To find a reliable Canterbury roofer, verify NFRC registration, ask to see £2m+ public liability insurance, get three in-person quotes, and confirm what happens if extra damage is found. Avoid door-to-door canvassers, large upfront cash deposits, and any roofer who won't provide a written itemised quote or a guarantee in writing.
Roofing generates more consumer complaints than almost any other trade in the UK. The combination of high ticket values, work that isn't immediately visible once completed, and the ease with which a van and a ladder can pass as a business creates opportunities for poor operators. This is not to say most roofers are bad — the majority are not. But a few simple checks will reliably separate the professionals from the chancers.
Check NFRC Registration
The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) is the principal trade body for the UK roofing industry. Member companies must carry adequate public liability insurance, meet minimum standards for workmanship and training, and agree to an independent complaints procedure. NFRC registration is not a guarantee of quality, but it is a meaningful baseline filter. You can verify any company's membership at nfrc.co.uk. Any company claiming NFRC registration that doesn't appear on the register should be disqualified immediately.
NFRC member companies must carry adequate public liability insurance, meet workmanship standards, and agree to an independent complaints procedure — verifiable on the NFRC online register.
Source: National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) membership criteria
Ask for Public Liability Insurance — and Verify It
Any professional roofing company operating in Canterbury should carry a minimum of £2 million public liability insurance, and ideally £5 million. Ask to see the certificate before work begins. The certificate should show the insurer's name, the policy number, the named insured (which should match the company you're engaging), and the expiry date. If a company is reluctant to provide this, do not proceed.
We're NFRC Registered and Fully Insured
Ask us for our registration details and insurance certificate — we'll provide both without hesitation.
Get Three Quotes — In Person
Reputable roofers survey in person before quoting. A quote provided remotely — by phone, from the ground, or from photos alone — is not a reliable quote. It will either be deliberately low (to win the job, with variations to follow) or unreliably estimated. Three in-person quotes give you a realistic price range and also give you three opportunities to assess whether you trust each company.
Ask What Happens If Additional Problems Are Found
This is the most important question to ask, because it's where dishonest operators extract additional money. The correct answer is: 'We'll show you what we've found, explain the options, and agree any variation in writing before proceeding.' Any answer that implies work will proceed without prior agreement — including 'we'll sort it and add it to the invoice' — is a red flag.
Check Reviews — But Check Them Properly
Google reviews are the most reliable source. Read the negative reviews, not just the star average — how a company responds to criticism tells you more than the glowing five-star posts. Look for reviews that describe specific jobs rather than vague praise. Be cautious of companies with large numbers of very similar short reviews posted over a short period — this pattern sometimes indicates manufactured reviews.
Red Flags to Walk Away From
- Door-to-door canvassing — 'we're working nearby and noticed your roof'
- Requests for large upfront cash deposits (more than 20–25% before work begins)
- Pressure to decide immediately or 'lose the slot'
- Unwillingness to provide a written, itemised quote
- No verifiable address or landline number
- Guarantee offered verbally but not in writing
- No NFRC registration or insurance certificate on request
Get the Guarantee in Writing
A verbal 10-year guarantee is worthless. The guarantee should be a signed document that specifies the scope of work covered, the duration, what is excluded, and what the process is for making a claim. If the company cannot provide this, the guarantee does not exist in any meaningful sense.
We Tick Every Box
NFRC registered, fully insured, written 10-year guarantee on all roofing work. Serving Canterbury and East Kent since 2005.