How to find a Reliable Roofer in Manchester

Manchester Roofing Repairs • September 2, 2024

Finding a reliable roofer in Manchester can be a challenging and stressful task, especially when your roof is leaking and you need a roofer urgently. With so many roofing companies in Manchester, it’s crucial to choose a contractor who is trustworthy, skilled, and experienced. Here’s 10 top tips to help you find the right roofer for your needs.


1. Start with Local Recommendations

The best place to start is by asking friends, family, neighbours, and colleagues for recommendations. Personal referrals are often the most reliable, as they come from people who have first hand experience with the roofer’s work. Additionally, a local roofing company with strong brand recognition in the area is likely to be known by many locals. Companies with a strong brand presence will be more likely to be trustworthy and reliable.


2. Check Online Reviews and Ratings

Once you have a list of potential roofers, take some time to research their online presence. Websites like Google Reviews, Yelp, and Checkatrade can provide valuable insights into a roofer’s reputation. Look for patterns in the reviews—consistent complaints or praise can give you a clearer picture of what to expect. While a few negative reviews are normal, multiple red flags should be taken seriously.


3. Verify Experience and Insurance

It’s essential to ensure that any roofer you consider is properly experienced and insured to carry out work on your property. A reliable roofer should have public liability insurance to protect you from any potential legal or financial issues if an accident occurs on your property. In addition, a reliable roofer will be able to work to high standards of health and safety. Ask to see their method statements or risk assessments to ensure that they can work safely on your property.


4. Ask for References

A reputable roofer will be happy to provide references from previous clients. Contact these references to ask about their experience with the contractor. Questions to consider include: Was the job completed on time? Was the work area kept clean? Did the roofer address any issues promptly and professionally? Speaking directly with past clients can give you peace of mind and help you gauge the roofer’s reliability.


5. Get Multiple Quotes

Don’t settle for the first quote you receive. It’s wise to get at least three estimates from different roofers. This will give you a better idea of the going rate for your project and help you identify any unusually high or low bids. Be cautious of extremely low quotes, as they may indicate subpar materials or workmanship. Conversely, a high bid doesn’t always guarantee superior quality. In addition, the quote process is your chance to verify the reliability of the roofer. Keep an eye out to see if they turn up at your property at the scheduled date and time  and provide a prompt turnaround on your quote. If they are late to the appointment, cancel, or don't show at all, it could be a bad sign of things to come.


6. Review the Contract Carefully

A contract can be implied or in writing. Before hiring a roofer, review the terms of their offer thoroughly. Ensure it includes detailed information about the project, including the scope of work, materials to be used, timeline, payment schedule, and warranty information. A clear, written contract helps protect both parties and sets clear expectations for the project. Phone messages exchanged can also provide valuable evidence of the agreed work, in case of a dispute.


7. Check Your Roofer's Certifications and Previous Work

Find out what qualifications your roofer has relevant for the trade. An experienced and qualified roofer will be able to provide evidence upon request. IN addition, request photos of past jobs completed so that you can review their workmanship. Furthermore, some roofers have certifications from roofing material manufacturers, indicating they have specialised training and expertise with specific products. These certifications can be a sign of a roofer’s commitment to quality and ongoing education in the field.


8. Ask About Warranties

Reliable roofers stand behind their work and offer warranties on both materials and labour. Make sure you understand the terms of the warranty, including its duration and what it covers. A solid warranty is a sign of a roofer’s confidence in their work.


9. Look for Professionalism

Professionalism is a key indicator of reliability. Pay attention to how the roofer communicates, whether they return calls promptly, and how they present themselves during meetings. A professional attitude reflects the roofer’s commitment to delivering high-quality service.


10. Trust Your Instincts

Finally, trust your instincts. If something feels off, or you’re uncomfortable with a roofer, it’s okay to walk away and continue your search. Your roof is a significant investment and you deserve to work with someone who makes you feel confident and secure about working on your home.


For a free quote and advice from our reliable team of roofers, call Manchester Roofing Repairs today - your leading local roofing experts in Manchester.

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When it comes to roofing projects, understanding and adhering to local regulations is essential. Whether you're repairing storm damage, replacing an aging roof, or installing a completely new one, compliance with local rules can save you from fines, delays, and even costly rework. In this post, we’ll guide you through Manchester’s specific roofing regulations and explain why following them is vital for homeowners. Why Are Roofing Regulations Important? Local building regulations are designed to ensure that all construction work, including roofing, is safe, durable, and environmentally friendly. By adhering to these rules, you achieve the following: Protection of Your Home: A compliant roof can withstand Manchester’s frequent rain, wind, and occasional snow. Ensure Safety: A properly installed roof reduces risks like leaks, collapses, or structural instability. Avoid Legal Issues: Non-compliance can lead to fines, enforcement notices, or the need to redo the work. Maintain Property Value: When selling a property, buyers often request proof that any roofing work meets local building regulation compliance and planning restrictions. Key Roofing Regulations in Manchester While roofing regulations may vary slightly depending on your specific borough in Greater Manchester, here are the main rules to be aware of: Planning Permission for Roofing Projects In most cases, roof repairs or replacements don’t require planning permission. However, you’ll need approval if your project significantly alters the building's appearance or height, such as adding dormer windows or changing roof shapes. Homes in conservation areas or listed buildings often have stricter requirements. Building Regulations Compliance Even if planning permission isn’t required, roofing projects must comply with building regulations. This includes ensuring adequate insulation, structural integrity, and proper ventilation. You may need an inspection from a local council budling inspector to confirm compliance. Energy Efficiency Standards Re-roofing projects involving more than 50% of the roof require you to improve the insulation to meet current energy standards. This regulation helps reduce energy bills and aligns with Manchester’s commitment to sustainability and carbon reduction. A well insulated roof can also help you to stay warmer, providing a mor comfortable property to live in. Drainage and Rainwater Runoff Given Manchester's frequent rainfall, proper drainage systems are essential. Roofs must include appropriate guttering and downpipes to direct water safely away from your property. Water run off from roofs generally goes into surface water drains, however you may need further approval from the local water authority if you are tapping into new drains or creating new drainage runs. Fire Safety Regulations New roofs must comply with part B of the building regulations in relation to fire safety. Be aware that if your property is classified as high risk, additional fire safety documentation may be required and you may need to apply to the Building Safety Regulator under the updated building safety act . If you're using materials that could impact fire safety , you must ensure to obtain the required documentation to prove that your roof is compliant with the appropriate standards. Most reputable roofing manufacturers will provide fire safety certificates for their products. Health and Safety During Construction Contractors working on your roof must follow the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. This includes having a safe plan for working at height and minimising risks to workers and homeowners. As the client, it is important for you to do your due diligence when researching for a contractor to use, as you have a duty to ensure they are competent to carry out their work. How to Stay Compliant Hire a Professional Roofing Company - a reputable roofer will be familiar with Manchester’s local regulations and ensure all work complies. Always ask for certifications or proof of accreditation when hiring contractors. Obtain Necessary Permissions Check with your local council to confirm whether your project requires planning permission or a building control application. Your contractor can often handle this on your behalf. Use Approved Materials Only use roofing materials that meet UK safety and quality standards. Your contractor should provide documentation for the materials they use. Schedule Inspections If your project requires building control approval, arrange for inspections at key stages of the work. Keep all paperwork for future reference. What Happens if You Don’t Comply? Non-compliance with local roofing regulations is a serious issue and should not be ignored. If the completed work is not compliant to the required standards, it can lead to fines, delays due to being served with stop notices by the council, expensive repairs, reduced property value. If you are unsure about what is required in accordance with the regulations, get in touch with a qualified roofing contractor.  Manchester Roofing Experts You Can Trust Navigating roofing regulations can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Manchester Roofing Repairs , we specialise in roofing projects across Greater Manchester, ensuring compliance with all local and national regulations. From planning permissions to inspections, we handle the details so you can focus on enjoying your home. Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s make your roofing project a success!
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