How to avoid cowboy roofers

Your roof is out of sight, hard to inspect and expensive to fix — which is exactly why roofing attracts more than its share of cowboy traders and doorstep scammers. A good roofer is a brilliant investment; a cowboy can leave you thousands out of pocket with a worse roof than you started with. Here's how to tell them apart.

The classic cowboy tactics

Be on your guard if any of these happen:

• The doorstep knock. "We're working on a roof just down the road and noticed some loose tiles / slipped flashing on yours." Genuine roofers rarely tout for work this way.
• Manufactured urgency. "This needs doing today or it'll cause serious damage." Pressure is a scam's best friend.
• Cash up front. They want a big payment before starting, or "money for materials" and then vanish.
• Vague, verbal-only pricing. No written quote, no company details, no paperwork.
• Scare photos. They show you alarming "photos of your roof" that may not even be yours.
• The price creep. A small quoted job suddenly uncovers "much worse damage" once they're up there.

How to protect yourself

1. Never agree to doorstep roofing work

If someone turns up uninvited, say no — even if they're right that there's a problem. Take your time and find your own roofer. Genuine issues will still be there tomorrow.

2. Get three written quotes

For anything beyond a tiny repair, get at least three quotes in writing, each describing the same scope of work so you can compare fairly. Be suspicious of one that's wildly cheaper — it usually means corners cut. (See do I need three quotes?)

3. Check they're a real, traceable business

• A proper company name, landline or consistent mobile, and a real address.
• Years of trading history and a track record you can verify.
• Membership of a recognised body such as the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), the Confederation of Roofing Contractors, or TrustMark.

4. Insist on insurance

Roofing is high-risk, working at height. Your roofer must have public liability insurance (ask to see the certificate). Without it, you could be exposed if someone is injured or your property is damaged. (See what insurance a tradesperson should have.)

5. Ask for references and recent photos

A good roofer will happily show you nearby jobs and put you in touch with past customers. Ring them.

6. Control the money

• Never pay the full amount up front.
• A modest deposit for materials is reasonable; the bulk should follow completed work.
• Pay by a traceable method and get a receipt.

7. Get a guarantee in writing

Quality roofing work should come with a workmanship guarantee. Get the length and terms in writing.

A quick word on scaffolding and safety

For most roof work above a single storey, proper access (scaffolding or a tower) is needed — not someone balancing on a ladder. If a "roofer" won't use safe access, that tells you plenty about their standards.

Find a trusted roofer near you

The safest roof job starts with choosing the roofer yourself, on your terms. Browse local roofers on GotAPal, read honest reviews from homeowners in your area, and message a shortlist for written quotes — no doorstep pressure, no surprises.