Rogue Roofers Identified as Blight on ‘Under-Appreciated’ Trade

A NATIONWIDE survey of roofers revealed that ‘weeding out’ rogue roofers is the most pressing issue for those working in the industry.

The survey, conducted by Chandlers Roofing Supplies, revealed that 72% of roofers feel that work by unscrupulous cowboys is the top issue facing the future of the roofing trade. Another 73% said they had been called upon to rectify ‘shoddy’ roofing work by a rogue roofer on at least one occasion in the last 12 months.

According to 58% of respondents, the ageing profile of the roofing trade is the second most pressing issue. In addition, 95% of roofers feel they are the least appreciated among all tradespeople. According to a third of respondents, electricians attract the most appreciation from customers, followed by carpenters and plumbers.

Rogue Roofers

Bricklayers and roofers were identified as the least appreciated trades, despite the fact that 46% reported working a seven-day week at least once a month, with 20% working a seven-day week ‘more often than not.’

70% of roofers rated their physical health as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’, yet one fifth reported being off work in the last 2 years due to an injury sustained whilst working. Mental health also appears to be growing issue for roofers with 18% saying that they, or a colleague, had suffered from a mental health issue over the past 12 months.

Biggest Risk

Working at a height was said to be the biggest occupational risk according to 53%. However, the development of new materials and tools was identified by half of respondents as the key factor that has made roofing jobs easier and safer. A further quarter of respondents say that training in health and safety has benefited the trade.

Asked how they became roofers, 35% of respondents said they ‘fell into’ the trade, while in excess of a quarter report that the roofing trade has been in the family. Only 1 in 10 had been down the roofing apprenticeship route.

Sue McKinney, a spokesperson for Chandlers Roofing Supplies, said: “It’s not surprising that customers are somewhat unappreciative when subjected to the services of rogue roofers. Nevertheless, it needs to be highlighted that the vast majority of roofers work exceptionally hard and to a very high standard completing excellent projects for customers.”

“It is very clear that roofers work hard, putting in a seven-day week on a regular basis, often in challenging conditions, so we need to show them some appreciation.”