How to Start a Roofing Business in 2026 (UK)

The Reality: Roofing is not a ladder business. It is a safety, access, and scope control business. You win on accurate surveys, clean edges, and predictable schedules. You lose money when access is underpriced, weather delays are unmanaged, and hidden defects are absorbed for free.

Plug this into the broader growth system outlined in From Van to Empire Scaling Guide, How to Scale from One Van to Three, and Service Business Pricing Mastery 2026.

Choose Your Roofing Business Model

Pick one model to start. Mixing everything early makes quoting inconsistent and margins unstable.

Decision shortcut:

• Start with domestic repairs if you are solo.
• Add full re-roofs when you can price access and waste properly.
• Move into commercial once your systems and photos prove quality.

Legal and Safety (UK)

There is no specific license required, but you must operate safely and comply with workplace rules.

Key safety basics

• Working at Height Regulations apply on ladders, towers, or scaffolds.
• Risk assessments should be documented before every job.
• Asbestos awareness is important for older properties and roof sheets.
• Lead work requires proper handling and dust control.
• Building Control may apply for structural changes or insulation upgrades.

If you are unsure, check with local Building Control before starting work.

Insurance You Need (Do Not Skip This)

A slipped tile or leak can become an expensive claim.

For a deeper breakdown, see: Field Service Insurance Guide 2026.

Startup Costs: Lean vs Professional

Lean Start (£4,000 to £10,000)

• Ladders, harness, and basic safety kit
• Hand tools and power tools
• Tarps and temporary weather protection
• Small van or estate car
• Insurance and basic marketing

Professional Start (£15,000 to £40,000)

• Reliable van with racking
• Access tower or scaffold partnership
• Nail guns, compressors, and cutters
• Waste handling and skip accounts
• Branded uniform and signage

Essential Equipment Checklist

Tier 1: Must-Have

• Ladders, roof ladder, and fall protection
• Hammer, slate ripper, nail puller, and knife set
• Cordless drills and impact drivers
• Tarps, edge protection, and temporary seals
• PPE, gloves, goggles, and dust masks

Tier 2: Add Once Cash Flow Is Stable

• Mobile access tower or scaffold partnership
• Nail gun and compressor
• Thermal camera or moisture meter
• Gutter vacuum and inspection camera
• Laser measure for fast takeoffs

Pricing Strategy That Actually Works

Roofing margin disappears when access and waste are priced wrong.

Set your hourly floor

Target monthly income + overhead + taxes = revenue target Revenue target / billable hours = hourly floor

Example: £5,500 target income + £1,300 overhead = £6,800 £6,800 / 105 billable hours = £65 per hour minimum

Common pricing models

• Per job: Best for repairs and small re-roofs.
• Per square metre: Best for larger roofs and commercial work.
• Day rate: Good for snagging, small leaks, and emergency work.

Pricing rules that protect profit

• Separate access (scaffold, tower, edge protection) from labor.
• Include waste and skip costs in every quote.
• Price higher for steep pitch, fragile tiles, and limited access.
• Define number of coats or layers for flat roofs.

Need help with objections? Use: How to Handle Price Objections Without Dropping Rate.

Quote Template (Copy/Paste)

Use this to avoid scope creep and surprises.

Job:
Address:
Scope:
- Roof type: [tile, slate, flat]
- Area: [sqm or section]
- Works: [replace, repair, re-felt, re-batten]
Access:
- [scaffold/tower/ladder] included
Materials:
- Included (brand/spec listed)
Exclusions:
- Structural timber replacement unless quoted
- Electrical work, solar removal, or chimney rebuild
Weather:
- Delays due to unsafe conditions will be rescheduled
Price:
- £[amount]
Payment terms:
- [deposit] on booking, balance on completion

If you need stronger protection, add a contract: How to Write Trade Business Contracts.

Change Orders for Hidden Defects

Rotten timbers and failed membranes are common. Protect yourself with a simple rule:

Change order request:
- Additional scope: £[amount] + [extra days]
- Approved by client: [name + date]

If the customer changes scope mid-job, use this: Customer Changed Job Scope After You Started.

Weather Delay Policy (Copy/Paste)

Roofing is weather-sensitive. Set expectations in writing.

We work in safe weather conditions only. If wind, rain, or ice makes the roof unsafe,
we will pause and reschedule. Delays do not change the quoted price, but the completion
date may move to the next available slot.

More on cancellations: Winter Weather Job Cancellations: Should You Charge?.

Build a Service Menu (So You Can Quote Fast)

Start with 3 core services and defined scope.

Add-ons to upsell:

• Moss removal and treatment
• Chimney flashing repairs
• Roofline painting or repairs

Deposits and Progress Payments

Roofing is materials heavy. Do not fund it yourself.

Common options:

• 30 percent deposit on booking
• 40/40/20 for larger projects
• Materials paid up front if supply is volatile

If a customer refuses a deposit, treat it as a red flag: Customer Refuses to Pay Deposit: Red Flags.

Quality Control Checklist

Finish quality wins reviews and protects referrals.

• Check flashing and leadwork edges
• Confirm ridge lines and tile alignment
• Clear all gutters and debris
• Take completion photos before leaving
• Walk through the job with the client

Winning Customers (Fast)

Roofing is local and trust-driven.

• Before and after photos on Google Business Profile weekly
• Yard signs or scaffold signage while on site
• 10 reviews in your first 60 days
• Partnerships with landlords and builders
• Quote turnaround within 24 hours

For local SEO that works, use: Local SEO for Trade Businesses 2026.

Turn One-Offs Into Repeat Work

Repeat work keeps the calendar full.

• Annual inspections for landlords
• Seasonal gutter cleaning and minor repairs
• Maintenance plans for commercial sites

Need templates? Use: Maintenance Contract Templates 2026.

Metrics to Track Every Week

These metrics show whether the business is healthy:

• Revenue per job
• Quote win rate
• Weather delay rate
• Call-back or snag rate
• Average margin per job
• Overdue invoices count

Software That Actually Helps

Avoid heavy software until you have stable demand.

Month 1 to 3: Keep It Simple

• Scheduling: Google Calendar
• Quotes and invoices: Toolfy (£29/month includes scheduling + invoices + payment tracking)
• Customer details: Spreadsheet or notes app

Month 3 to 12: Systemize

• Job management: Toolfy handles scheduling, invoices, customer records, and payment tracking
• Payments: Send card or bank transfer links the same day
• Reminders: Automated payment follow-ups for late invoices
• Reviews: Trigger review requests after every completed job

Toolfy quick setup (30 minutes)

• Create service templates for repairs, re-roofs, and flat roofs.
• Save your weather policy and exclusions in the quote template.
• Turn on payment reminders for overdue invoices.
• Track photos and snag notes per job.

Your First 90 Days Action Plan

Week 1-2: Foundation

• Register with HMRC
• Get insurance quotes
• Build your service menu and prices
• Create a quote template with inclusions and exclusions

Week 3-4: Go Live

• Create a Google Business Profile
• Photograph your first 5 jobs
• Collect 5 reviews
• Book 2 multi-day jobs with deposits

Week 5-8: Tighten the Process

• Track access and waste costs on every job
• Add a weather delay policy
• Build a referral offer for neighbours
• Set up Toolfy for quotes and invoicing

Week 9-12: Scale the Round

• Target landlords and property managers
• Add a second trade partner or subcontractor
• Refine your service menu and remove low-margin jobs
• Build a seasonal plan for winter slowdowns

Final Word: Access Wins

The best roofers do not just replace tiles. They manage access, scope, and weather with clear systems. Price for risk, document changes, and keep your processes tight.

Need job management software built for roofing businesses? Toolfy handles scheduling, quoting, invoicing, and payment tracking for £29/month. Built for UK service teams that want to get paid faster with less admin. See how Toolfy works ->