Roofing Contractors Near You
Choosing the right roofing contractor is an important decision. Whether you are planning a complete roof replacement, repairing an existing roof, installing a new flat roof or carrying out work to chimneys, leadwork or roof drainage, the quality of the contractor can have a major effect on the finished result.
iProTrades helps homeowners, landlords, property managers and businesses find roofing contractors near them and compare up to 3 quotes for their roofing project.
Tell us what work you require, enter your postcode and upload photographs where possible. You can compare local roofing contractors, review their information and decide which tradesperson is suitable for your project.
What Does a Roofing Contractor Do?
A roofing contractor is a tradesperson or company specialising in the installation, repair, replacement and maintenance of roofs and associated components.
Depending on their experience and area of specialism, roofing contractors may work on:
Pitched roofs
Tiled roofs
Natural slate roofs
Fibre-cement slate roofs
Flat roofs
GRP fibreglass roofs
EPDM rubber roofs
High-performance felt roofs
Leadwork
Chimneys
Rooflights
Fascias and soffits
Gutters and drainage
Residential properties
Commercial buildings
New-build projects
Extensions
Some roofing contractors specialise in particular systems, while others provide a wider range of roofing services.
For specialist work, it is worth checking that the contractor has relevant experience with the particular roofing material or construction method required.
How Do I Find a Good Roofing Contractor Near Me?
When looking for a roofing contractor, price should not be the only consideration.
A roof is one of the most important weatherproofing elements of a building, and poor workmanship can result in leaks, damp, condensation and expensive remedial work.
Before appointing a contractor, consider:
Relevant roofing experience
Customer reviews
Previous projects
Appropriate insurance
Quality of the proposed specification
Written quotations
Materials being used
Workmanship guarantees where offered
Communication
Proposed payment arrangements
Timescale
Waste disposal arrangements
For larger projects, it can be useful to compare several contractors rather than accepting the first quotation you receive.
Roofing Contractors for Roof Repairs
Roofing contractors undertake repairs ranging from replacing individual tiles to extensive remedial work.
Common repairs include:
Leaking roofs
Broken or missing tiles
Slipped slates
Ridge and hip repairs
Roof valley repairs
Lead flashing repairs
Chimney repairs
Flat roof repairs
Rooflight leaks
Gutter and drainage repairs
Storm damage
A good contractor should try to identify the cause of the problem before recommending a solution.
If you specifically need an existing roof repaired, you can also use the iProTrades Roof Repair service to find contractors for your project.
Roofing Contractors for Complete Roof Replacements
A complete roof replacement may be required where an existing roof has reached the end of its serviceable life or has widespread deterioration that makes continued repairs uneconomical.
A reroof can involve considerably more than simply replacing the visible tiles or slates.
Depending on the project, work may include:
Removing existing roof coverings
Inspecting the roof structure
Replacing defective timber
Installing roofing underlay or membrane
Installing new battens
Improving ventilation
Replacing tiles or slates
Renewing valleys
Installing ridge and hip systems
Replacing leadwork
Renewing roofline components
Waste disposal
Scaffolding
The specification should clearly explain what is being replaced and what will remain.
Tiled Roofing Contractors
Tiled roofs remain common across homes throughout the UK.
Roofing contractors may work with:
Concrete roof tiles
Clay tiles
Plain tiles
Interlocking tiles
Pantiles
Other proprietary tile systems
Installation requirements vary between different products and roof pitches.
For complete reroofing projects, the contractor should specify the proposed tile, underlay, battens, ventilation, ridge and hip details and associated roof components.
Slate Roofing Contractors
Slate roofing requires appropriate knowledge and fixing techniques.
Contractors may work with:
Natural slate
Fibre-cement slate
Existing traditional slate roofs
Natural slate varies considerably in quality, thickness and appearance.
For slate projects, ask the contractor which slate is being proposed and how it will be fixed.
Repairs to older slate roofs can also require experience sourcing suitable replacement materials and working with existing roof structures.
Flat Roofing Contractors
Flat roofing is a specialist area requiring careful attention to waterproofing, falls, drainage, roof edges and penetrations.
Common systems include:
GRP fibreglass
EPDM rubber membranes
High-performance felt
Liquid-applied systems
The appropriate system depends on the building, roof construction, use and specification.
Flat roofing contractors may undertake installations and repairs on extensions, garages, dormers and commercial buildings.
For more detailed information, iProTrades also provides dedicated Flat Roofing and Flat Roof Specialists services.
Leadwork Roofing Contractors
Lead is widely used to weatherproof vulnerable roof junctions.
Typical applications include:
Chimney flashing
Step flashing
Cover flashing
Valleys
Box gutters
Dormers
Parapets
Roof-to-wall junctions
Leadwork requires appropriate detailing and installation.
Where substantial leadwork forms part of your project, ask prospective contractors about their experience completing similar work.
Chimney Roofing Contractors
Chimneys can require roofing and masonry work because of their exposed position.
Services can include:
Chimney repointing
Lead flashing
Soakers
Back gutters
Flaunching repairs
Chimney pot replacement
Brick repairs
Partial rebuilding
Chimney removal where appropriate
If a chimney is leaking, the surrounding roof covering and leadwork should also be inspected because the source of water ingress may not be the brickwork itself.
Roofing Contractors for Extensions
Extensions require a roof that integrates correctly with the existing building.
Depending on the design, this could involve a pitched tiled or slate roof, flat roofing system or combination of different roof types.
Important details can include:
Roof pitch
Insulation
Ventilation
Drainage
Rooflights
Valleys
Abutments
Leadwork
Connections to the existing roof
Fascias and gutters
Where the roof forms part of a larger extension project, coordination between the builder, roofing contractor and other trades is important.
Residential Roofing Contractors
Residential roofing contractors work on houses, flats, extensions, garages and other domestic properties.
Projects can range from minor repairs to complete reroofing.
When choosing a residential contractor, look for experience with properties and roofing systems similar to your own.
Photographs of previous projects can be particularly useful when considering larger jobs.
Commercial Roofing Contractors
Commercial roofing projects can involve significantly larger or more complex roof areas.
Properties can include:
Shops
Offices
Schools
Warehouses
Industrial units
Apartment buildings
Managed developments
Commercial projects may involve specialist access equipment, additional health and safety requirements and coordination with building occupants or other contractors.
Choose a roofing company with appropriate experience for the scale and type of project being undertaken.
What Insurance Should a Roofing Contractor Have?
Roofing involves working at height and carries risks to workers, members of the public and the property itself.
It is sensible to check that a roofing contractor has appropriate insurance for the work being undertaken.
This can include public liability insurance, while contractors employing staff may also have employers' liability obligations.
For larger or higher-value projects, ask to see evidence of current insurance rather than relying solely on a statement that the business is insured.
You may also wish to check that the type and scale of work being undertaken falls within the contractor's insurance cover.
Should a Roofing Contractor Provide a Written Quote?
For anything beyond very minor work, a written quotation is strongly recommended.
A roofing quote should make clear what work is included and, importantly, what is not.
Depending on the project, it may specify:
Scaffolding
Removal of existing materials
Waste disposal
Roof membrane
Battens
Tiles or slates
Flat roofing system
Insulation
Ventilation
Leadwork
Valleys
Ridge and hip systems
Chimney work
Rooflights
Fascias
Soffits
Gutters
Making good
Guarantees
VAT where applicable
A quotation that simply says “replace roof” without explaining the specification makes it much harder to know what you are actually paying for.
Quote or Estimate – What's the Difference?
It is useful to understand whether a contractor is providing a quotation or an estimate.
An estimate generally gives an indication of the expected cost, while a quotation usually sets out an agreed price for a defined scope of work, subject to its terms and any agreed variations.
Roofing projects can sometimes reveal defects that were impossible to see before work began, such as rotten decking or structural timber hidden beneath existing materials.
The contractor should explain how unforeseen additional work will be handled and how any extra cost will be agreed.
How Should I Compare Roofing Quotes?
Do not compare roofing quotations based only on the final figure at the bottom.
Two contractors may appear to be quoting for the same roof while actually proposing very different specifications.
Compare:
Scope of work
Materials
Manufacturer and product
Underlay or membrane
Battens
Insulation
Ventilation
Leadwork
Scaffolding
Waste disposal
Roofline work
Guarantees
VAT
Timescale
Payment terms
If one quotation is substantially cheaper than the others, determine why before making a decision.
The difference could be perfectly legitimate, but it could also mean that significant elements have been excluded.
What Should Be Included in a Roofing Specification?
For larger roofing projects, the specification is extremely important.
Rather than simply stating that a new roof will be installed, it should identify the principal materials and construction method.
For example, a pitched reroof specification might identify:
Roof covering
Underlay
Battens
Fixings
Ventilation
Ridge system
Hip system
Verge details
Valley construction
Leadwork
Rooflights
Gutters and roofline work
A flat roofing specification might identify the roof deck, vapour-control layer, insulation, waterproofing system, trims and drainage.
The more clearly the work is specified, the easier it becomes to compare quotations and assess the completed work.
Should I Choose the Cheapest Roofing Contractor?
Not necessarily.
Price is important, but the cheapest quotation does not automatically represent the best value.
Consider what is actually included.
A higher quotation might include better materials, scaffolding, waste disposal, insulation upgrades, more extensive preparation or a stronger specification.
Equally, a high price doesn't automatically guarantee better workmanship.
The objective is to compare price, specification, experience and reputation together.
Should I Pay a Roofing Contractor a Deposit?
Payment arrangements vary depending on the contractor and size of the project.
A contractor may request a deposit or staged payments, particularly where materials need to be ordered in advance.
Before paying significant sums, make sure you understand:
What the payment covers
When subsequent payments are due
What stage the project should have reached
The total contract value
How additional work will be agreed
The contractor's cancellation terms where applicable
For larger projects, a clearly documented payment schedule can help both parties understand when payments are expected.
What Are Stage Payments?
Stage payments divide the project cost into agreed payments linked to progress.
For example, payments might be associated with materials arriving, completion of particular phases or final completion.
The precise structure depends on the project and contractor.
The important point is that both parties understand the payment arrangement before work begins.
Avoid unclear arrangements where large additional payments are requested without an explanation of what they relate to.
What Happens If Extra Work Is Discovered?
Some roofing defects remain hidden until existing materials are removed.
Examples can include:
Rotten decking
Damaged rafters
Defective battens
Structural movement
Previously concealed water damage
A contractor cannot always price unseen defects in advance.
However, the original quotation should ideally explain how unforeseen work will be handled.
If additional work becomes necessary, ask for the problem to be explained and the additional cost agreed before the extra work proceeds where practical.
Photographs can be useful where defects are uncovered in inaccessible areas.
Should a Roofing Contractor Use Subcontractors?
Some roofing companies use subcontractors for particular parts of a project, and this is not necessarily a problem.
Scaffolding, specialist leadwork, structural work or other elements may be completed by separate contractors.
For larger projects, it can be worth asking:
Who will actually carry out the roofing work?
Who supervises the project?
Who is responsible for the finished work?
Who provides the guarantee?
The main contractor should be able to explain how the project will be managed.
Who Arranges the Scaffolding?
This depends on the quotation.
Some roofing contractors arrange scaffolding as part of the project, while others require the customer to organise it separately.
Check whether scaffolding is:
Included in the quoted price
Charged separately
Required for all elevations
Needed for chimney work
Required for temporary weather protection
The access method should be suitable for the work being carried out.
Who Removes Roofing Waste?
A professional quotation should make clear who is responsible for removing waste created by the project.
Roof replacements can generate substantial quantities of old tiles, slates, timber, membrane and packaging.
Ask whether waste removal is included and how it will be managed.
Contractors transporting controlled waste should comply with applicable waste-management requirements.
Do Roofing Contractors Need Qualifications?
There is no single qualification that covers every type of roofing work.
Experience, training and competence can vary between contractors and roofing systems.
Some manufacturers provide specific training or approved-installer schemes for their products.
For specialist systems, ask whether the contractor has relevant training or experience with the product being proposed.
Qualifications and accreditation can be useful indicators, but they should be considered alongside previous work, insurance, references and the quality of the proposed specification.
Do Roofing Contractors Need to Follow Building Regulations?
Some roofing work may be subject to Building Regulations depending on the nature and extent of the project.
This can be particularly relevant to major reroofing, structural alterations, insulation upgrades, new extensions and certain other works.
Requirements can relate to areas including:
Structural safety
Thermal performance
Ventilation
Fire safety
Drainage
The requirements vary according to the project.
For substantial work, establish whether Building Regulations approval or notification is required before construction begins.
What Roofing Guarantee Should I Expect?
Roofing guarantees vary considerably.
Depending on the project, you may be offered:
A workmanship guarantee
Manufacturer's material warranty
Manufacturer-backed system guarantee
Insurance-backed guarantee where available
Ask exactly who provides the guarantee and what it covers.
A guarantee should ideally explain:
Duration
Work covered
Materials covered
Exclusions
Maintenance requirements
Transferability where relevant
Do not choose a contractor purely because they advertise the longest guarantee.
The quality of the specification and installation remains extremely important.
How Can I Check a Roofing Contractor's Previous Work?
Ask for examples of projects similar to yours.
Useful evidence can include:
Photographs
Customer reviews
References
Project descriptions
Before-and-after photographs
For larger projects, you can ask whether the contractor has completed similar roofing systems or buildings previously.
The aim is to establish that the contractor has relevant experience rather than simply general construction experience.
Questions to Ask a Roofing Contractor Before Hiring Them
Before agreeing to substantial roofing work, consider asking:
What is wrong with my existing roof?
What work do you recommend?
Why are you recommending this solution?
What materials will you use?
Who manufactures the roofing system?
Is scaffolding included?
Is waste removal included?
Is VAT included where applicable?
Who will actually carry out the work?
Will subcontractors be used?
How long should the project take?
What happens if bad weather delays the work?
How will the property be protected while the roof is open?
How are additional costs agreed?
What insurance do you have?
What guarantee will I receive?
When are payments due?
A reputable contractor should be able to answer reasonable questions about the proposed work.
Warning Signs When Choosing a Roofing Contractor
Most roofing contractors want to provide good work and build a strong reputation, but homeowners should still take reasonable precautions.
Potential warning signs can include:
Pressure to make an immediate decision
Unclear descriptions of the proposed work
Refusal to provide written details for substantial projects
Requests for unexplained large payments
No clear business contact information
Unwillingness to explain materials
Claims that extensive replacement is required without explaining why
No evidence of appropriate insurance when requested
One warning sign alone does not necessarily mean a contractor is unsuitable, but you should be comfortable with the company and proposed work before proceeding.
Roofing Contractors for Emergency Work
Some roofing contractors also undertake urgent repairs following leaks, storms or sudden roof damage.
Emergency work can involve:
Temporary weatherproofing
Leak investigation
Replacing missing tiles
Securing damaged materials
Flat roof repairs
Storm damage repairs
For urgent roofing problems where water is actively entering the property or the roof has suffered significant sudden damage, use the dedicated iProTrades Emergency Roofer service.
Find Roofing Contractors Near You
Whether you're planning a complete roof replacement, pitched roof installation, roof repair, slate roof, tiled roof, flat roof, chimney work or leadwork, iProTrades can help you find roofing contractors for your project.
Enter your postcode, describe the work required and upload photographs where possible.
For larger roofing projects, provide as much information as you can, including drawings, measurements or specifications where available. Giving contractors a clear description of the project can help them understand the work and provide more meaningful quotations.
You can then compare up to 3 quotes from local roofing contractors and decide which contractor is suitable for your project.