The quality of a roof coating job depends on two things in roughly equal measure: the product being used and the people applying it. A premium coating system applied poorly will underperform. An adequate coating system applied by a skilled, experienced team will often outperform expectations. Choosing the right contractor is, therefore, not a secondary consideration. It is central to the outcome.
The UK has a large number of roofing contractors, and not all of them have the same standards of workmanship, product knowledge, or business practice. Here is what we would look for if we were homeowners choosing a contractor, drawing on everything we have seen and learned at Will Fix It over the years.
Do They Carry Adequate Insurance?
This is the first question and it is non-negotiable. Any contractor working on your roof should carry public liability insurance, and you should ask to see it before any work begins. Employer’s liability insurance is also required for any contractor with employees. If a contractor is reluctant to provide evidence of insurance, that tells you something important.
Accidents on roofing jobs are rare but they do happen. Without proper insurance, liability for any incident falls in a direction you do not want it to.
Can They Show Relevant Experience?
Not all roofing experience is the same. A contractor who primarily works on pitched tiled roofs may not have the same depth of knowledge about liquid-applied coating systems as one who specialises in flat roofing and coatings. Ask specifically about their experience with the type of roof you have and the coating system they are proposing to use.
Before and after photographs of previous coating jobs are a reasonable thing to ask for. Contractors who are proud of their work are generally happy to share them.
Are They Accredited by Manufacturers or Trade Bodies?
Some coating manufacturers require contractors to complete installer training before they will validate the product warranty on a job. This is actually a significant benefit to the homeowner, because it means the coating warranty is only as strong as the installer. Contractor accreditation is worth asking about, particularly for premium coating systems.
Membership of relevant trade bodies such as the National Federation of Roofing Contractors is another positive indicator, though accreditation is not limited to those organisations.
Will They Provide a Written, Itemised Quote?
A verbal quote is not good enough for a job of this nature. You want a written document that clearly sets out what is included in the price: the preparation work, the specific coating product being used, the number of coats, any repair work included, the workmanship warranty period, and the total cost. Any ambiguity in a quote is worth resolving before you commit.
At Will Fix It, every quote we issue is written, itemised, and based on a physical survey of the roof. That is the standard we hold ourselves to and the standard we would encourage homeowners to expect from any contractor.
What Do Their Reviews Say?
Star ratings tell you very little on their own. What matters is the substance of the reviews. Look for consistent themes in what customers say about communication, the quality of the finished work, punctuality, and how the contractor handled any issues that arose. Negative reviews are not necessarily a red flag if the contractor has responded professionally and resolved the issue. How a company handles problems tells you more about their character than how they handle everything going right.
Checkatrade, Google Reviews, and Trustpilot are all worth checking. Local Facebook groups and Nextdoor can also provide candid neighbourhood-level feedback.
How Do They Communicate?
This one matters more than it might seem. A contractor who is prompt, clear, and professional in their communication before the job is far more likely to be the same during and after it. Slow responses to initial enquiries, vague answers to specific questions, or reluctance to commit things to writing are all indicators worth paying attention to.
Do They Offer a Meaningful Workmanship Warranty?
Product warranties from manufacturers are one thing, but the workmanship warranty from the contractor is equally important. A contractor who is confident in the quality of their installation will stand behind it with a meaningful warranty period. Those who are not may offer limited or no workmanship guarantee.
Choosing a roof coating contractor carefully takes a little more time upfront, but it protects you considerably further down the line.
At Will Fix It, we’re happy to answer all of these questions before you commit to anything. Find out more about our roof coating service and get in touch to arrange your free survey.