How to start a roofing business
Every roof eventually leaks, and every new building needs one. Roofing pays well, but it is dangerous work with expensive mistakes. Here is how to set up a roofing business that lasts.
Skills and the right equipment
Know the roof types common in your area (sheeting, tiles, IBR, thatch, flat roofs and waterproofing) and start with what you know best. Ladders, scaffolding, harnesses and the right cutting and fixing tools come before marketing.
Working at height is regulated
Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act's Construction Regulations, work at height needs a fall protection plan, trained workers and proper equipment. Falls from roofs are one of the main causes of serious injury in construction. Register with COIDA, and never send untrained workers onto a roof.
Insurance and guarantees
Carry public liability insurance: a leak after your repair can damage a whole house. Give a clear written workmanship guarantee and explain what it covers. Customers trust a roofer who stands behind the work, and it sets you apart.
Suppliers and cash flow
Open trade accounts with roofing and building suppliers, take deposits for materials, and stage payments on bigger jobs. Roofing is seasonal: leaks bring a rush in the rainy months, so use the quiet months for maintenance contracts, inspections and new-build work through builders.
Get found when it rains
When a roof leaks, people search immediately. A free Google Business Profile and a free verified BizBoost listing get you in front of them. Builders, property managers and insurers are good sources of steady work. Our client guide how to find a trusted roofer sends homeowners looking for exactly what you offer.
Common questions
Do I need a licence to start a roofing business?
There is no specific roofing licence, but work at height falls under the Construction Regulations, which require a fall protection plan and trained workers. Building new homes requires NHBRC registration.
What is a fall protection plan?
A written plan required for work at height under the Construction Regulations, setting out the fall risks on a job and how workers will be protected, including equipment and training.
Should a roofer give a guarantee?
Yes. A clear written workmanship guarantee builds trust and sets you apart. Make sure customers understand what it covers and for how long.