For homeowners · Roofing advice
How to find a reliable roofer
Roofing carries a particular risk: you cannot easily see the problem, which makes it hard to judge whether the recommended work is necessary. The defence is simple — get more than one opinion, insist on photographic evidence, and never buy roofing work from someone who knocked on your door.
What to look for in a roofer
- Photographic evidence of the problem, taken from the roof, before and after.
- A written quote naming the materials — tile or slate type, felt, battens, flashing material.
- Clarity on access: scaffolding, tower or ladder, and who pays for it.
- Public liability insurance and, for work at height, evidence they take it seriously.
- A guarantee in writing, with the period stated and who stands behind it.
Pressure selling and doorstep callers
A caller who tells you they noticed slipped tiles while working nearby and can fix it today at a discount is following a well-worn script. Do not agree to work on the spot, and do not pay cash up front. Take the details, then get your own quotes. If you feel pressured, Citizens Advice and Trading Standards can advise.
Repair or replace?
A handful of slipped tiles, a failed flashing or a cracked ridge is a repair. Widespread nail fatigue on an old slate roof, sagging between rafters or repeated leaks in different places may genuinely point to re-roofing. Ask what evidence supports the recommendation and ask to see it.
What a roofing quote should include
- The specific work, area by area, with quantities where relevant.
- Materials by type and, ideally, brand.
- Access arrangements and scaffolding costs.
- Waste removal.
- Weather contingency and expected duration.
- The guarantee and what it excludes.
How Find A Trade Local helps
Post the job with photos taken from the ground and any internal damp, and local roofers can express interest and quote. You can also browse roofers.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need scaffolding for roof work?
- Often yes for anything beyond a quick tile replacement. Working safely at height is a legal duty for the contractor, and the cost should be shown on the quote rather than added later.
- Should I climb up to check my roof?
- No. Falls from height are among the most common causes of serious injury in home maintenance. Use binoculars or a phone zoom from the ground, or ask a roofer to inspect.
Need a roofer? Post your roofing job and compare local roofers properly.
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Sources and further reading
This guide is general information for UK readers and is not legal, tax or financial advice. Where a decision depends on your circumstances, speak to a suitably qualified professional.