A
roofer constructs and repairs roofs on all kinds of buildings. The jobs a roofer does can range from stripping and re-slating a roof on a domestic dwelling, working on a renovation project on an historic building, to working as part of a team on a commercial development. Therefore it's important to
find a roofer who is right for your needs.
Image: Roofer in action
A roofer will often specialise in one or more areas:
- Roof slating and tiling - using traditional slate, pre-fabricated concrete tiles and synthetic slates to cover pitched roofs and walls
- Built-up felt roofing and mastic asphalt - using felt or mastic asphalt to provide a waterproof shield often found on flat roofs
- Roof sheeting and cladding - fixing lightweight metallic or synthetic sheets to a building's superstructure, such as a new factory unit
- Lead-sheeting - creating a waterproof covering by using lead (sometimes copper) rolls, often seen on schools and churches
- Thatching - specialist skill using natural materials to provide roof coverings
The main aspects of roofing include stripping off (where appropriate) the existing roof; checking the underlying structure is sound e.g. roof timbers; calculating surface areas to be covered and quantities of materials required; in the case of slating - re-sizing, cutting and re-holing of slates; with felt roofing - working with hazardous materials such as molten bitumen; re-covering the roof area and finishing off with mortar or synthetic sealants to ensure roof is watertight. A roofer will use a range of hand and power tools depending on the job.
Find a roofer top tips
Take care when trying to find a roofer. Select the roofer you are happiest with. Take your time, don't rush into choosing - it's important you get it right. Cowboy roofers really are out there and can come across as really nice people. An incomplete extension and no money left is an all too common situation and not a pleasant one - but it can be avoided.
- Search on JuggleFrogs for local roofers
- Ask local friends and family for recommendations
- Ask neighbours for roofer recommendations
Hiring a roofer
There are steps to consider when hiring a roofer:
- Ensure the company is reputable - check references
- Remember the cheapest price does not always equal best value and most expensive does not mean best quality
- Be clear about the work needed - take care to include enough detail in your written job requirement so that each tradesperson starts with a good understanding of your needs. This is essential if you are to get comparable quotations
- Get multiple quotations in writing from at least 3 roofers - breaking down labour and material costs
- If your roofer is a member of a Trade Association then phone the scheme to check and find out what checks the Builder's Trade Association has in place.
Ask as many questions as you need - a good roofer will be happy to spend time with you and answer all of your questions. They should also be able to give you useful ideas.
Questions to ask potential roofer:
- When can they do the roofing work?
- How much is it inc VAT?
- What qualifications have they got?
- How long have they been in business?
- Is the roofing work guaranteed?
- If additional costs accrue during works, how will they be calculated?
- Do they have public liability and employers liability insurance?
Be sure to weigh up the benefits of working with one roofer over another roofer. If they offer more experience, or proof that they can do the job you want with the quality of workmanship you require, it might be worth paying those extra few pounds or waiting longer for them to start the roofing works.
Know a good roofer
If you know a good roofer remember to spread the good news and recommend them on JuggleFrogs.
Good luck with you mission to find a roofer and if you need any help let us know!