How to Find a Reliable Roofer in the UK: 2025 Guide

Finding a reliable roofer in the UK is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your home. Roofing work is expensive, often costing £5,000 to £15,000 or more depending on the size and complexity of your property, and poor installation can lead to leaks, structural damage, and costly repairs later. This guide walks you through exactly how to identify trustworthy roofers, what qualifications to look for, how much you should expect to pay, and red flags that signal you should walk away. Whether you need roof repairs, a full replacement, or specialist work like slate or lead flashing, these steps will help you avoid cowboy traders and get quality work at a fair price.

Check Qualifications and Trade Body Membership

The first and most critical step is verifying that your roofer is properly qualified and accredited. In the UK, there is no single mandatory licensing requirement for roofers, which means anyone can claim to be one. This is why checking credentials is non-negotiable.

Seek roofers who are members of recognised trade bodies. The two most important are the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) and the Confederation of Roofing Contractors (CRC). Members of these organisations must carry professional indemnity insurance, comply with industry standards, and submit to regular inspections. Both bodies maintain searchable online directories where you can verify membership instantly.

Beyond trade bodies, your roofer should hold relevant vocational qualifications. The most common UK qualifications are:

• NVQ or SVQ Level 2 or 3 in Roofing — demonstrates hands-on competency and is the standard for professional roofers
• City & Guilds qualifications — recognised across the industry for slating, tiling, sheet metal work, and leadwork
• Specialist certifications — if the work involves flat roofs, ask for evidence of GRP (fibreglass), EPDM rubber, or TPE membrane training; for pitched roofs, ask about slate or lead certifications

Ask your roofer directly for proof of these qualifications. Legitimate tradespeople carry this documentation or can email it to you immediately. If they're vague, defensive, or claim qualifications are "on the way", that's a warning sign.

Your roofer must carry public liability insurance of at least £2 million and preferably £5 million or £10 million for larger projects. Ask to see the certificate and check that it's current and hasn't lapsed. Without this, you could be liable for injuries or damage to neighbouring properties.

Get Multiple Quotes and Compare Properly

Never accept the first quote you receive. Obtaining three to five quotes from different roofers is standard practice and gives you a realistic picture of pricing and what different contractors include in their work.

As of 2025, UK roofing costs vary significantly by region and project type. In London and the South East, labour costs are typically 20-30% higher than in Scotland or Northern England. Here's what you can expect to pay for common work:

• Roof repairs (patch work, missing tiles, flashing): £300–£1,500 depending on access and extent
• Partial roof replacement (one side or section): £3,000–£8,000
• Full roof replacement (standard pitched roof, detached house): £8,000–£15,000
• Slate roof replacement: £12,000–£25,000 (specialist work, premium labour rates)
• Flat roof replacement (single-storey extension or modern build): £4,000–£10,000
• Asphalt macadam resurfacing (30 square metres): £1,500–£3,000

When comparing quotes, ensure you're looking at like-for-like specifications. A cheap quote might use lower-grade materials, rush the job, or cut corners on ventilation and insulation. Your quotes should include:

• Type and grade of materials (including manufacturer and warranty period)
• Labour cost breakdown and estimated duration
• Removal and disposal of old materials
• Scaffolding or access equipment rental
• Site protection (dust sheets, boarding, weather protection)
• Guarantee period (minimum 5 years for labour; materials typically 10–25 years)
• Payment schedule (deposit, stage payments, final payment terms)

Be wary of quotes that are significantly lower than others. If four quotes are around £10,000 and one is £6,500, the cheaper option is almost certainly cutting corners or using substandard materials. Established, qualified roofers price competitively but not unrealistically.

Check References and Track Record

A reliable roofer will happily provide recent customer references and show you examples of completed work. This is standard due diligence for a major home investment.

Ask your potential roofer for contact details of at least three customers whose roofs they've completed in the last 18 months. Ideally, these should be local to you so you can see the work in person if possible. When you contact references, ask specific questions:

• Was the work completed on time and within budget?
• How professional was the team, and how clean was the site at the end of the day?
• Has the roof performed well since completion? Any leaks or issues?
• Were there any disputes over payment or workmanship?
• Would you use this roofer again?

Check online reviews on Google, Trustpilot, and industry-specific platforms like the NFRC website. Look at the pattern of reviews over time — a solid roofer will have mostly 4–5 star ratings and longer track records. Be cautious of new traders with no reviews or ratings; some legitimate new businesses exist, but it's harder to assess their reliability.

Ask about the company's operating history. How long have they been trading? Are they a sole trader, small partnership, or larger firm? Longer track records (5+ years) suggest the business has maintained standards enough to remain viable. Check Companies House records if they're a limited company to see financial stability and any directors' history.

Understand Payment Terms and Contracts

How a roofer handles payment tells you a lot about their professionalism. Always get a written contract before any work begins, and understand the payment schedule.

Typical payment structures for roofing work are:

• Deposit: 10–25% upfront to secure the booking and order materials (reasonable and normal)
• Stage payments: For longer projects (5–10 days or more), payments at agreed milestones — for example, 33% when scaffolding is up and old roof stripped, 33% when new roof is half-installed, final 34% on completion
• Final payment: Only due when work is complete, inspected by you, and you're satisfied

Never pay the full amount upfront unless the roofer is from a major, established national company and the work is minor. This leaves you vulnerable if they don't complete the job or use poor materials. Conversely, avoid roofers who demand more than 50% upfront for large projects — this is a red flag for cash-flow problems or lack of credibility with material suppliers.

Your contract must state:

• Exact scope of work (what's included and excluded)
• Start and end dates (or realistic duration if start date depends on weather)
• Materials specification (brand, grade, colour)
• Labour cost and total price
• Warranty terms (labour and materials, duration, what's covered)
• Payment schedule and terms
• What happens if weather delays the job
• Cancellation and dispute resolution process

Don't work on a handshake agreement or a napkin sketch. If a roofer refuses to put terms in writing, walk away. Legitimate businesses operate with written contracts; it protects both you and them.

Identify Red Flags and Avoid Cowboy Traders

Cowboy roofers cost the UK economy around £900 million annually in poor work, unfinished jobs, and insurance claims. Learning to spot them upfront saves you money, stress, and damaged property.

Major warning signs include:

• No visible contact details or website: Operating from a mobile phone number only, with no business address or online presence, is a classic sign of transient traders who vanish after taking payment
• Pressure to decide immediately: "I'm in the area for two days, prices go up next week" — legitimate roofers book clients weeks or months ahead and don't use artificial urgency
• Cash-only payment requests: While some sole traders accept cash, insisting on it before work is complete or avoiding any paper trail is suspicious and makes recourse difficult if work is substandard
• No proof of insurance or qualifications: Any hesitation or evasion here is disqualifying
• Vague about what they'll do: Good roofers explain exactly how they'll work, what materials they use, and why. Vagueness suggests they're not experienced or are hiding cost-cutting
• Unrealistic pricing: Quotes far lower than competition, with insufficient detail, often indicate use of cheap materials, rushed work, or incomplete jobs
• No references available: Or references that can't be contacted, or who give evasive answers when you call
• Negative Google or Trustpilot reviews mentioning incomplete work, non-response to defects, or payment disputes: A couple of bad reviews are normal; patterns of serious issues mean avoid

Trust your instincts. If a roofer makes you uncomfortable, seems disorganised, or gives you non-answers, use a different trader. There are thousands of competent, honest roofers in the UK; don't settle for one you're unsure about.

Verify Work Quality and Dispute Resolution

Before you make the final payment, inspect the completed work thoroughly. This is your right and responsibility.

Check for:

• Clean, tidy site: All old materials removed, debris cleared, site protected from weather
• Correct material installation: Tiles or slates are aligned, overlapped correctly, and secured; flashing is sealed and bedded properly; gutters are clear and well-fitted
• Ventilation and insulation: If new underlayment or insulation was installed, check it's continuous and properly fitted
• No visible leaks or gaps: Look for light coming through from the loft space; inspect soffits, fascias, and flashing for gaps
• Guarantee documentation: You should receive written proof of warranties on materials and labour

If you spot defects, don't pay and notify the roofer in writing immediately. Most reputable traders will return and rectify issues at no extra cost within the warranty period. If they refuse or become defensive, this is a sign you're dealing with someone unreliable.

For serious disputes — work left unfinished, poor quality not remedied, or payment disagreements — contact your local Trading Standards office or use the Citizens Advice Consumer Service if you've been misled. If your roofer is NFRC or CRC-registered, you can also file a formal complaint with the trade body, which can levy sanctions or remove membership.

Regional Considerations and Seasonal Timing

Roofing costs and availability vary significantly across the UK. London and the South East command 25-35% premiums compared to the Midlands or North West, both due to higher labour costs and materials transport. Rural areas may face higher costs due to travel time, but competition between traders is often lower, so get extra quotes.

Timing matters too. Spring and early autumn (April-May, September-October) are peak roofing seasons. Roofers are busier, quotes may take longer, and you might wait 4-8 weeks for a booking. Winter (November-February) is quieter; you'll get faster quotes and earlier bookings, but weather delays are more likely. Summer can be hit-or-miss — some roofers have longer job queues, others have availability. Plan 2-3 weeks for quotes and booking, then 1-4 weeks waiting time depending on season and job complexity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a roof replacement typically take?

A standard pitched roof on a detached or semi-detached house usually takes 5–10 working days, depending on size, weather, and complexity. Larger properties or jobs involving structural repairs may take 2–3 weeks. Your roofer should give you a realistic timeframe in writing before work starts. Rain or high winds will delay progress, so build in buffer time.

What is the difference between a roofer and a surveyor, and do I need both?

A surveyor inspects and assesses your roof's condition, providing a report; a roofer carries out the repair or replacement work. For major work like a full roof replacement, it's worth paying for a structural survey (£200–£400) first to identify any underlying damage. Your roofer can also do an informal inspection during quotation, but a surveyor's formal report gives you independent evidence of what needs doing.

Can I claim roofing costs on my building insurance?

Only if the damage is accidental or due to a covered peril like severe weather, storm, or subsidence. Wear and tear, lack of maintenance, or age-related deterioration are not covered. Check your policy details or contact your insurer before work starts. If you claim, the insurer may require specific quotes or demand their own surveyor inspects the damage first.

What is the standard warranty on a new roof?

Labour warranties typically run 5–10 years from completion; materials warranties depend on the product and can range from 10–25 years or longer. Your contract should spell this out clearly. Warranties usually cover defects in workmanship or material failure, but not damage from storms, subsidence, or neglect. Keep your guarantee documentation safe; you'll need it if issues arise later.

Is it cheaper to repair or replace a roof?

Repair is cheaper short-term (£300–£1,500), but if your roof is over 20 years old, showing multiple leaks, or has widespread damage, replacement (£8,000–£15,000) often makes better economic sense. A roofer can advise during inspection, but if repairs exceed 50% of replacement cost, replacement is usually the better investment. New roofs also come with longer warranties and improve property value.