Find the right roofer

A professional roofer is your home’s primary defence against the unpredictable British weather. From minor leak repairs to full reroofing projects, these specialists ensure your property remains watertight, energy-efficient, and structurally sound.

UK roofers handle a wide variety of materials, including traditional clay tiles, natural slates, and modern flat-roofing membranes like EPDM or GRP fibreglass. They also maintain essential roofline components such as gutters, fascias, and chimney stacks.

Whether you are dealing with a sudden emergency leak or planning a long-term renovation, hiring a skilled roofer protects your biggest investment. They combine technical structural knowledge with the physical skills required to work safely at height.

What to Expect When Hiring a Roofer

• Initial Site Survey: A reputable roofer will inspect the roof from the ground and often via a ladder or drone to identify the source of the issue.
• Detailed Quotation: You should receive a written breakdown covering materials, labour, waste disposal (skips), and scaffolding costs.
• Access Setup: For most jobs above bungalow height, the roofer will arrange for professional scaffolding to be erected to comply with UK safety laws.
• Weather Monitoring: Roofing is highly weather-dependent; expect schedules to shift slightly if heavy rain or high winds are forecast.
• Material Strip-back: For repairs or replacements, the old materials are removed to inspect the underlying felt, battens, and timber rafters.
• Installation and Sealing: New components are installed, ensuring all "valleys" and "flashings" (the metal joins around chimneys or walls) are perfectly lead-worked.
• Waste Removal: The site should be cleared of old tiles, nails, and debris, leaving your driveway and garden safe.

Why Hire a Professional?

Roofing is one of the most dangerous trades in the UK construction industry. Professional roofers are trained in the Working at Height Regulations 2005, ensuring they have the correct fall-arrest equipment and stable platforms to prevent accidents.

Beyond safety, professional installation is vital for insurance and legal reasons. If you replace more than 25% of a roof, you must comply with Part L of the Building Regulations regarding thermal insulation. A "CompetentRoofer" scheme member can self-certify this work, saving you the hassle of dealing with local authority inspections.

DIY roofing often leads to trapped moisture and poor ventilation, which can cause rot in your roof timbers. A professional understands how to balance "breathability" with "watertightness," ensuring your loft space stays dry and mould-free for decades.

Typical Costs

Service	Low £	High £	Notes
Emergency Leak Repair	£200	£600	Often excludes scaffolding if accessible by ladder.
Replace 5-10 Slates/Tiles	£150	£350	Includes basic materials and minor cement work.
New EPDM Flat Roof (Garage)	£1,200	£2,500	Durable rubber membrane with 20+ year lifespan.
Dry Ridge/Verge System	£600	£1,500	Replaces traditional mortar for lower maintenance.
Full Reroof (Semi-Detached)	£6,000	£12,000	Includes scaffolding, felt, battens, and tiles.
Chimney Repointing	£400	£900	Depends heavily on height and accessibility.

Pricing is influenced by your location in the UK, the height of the building, and the choice of materials—natural slate, for example, is significantly more expensive than concrete interlocking tiles. Always clarify if the quote includes the cost of scaffolding and skip hire, as these can add £500–£1,500 to a project.

How to Choose the Right Roofer

• Check Accreditations: Look for membership in the NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) or the CompetentRoofer scheme.
• Insurance is Non-Negotiable: Ask to see proof of Public Liability Insurance (minimum £2 million) and Employer’s Liability Insurance.
• Look for Specialisms: Some roofers specialise in heritage leadwork and slate, while others focus on modern flat-roofing systems like GRP or liquid plastic.
• Avoid "Door Knockers": Reputable roofers rarely solicit work door-to-door, especially after a storm.
• Verify the Warranty: Ensure you get a written guarantee for both the materials and the workmanship (usually 10–25 years).

Questions to ask before hiring:

• How do you plan to access the roof safely?
• Will you be using a sub-contractor for the scaffolding or do you own it?
• Are you registered to self-certify for Building Regulations?
• Can you provide photos of the damage before you start work?

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a full reroof typically take?

For an average three-bedroom semi-detached house, a full reroof usually takes between 5 and 9 working days. This depends on the weather and whether any structural timber repairs are discovered once the old tiles are removed.

Do I need planning permission to change my roof?

Usually, no. Repairs and reroofing fall under "Permitted Development." However, you will need permission if you are significantly increasing the height of the roof, using materials that look completely different from the original, or if you live in a Conservation Area or Listed Building.

What is the best material for a flat roof?

While traditional felt is cheapest, modern EPDM (rubber) and GRP (fibreglass) are now preferred. They are installed in large seamless sheets, which drastically reduces the risk of leaks compared to old-fashioned bitumen felt joints.

Is it normal to pay a deposit for roofing work?

Small repairs should generally not require a deposit. For large reroofing projects, a small deposit (10-20%) to cover material costs is common, but you should never pay the full balance until the work is completed and you have seen photos of the finished job.