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

A nationwide research survey of roofers revealed that ‘weeding out’ rogue roofers is the most pressing issue for those working in the roofing trade.

Almost three quarters (72 percent) of all respondents, in a survey conducted by Chandlers Roofing Supplies say that work by unscrupulous roofers was the top issue facing the future of the roofing trade.

A staggering 73 percent of roofers 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.

The ageing profile of the roofing trade was the second most pressing issue for the roofing trade with almost two thirds (58%) of respondents saying that the ageing workforce was a critical issue for the trade.

In addition, 95% of UK roofers feel they are the least appreciated among all trades people. According to a third of respondents, electricians attract the most appreciation from customers, followed by carpenters or chippys and in third place plumbers. Brickies and roofers were identified as the least appreciated trades. This is despite the fact that almost half (46%) of roofers report working a seven-day week at least once a month, with 20% working a seven-day week ‘more often than not.’

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

Notwithstanding the feelings of being ‘ambushed’ by rogue roofers and generally under-appreciated by customers, half of all roofers say they ‘always enjoy’ their job, 48% say they ‘sometimes enjoy’ their trade with only 2 percent saying they don’t enjoy being a roofer. 44% of roofers would even recommend roofing as a career to a friend or family member.

When questioned about their earnings, almost half (47%) said they ‘are comfortable’, 22% say they are ‘doing well’ and a quarter say they ‘get by’.

Sue McKinney, of Chandlers Roofing Supplies said: “Its 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.”

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

Working at a height is reported as the biggest occupational risk according to 53% of roofers followed by 37 per cent saying that inclement weather is a high risk. However, the development of new materials and tools was identified by half of respondents as the key factor that has made the roofer’s job easier and safer. A further quarter of respondents say that training in health and safety has benefited the trade.

Sue McKinney of Chandlers Roofing Supplies, said: “It is very clear that roofers work hard, putting in a seven day week on a regular basis and in often challenging conditions, so we do need to show them some appreciation. We want to hear about fantastic roofing projects and wonderful roofers. You can share your stories of appreciation on Facebook @ChandlersbuildingSupplies.”

Chandlers Roofing Supplies is opening two new roofing stores shortly in Tonbridge and Harrow to add to its existing 12-store network.
www.chandlersbs.co.uk

The survey was conducted among 499 roofers during December 2018 and was commissioned by Chandlers Roofing Supplies in association with Fix Radio – the tradespeople’s radio