UK's largest roofing trade body. Like the FMB for builders, NFRC membership is voluntary — there is no legal licensing requirement for roofers in the UK. This makes NFRC membership one of the strongest quality signals available.
NFRC members must:
- ✓ Pass an independent inspection of their technical competence
- ✓ Hold adequate public liability and employer's liability insurance
- ✓ Comply with the NFRC Code of Practice and Good Practice Guides
- ✓ Provide a warranty on completed work
You can verify NFRC membership at nfrc.co.uk. Another useful accreditation is CompetentRoofer, a government-approved Competent Person Scheme that allows registered roofers to self-certify that their work complies with Building Regulations (relevant for certain flat roof replacements and extensions). Check at competentroofer.co.uk.
TrustMark registration is also worth looking for. TrustMark-registered roofers have passed government-endorsed technical and customer service assessments. You can check the register at trustmark.org.uk.
Public Liability Insurance: Why You Need Minimum £2m
Roofing work carries significant risk — both to the property (a roofer falling through a ceiling, tiles damaging a conservatory) and to third parties (tiles falling on a neighbour's car or a passer-by). For this reason, the public liability insurance minimum for roofers should be higher than for many other trades.
For domestic roofing jobs:
- ✓ Minimum £2 million public liability insurance
- ✓ Employer's liability insurance (legally required if they employ anyone)
- ✓ Contract works insurance (for larger jobs — covers the partially completed work)
Ask for the insurance certificate — not just confirmation they have it. Check the expiry date, the insurer's name, and that the cover level is stated. Some roofers carry insurance but have policies with exclusions that make them effectively useless. The NFRC can also help direct you to members who hold appropriate cover.
How to Check References for a Roofer
References are particularly important for roofing jobs because: (1) the work is done in a location you rarely inspect closely, (2) problems may not become apparent for weeks or months, and (3) the stakes are high — a badly done roof can lead to serious structural damage.
When checking references, ask previous customers:
- ? Was the job completed on time?
- ? Was the final price close to the quoted price?
- ? Was the site cleaned up properly when they left?
- ? Have there been any leaks or problems since the work was done?
- ? Would you use them again?
Ideally, ask to see a completed job in person if the reference is a neighbour or someone nearby. Roofing quality is much easier to assess from the ground than you might think — look for consistent courses of tiles/slates, proper lead flashing around chimneys, and clean ridge line work.
Signs of a Cowboy Roofer
Roofing has one of the highest rates of rogue trader complaints of any trade in the UK. Here are the most common warning signs. For a broader list across all trades, see our guide on red flags when hiring a tradesperson.
- ✕They approach you uninvited. The most common cowboy roofer tactic is knocking on your door claiming they "noticed" damage to your roof. Walk away.
- ✕They want cash only. Always pay by bank transfer for roofing work. You need a paper trail if things go wrong.
- ✕Demand for a large deposit. Asking for 50% or more upfront is a red flag, particularly from someone you have just met.
- ✕Can't explain what they're doing. A qualified roofer should be able to explain the specific repairs needed, what materials they will use, and why. Vague answers like "we'll sort the whole thing" are not acceptable.
- ✕Uses substandard or unspecified materials. Ask specifically what tiles, slates, felt, battens, and lead flashings they will use. Cheap felt and substandard mortar are common cowboy shortcuts.
- ✕No fixed business address or van signage. Working out of an unmarked van with no business address is a warning sign. You need to be able to trace them if there are problems post-job.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Roofer
- Are you NFRC registered?
Ask for their membership number and verify at nfrc.co.uk.
- Do you carry £2m+ public liability insurance?
Ask to see the certificate.
- Will you provide a written, itemised quote?
The quote must specify materials, quantities, labour, and waste disposal.
- What materials will you use?
Specify the make/grade of tiles or slates, felt type (BS 747 Class 1F minimum), batten size, and lead specification.
- Do you offer a written guarantee?
NFRC members typically offer a 2-year workmanship guarantee minimum; some offer longer through manufacturer-backed schemes.
- Will you provide scaffolding?
Any roof job requiring ridge or eaves access must use proper scaffolding. A roofer who quotes to "do it by ladder" on a full roof is cutting corners.
- How do you handle waste/old materials?
Old tiles, felt, and lead should be removed and disposed of properly. Ask if this is included.
What a Proper Roofing Quote Should Include
A professional roofing quote should be detailed enough that you could give it to another roofer and they would know exactly what work is included. It should specify:
- ✓ Scope of work (which sections of roof, specific repairs or full replacement)
- ✓ Materials: tile/slate type and manufacturer, felt specification, batten size, ridge tiles, lead flashing grade
- ✓ Scaffolding — included or excluded?
- ✓ Waste removal — included or excluded?
- ✓ Total price and payment terms
- ✓ Workmanship guarantee duration
- ✓ Estimated start and completion dates
Typical Roofing Costs in the UK (2026)
For detailed cost breakdowns, see our dedicated articles on how much roof repair costs in the UK and how much a full roof replacement costs. Summary figures:
| Job Type | Typical Cost (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Replace a few slipped tiles | £150–£400 | Access and number of tiles affects cost |
| Re-ridge a roof | £600–£1,200 | Depends on length of ridge |
| Repair or replace lead flashing | £200–£600 | Chimney flashing is most common |
| Re-felt a garage roof | £400–£900 | Single layer felt or quality torched felt |
| Full re-roof (3-bed semi) | £5,000–£10,000+ | Includes scaffolding; quality tiles |
| Flat roof replacement (extension) | £1,500–£4,000 | Depends on size and system |
| Scaffolding only (where separate) | £700–£1,500 | Depends on size and duration |
When deciding whether to repair or replace, see our guide on when to repair vs replace your roof in the UK. Ready to get quotes? Post your roofing job on GetQuickHelp and receive quotes from vetted local roofers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is scaffolding always required for roof work?+
Yes, for any significant roof work. Working at height regulations require appropriate access equipment. A roofer who quotes without scaffolding for a full re-roof or ridge work is cutting corners on safety — which is also likely to translate to cutting corners on the work itself.
How do I know if my roof actually needs replacing?+
Signs include: tiles missing or slipping frequently, daylight visible in the loft, damp patches on ceilings under the roof, sagging roof line, or the roof being 30+ years old. Get an independent survey from an NFRC-registered roofer before committing to a full replacement.
What guarantees should a roofer provide?+
NFRC members typically provide a minimum 2-year workmanship guarantee. Some manufacturers (Marley, Redland) offer 30+ year product guarantees, which are backed by the manufacturer rather than the installer. Ask specifically what is covered and get it in writing.
What is the best time of year to get roof work done?+
Spring and early autumn are ideal — dry weather, moderate temperatures, and less frozen mortar risk than winter. Summer can also work well but may mean longer lead times as roofers are busiest. Most reputable roofers will not start in frosty or very wet conditions.
Can I claim on my home insurance for roof damage?+
Storm damage (high winds, falling trees) is usually covered by buildings insurance. Wear and tear is generally not covered. If you suspect storm damage, document it with photographs and contact your insurer before arranging any repairs. Using an NFRC roofer will make any insurance claim easier to process.
How many quotes should I get for a roof repair?+
For any roofing job over £500, get at least three quotes. For a full re-roof, get three minimum and ideally four. The variation in quotes can be substantial — 40–50% differences are common. Our guide on getting multiple quotes explains how to compare them properly.
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