How to Spot a Dodgy Roofer (and Choose a Trusted Roofing Contractor Instead)

You can spot a dodgy roofer by their lack of accreditation, written quotes, and transparency.

A trustworthy roofing contractor will always provide insurance details, company registration, and a clear breakdown of costs before starting work.If a roofer pressures you to pay in cash, can’t show proof of training or membership with recognised trade bodies, or avoids written documentation - it’s a major red flag.

Roofing is one of the most important parts of your property, but it’s also one of the most common areas for scams and poor workmanship. Unqualified roofers often leave behind leaks, unsafe installations, or half-finished jobs, costing clients thousands to put right.

At PRC Limited, we frequently repair flat, pitched, and lead roofs that have failed early due to poor workmanship or non-compliant materials. Here’s how to recognise a dodgy roofer - and what to look for in a professional, accredited contractor you can trust.

Why Roofing Scams Are So Common

Roofing scams thrive because most people can’t easily see what’s happening on their roof. Rogue traders take advantage of that. They’ll often turn up unannounced, claiming they were “just passing by” and noticed a problem. Some offer a “free inspection” to get on your property, while others push limited-time offers or “discounted rates” if you pay cash immediately.

They rely on pressure and fear - telling you that urgent work is needed or that damage will get worse if you don’t act right away. In reality, many of these so-called problems are exaggerated or completely fabricated. A reputable roofing company will never use pressure tactics, and they’ll always give you time to check their credentials.

The Warning Signs of a Dodgy Roofer

You can usually tell when something doesn’t feel right. A common red flag is when a roofer refuses to provide a written quote or asks for full payment up front before any work begins. A professional contractor will always give you a written quotation that includes a clear breakdown of materials, timelines, and payment terms.

Unregistered business details are another giveaway. If there’s no company number, address, or landline, it’s worth walking away. The same goes for anyone who can’t show insurance or accreditations. Every legitimate roofing company should have Public Liability Insurance - ideally at least £5 million cover - and be able to prove it.

Rogue roofers also tend to use urgency to their advantage. Claims such as “we can do it today if you pay now” or “we have leftover materials from another job” are classic scam lines. If the contractor has no website, no reviews, and no way of showing previous work, it’s safest not to let them start at all.

What Poor Workmanship Looks Like

Even if someone appears genuine, the quality of their work quickly reveals the truth. PRC Limited has repaired countless roofs across Essex, London, and Kent that failed long before their expected lifespan - usually because the installation was rushed, incomplete, or used the wrong materials.

On flat roofs, common issues include weak detailing around outlets or flashings, incorrect torching temperatures, no vapour control layer, or systems installed without proper drainage.On pitched roofs, poor tiling alignment, missing ridge caps, or badly sealed valleys often indicate inexperience or cost-cutting.And with lead roofing, sloppy joints or incorrectly bossed panels are typical signs that an unqualified roofer has attempted specialist work they weren’t trained for.

We often find roofs less than two years old that already leak, simply because they were installed by contractors with no manufacturer training or system approval.

How to Check if a Roofer Is Legitimate

A reputable roofer should be transparent from the very first contact. Before agreeing to any work, ask for their accreditations, insurance details, and examples of previous projects. Reputable contractors like PRC Limited hold CHAS, SMAS Worksafe, Constructionline Gold, NFRC, and TrustMark certifications, all of which can be verified online.

It’s also worth checking their company registration on Companies House and looking through their website, photos, and reviews. Professional roofers are proud to show their credentials, case studies, and manufacturer approvals for systems such as Langley, Bauder, or Polyroof.

If you receive a quote from someone who refuses to provide this information or gets defensive when asked for paperwork, that’s your sign to move on.

The Hidden Cost of Cheap Roofers

Low quotes can be tempting, but cheap roofing work often ends up being the most expensive in the long run. Poor materials and rushed labour can lead to leaks, damp, and even structural damage, while voiding manufacturer warranties.

PRC Limited has seen many cases where clients have paid twice - once to the unqualified roofer and again to have the work corrected. In one recent example, a flat roof had been “repaired” with standard mastic sealant rather than an approved waterproofing system. Within weeks, the roof failed again and caused water damage inside the building.

The same principle applies to pitched and lead roofing - poor installation, incorrect materials, or lack of expansion detailing can quickly result in cracking, movement, or water ingress. Professional roofing may cost more upfront, but it’s an investment in safety, compliance, and long-term durability.

Why Accreditation Matters

Accreditations are more than badges on a website - they prove that a contractor meets nationally recognised standards for safety, quality, and reliability.

• CHAS (Contractors Health & Safety Assessment Scheme) confirms a company works safely and meets UK health and safety laws.

• SMAS Worksafe recognises commitment to workplace safety and staff welfare.

• Constructionline Gold ensures financial stability, verified insurance, and full pre-qualification for public-sector work.

• TrustMark is the Government Endorsed Quality Scheme for verified trades.

• ISO Certifications (9001, 14001, 45001) demonstrate structured management of quality, environment, and safety.

If a roofer can’t show these or dismisses their importance, that’s usually because they haven’t met the required standards.

What a Trusted Roofing Contractor Looks Like

A professional roofing company is easy to identify once you know what to look for. They communicate clearly, provide itemised written quotations, and are happy to explain their methods and materials. Their branding - from vans to uniforms - is consistent, and they can provide photographic evidence of completed work.

Trusted contractors also take safety seriously, providing risk assessments, method statements, and manufacturer-backed warranties. At PRC Limited, every project is documented from start to finish, ensuring clients receive full transparency, quality control, and peace of mind.

Our experienced teams work across flat, pitched, and lead roofing systems, delivering high standards of workmanship on everything from residential properties to public buildings and heritage refurbishments.

If You’ve Already Been Scammed

If you suspect you’ve been targeted by a rogue roofer or left with unfinished or substandard work, report the incident to Trading Standards, Citizens Advice, or Action Fraud. Keep all written quotes, messages, and receipts, and avoid letting anyone else touch the roof until it’s properly assessed.

PRC Limited can help by carrying out an independent roof survey with a photographic condition report. This documentation can support insurance claims or legal cases if necessary.

How PRC Limited Can Help

Whether you need a professional inspection, emergency repair, or full roof refurbishment, PRC Limited provides transparent, accredited service across Essex, London, and Kent.

We operate with full CHAS, SMAS, and Constructionline Gold accreditation and are trusted by councils, schools, and commercial clients for safe, compliant roofing.

If you’re unsure about a quote or want a second opinion, book a professional roof survey today. We’ll assess your flat, pitched, or lead roof, explain your options clearly, and help you make an informed decision — without pressure or hidden costs.