It is one of the oldest tricks in the building trade. Someone knocks on your door, says they have noticed a few slipped tiles on your roof, and offers to fix them cheaply, today. It sounds helpful. It often is not.
We see the results regularly. In one recent job, a customer was told by door-to-door traders that he simply had some slipped tiles they could replace for a relatively low price. Once scaffolding was up, they damaged the roof and tried to extract more and more money from him. He realised what was happening and called us on a friend’s recommendation. This guide explains the warning signs and how to protect yourself.
Warning signs of a roofing scam
- They turn up unannounced and say they have noticed a problem with your roof.
- They pressure you to decide today. Genuine roofers do not need an instant answer.
- The price is vague or keeps changing, and there is no itemised written quote.
- They ask for cash or a large deposit upfront.
- They show you photos on a phone that may not be of your roof, or refuse to let you inspect the problem.
- They put up scaffolding first and then discover extra work.
- There is no local address or company details, only a mobile number.
What to do if someone knocks
- Do not let them onto the roof or agree to anything on the doorstep.
- Say no thank you and close the door.
- If you are worried about your roof, ask a trusted local roofer to inspect it.
- Take photos of any work or damage already done, and keep any paperwork.
- If you feel threatened, or you think a crime is being committed, contact the police. You can also report rogue traders to Citizens Advice or Trading Standards.
How to check a roofer is genuine
- Local address and phone number. A real business can be visited and contacted.
- Insurance. Ask for proof of public liability insurance. We hold £1,000,000 of cover.
- A written, itemised quote. It should name the materials and list every cost, including scaffolding.
- A real guarantee. Ask what stands behind it if the firm stops trading. Ours is insurance-backed.
- Reviews and examples of work, including before-and-after photos. See our projects.
- Directly employed roofers, not anonymous sub-contractors.
Why a proper inspection matters
A scam artist’s tile repair is often nothing of the kind. In the case above, the roof was in fact the original, the clay tiles had become porous and the nibs were falling off the battens, and there was no underlay. A real inspection showed that a repair would only buy time, so we gave the customer both options, and he chose to replace the roof. Read more about the job on our tile roofing page.
Need your roof checked?
If you want an honest opinion, we offer free surveys and itemised written quotes across Putney, Wimbledon and South West London, and a drone survey lets you see the roof for yourself. Call 020 3633 9588 or request a free quote.
Roofing scam FAQs
Is it illegal for roofers to knock on doors?
Cold calling is not itself illegal, but pressuring you, misleading you about the condition of your roof or damaging it to create work can be. If in doubt, say no and seek an independent opinion.
What if I have already paid a deposit?
Keep all paperwork and messages and contact your bank, Citizens Advice or Trading Standards. If work has been done badly, an independent roofer can document the problem.
How can I get a second opinion?
Ask a local roofer for a free survey. A drone survey gives you photographs of the roof that you can keep.