So, your roof’s looking a bit dodgy, or maybe the last storm turned a few tiles into frisbees? Either way, you’re about to enter the world of finding a roofer, and if you’ve ever tried before, you’ll know it can feel like the Wild West out there.
Some roofers are absolute pros. Others… well, let’s just say you wouldn’t trust them to fix a shed.
If you want to make sure you’re hiring the best roofing contractors in Manchester, here’s a straightforward checklist to keep you from getting mugged off or left with a leaky nightmare.
- Check for Accreditations (and Don’t Be Fooled by Fancy Logos)
First things first: anyone can say they’re a roofer, but good ones have proper credentials.
In the UK, look for:
- NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) membership
- TrustMark accreditation (that’s Government-endorsed)
- CHAS or SafeContractor health & safety certification
- Manufacturer-approved installer status (for example, if they fit Velux windows or EPDM rubber roofs)
These badges actually mean something because they show the roofer’s work meets professional standards and they’ve passed the right checks.
If a roofer shrugs when you ask about accreditations or tells you “nah, mate, we don’t bother with that paperwork stuff,” take that as your cue to politely show them the door.
- Read Reviews Like a Detective
Reviews are gold dust if you know how to read between the lines.
Hop on Google, Trustpilot, or Checkatrade, and look for companies with consistently high ratings and genuine-sounding feedback. A few pointers:
- Watch for patterned reviews (all written the same way? Probably fake).
- Look for local mentions such as Didsbury, Salford, Stockport, or Trafford Park to confirm they’re actually working in Greater Manchester.
- Read negative reviews too. A good company often replies politely and tries to fix things, while a bad one argues back or disappears.
Remember: one bad review doesn’t make a cowboy, but no reviews at all is a red flag the size of Old Trafford.
- Ask for Detailed Quotes (Not a Number on a Napkin)
When it comes to roofing, vague quotes are your worst enemy.
If someone says “yeah, about £500 mate, give or take” without explaining what’s included, that’s your cue to run.
The best roofing contractors in Manchester will give you a clear, itemised quote that covers:
- Labour costs
- Materials (type of tile, felt, membrane, etc.)
- Scaffolding or skip hire (if needed)
- Waste disposal
- VAT (some conveniently forget to mention it)
A solid roofer will also break down whether it’s a temporary repair or a full replacement, so you can actually compare apples with apples.
Pro tip: Always get at least two or three quotes, and never pay the full amount upfront. A small deposit is fair. The whole bill before work even starts? Nah.
- Ask About Insurance (Theirs and Yours)
A legit roofing company should have public liability insurance and ideally employer’s liability cover too.
That way, if a tile slips off and cracks your neighbour’s car or injures someone, you’re not the one footing the bill.
Don’t be shy about asking for proof. A pro will show you their certificate without fuss. Anyone who gets defensive about it probably doesn’t have any.
Also check your home insurance policy. Some will cover damage caused during repair work, others won’t. It’s worth a quick call before you sign anything.
- Check Out Previous Work
Photos are good, but seeing is better. Ask if they’ve done any recent jobs nearby. Many roofers in Manchester are proud to show off their handiwork and may even point you to a property they’ve worked on down the road.
If they’ve got before-and-after pics, that’s a bonus.
🧱 If all they’ve got is a few grainy photos that look like they were nicked off Google, be suspicious.
You can also ask for references. A quick call to a past customer will tell you more about reliability and workmanship than any website ever will.
- Local is Best (and Faster)
When your roof’s in trouble, you don’t want someone driving up from the other side of the country.
Local roofers know Manchester weather (and it’s a tricky beast), they understand local planning regulations, and they’re usually quicker to respond if things go wrong later.
Plus, if you use a Manchester-based contractor, word of mouth actually means something because they’ve got a reputation to protect.
- Don’t Fall for the “We Were Just in the Area” Trick
This one’s classic. Someone knocks on your door saying, “We were just doing a job nearby and noticed your roof looks a bit iffy.”
Nope. Big nope. That’s the oldest scam in the book.
Legit roofers don’t cold-call or doorstep you. Ever.
Stick to people you contact first, not the ones who conveniently “happen to be passing.”
- Ask About Guarantees (and Read the Small Print)
Any half-decent roofer offers a guarantee on their work, often between 5 and 20 years, depending on the materials.
But here’s the trick: some “guarantees” only cover materials, not the actual workmanship.
So, ask:
- “Is that a manufacturer’s warranty, or your own?”
- “Does it include labour?”
- “What happens if something fails within that period?”
If they start mumbling about “should be fine” instead of giving you paperwork, you know what to do: move on.
- Trust Your Gut (Seriously)
You can read every checklist in the world, but at the end of the day, trust your instincts.
If someone’s giving you bad vibes, turning up late, avoiding straight answers, or pressuring you to pay cash-in-hand, you’re probably right to walk away.
The best roofing contractors in Manchester don’t need to hard-sell you. They let their reviews, credentials, and professionalism do the talking.
Final Word: Your Roof, Your Rules
Your roof’s the only thing keeping Manchester’s rain on the outside where it belongs, so picking the right contractor is worth the effort.
Remember:
- Check accreditations
- Get proper quotes
- Verify insurance
- Ask questions
- Go with your gut
Do that and you’ll find someone who’ll keep your home watertight for years to come, without any nasty surprises.