How to Handle a Bad Roofing Job in the UK

Welcome to the Blackpool Roofers guide on “How to Handle a Bad Roofing Job in the UK”. If you’ve recently had work done on your roof, the last thing you want to discover is that the job was poorly executed. A good roofing job is crucial for the structural integrity of your home, as it protects your property from the elements and contributes to its overall energy efficiency.

Unfortunately, not all roofing jobs meet the high standards we hope for. Whether due to a lack of skill, negligence, or dishonesty, bad roofing jobs are a distressing reality that many homeowners face. They can lead to a multitude of problems, such as leaks, structural damage, and even safety issues.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to identify a bad roofing job, your rights as a consumer, and the steps you can take if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation. From communicating with your contractor to seeking legal advice, we aim to provide you with a comprehensive roadmap to navigate this challenging situation and find a resolution.

Identifying a Bad Roofing Job

Before you can address the issue of a bad roofing job, you first need to be able to identify one. It’s important to remember that not all roofing problems are immediately visible, and some issues may take time to manifest. Here are some key signs and symptoms of a poorly done roofing job:

1. Incorrect Shingle Installation: Shingles should be flat and properly aligned. If you notice that they are curling, buckling, or appearing uneven, this could be a sign of a bad roofing job.
2. Poor Flashing Installation: Flashing is used to prevent water from entering your home at intersections or joints. If you see loose or poorly attached flashing or even notice leaks during or after a rainstorm, these are red flags.
3. Missing Underlayment: The underlayment is a barrier applied to the roof deck before installing the shingles. It provides an additional layer of protection from water and wind. If this layer is missing, it’s a sign of a bad roofing job.
4. Improper Ventilation: Proper attic ventilation helps maintain a balance of air intake and exhaust, and it’s crucial for prolonging the lifespan of your roof. If your contractor didn’t account for this, you may face issues like excessive heat in the attic, peeling exterior paint, or warped shingles.
5. Incomplete or Messy Worksite: A professional roofing contractor should clean up the worksite after each day of work and upon completion. If you’re left with a mess, it might reflect the overall quality of the job.

Your Rights as a Consumer

The first point of reference is the Consumer Rights Act 2015, which stipulates that any service provided to you should be carried out with reasonable care and skill. In the context of a roofing job, this means that the work should be done competently, safely, and to a standard that you would reasonably expect from a skilled professional. If the work is substandard, you have the right to request that the job be redone or fixed at no extra cost, but there are time limits for this.

If you choose to have the work redone, you must allow the trader a reasonable time to complete the repair or replacement without causing significant inconvenience to you. If they can’t fix the problem within a reasonable time, or without causing significant inconvenience, you can claim a price reduction.

Your rights also extend to any verbal or written agreements made before the work was done. If, for example, the contractor promised to complete the work by a certain date or to use specific materials, and they failed to do so, this constitutes a breach of contract. In such cases, you may be entitled to a price reduction or even to seek damages.

In addition to the Consumer Rights Act, warranties or guarantees offered by the contractor or the manufacturer of the roofing materials can also protect you. Always ensure you understand the terms and conditions of these warranties or guarantees, as they can provide additional avenues for resolving disputes or seeking compensation.

Steps to Take if You’re Unsatisfied with Your Roofing Job

If you find yourself dissatisfied with your roofing job, it’s important to take swift and decisive action. Here are some steps you can take to address the situation:

1. Communicate Your Dissatisfaction: The first step is to contact the contractor or roofing company and explain your concerns. Be clear about what you’re unhappy with and what you expect to be done to rectify the situation. It’s often best to do this in writing so there’s a record of your communication.
2. Document the Issues: Take pictures or videos of the problematic areas as evidence of poor workmanship. If possible, compare these to pictures taken before the work was done. This can be helpful if disputes arise later on. Also, keep a record of all correspondence with the contractor and any actions taken.
3. Consult with an Independent Expert: If the contractor disputes your claims or refuses to address the issues, you might need an independent assessment. A different roofing contractor or a surveyor can provide a professional opinion and further evidence if needed.
4. File a Formal Complaint: If your concerns are not addressed satisfactorily, it’s time to escalate the matter. File a formal complaint with the company, outlining the issues and what you want them to do. If the company is part of a trade association, you can also file a complaint with the association.