As the part of our properties that provides us with protection from the elements, it’s fair to say that roofs are intrinsic to the structure of many buildings. Whilst this is an aspect of our homes that we rarely see, we can take comfort in the fact that our roofs are constructed from durable materials and, come rain or shine, they will continue to provide shelter from unpredictable weather.
That being said, although roofs are indeed built to last, years and years of harsh winters and scorching summers can begin to take their toll and, at some point, you may find that your roof requires a bit of maintenance work to restore it back to its former glory. From fixing leaks to replacing damaged roof tiles, different repairs may be required to ensure your roof is in optimum condition and as the title suggests, these should always be carried out by an approved roofing specialist.
When considering why you should rely on a licensed professional to complete roofing work, the most obvious answer is simply that they will do a better job than someone less qualified. However, while this is likely to be true, there are a whole host of other reasons why it’s essential for roof renovations to be carried out by an experienced expert.
Below, we explore some of the dangers of hiring a sub-par roofing contractor in conjunction with the merits of working with someone who’s up to the task.
Complying with health and safety regulations
One of, if not the, most important aspects of hiring a reputable roofing contractor is complying with relevant health and safety regulations. A business that has been awarded a health and safety accreditation will be well-versed on how to carry out their jobs safely, ensuring both you and they are kept out of harm’s way. Further to this, when you work with a company with this kind of recognition, it will give you peace of mind that both you and your contractors are staying on the right side of the law.
Although an absence of health and safety accreditations doesn’t necessarily mean a company has no regard for these regulations, hiring them is a gamble you may not want to take. After all, if a contractor does have an accident, you will likely get dragged into the legal proceedings that follow. Further to this, if the worst happens and your or a member of your household’s health and safety is compromised, the repercussions could be devastating. With this in mind, it’s essential to work with roofing experts that can prove they are compliant with health and safety legislation as this will give you peace of mind that all work is being completed by the book.
Public liability insurance
Although rare, it’s a sad fact that accidents and damages can occur even when all the relevant precautions are being taken. What’s more, when work is being completed at height, the risks are definitely higher. This is why it’s advisable to hire a fully certified roofing organisation so that, in the event of an accident or mishap, they are appropriately covered by insurance. That means that non-predicted issues will be dealt with quickly and efficiently and, if necessary, you can claim compensation with relative ease.
In an ideal world, insurance will not need to be used, however, it’s essential for there to be cover in place as this will give you peace of mind that, in the event that something goes awry, everyone is protected under the policy.
A more comprehensive service
It takes hard work and dedication to become an approved roofing specialist and more importantly, it takes time. This means that an accredited roofer is likely to have a lot of experience in the trade and as a result, they will usually be able to offer a more comprehensive service. Rather than relying on a company with limited expertise, you can work with contractors that are qualified to complete all repair and maintenance work, ensuring your roof gets the correct treatment it needs.
Additionally, certified roofers will also have experience working on a variety of different roof types. From flat roof repair to pitched roof maintenance, it’s essential to hire a company that specialises in both of these and more so that, whatever the problem, you can rest assured your roof is in the right hands.
Lastly, when you work with professionals, you can guarantee there are going to be a lot less setbacks to your roofing project (if any at all) than if you hired a less qualified team. After all, experienced roofers will have seen it all over the years and as a result, they’ll know the appropriate measures to take when unexpected issues do crop up.
Roofing connections
For certain businesses, who you know in the industry can have a significant effect on the service you’re able to offer, and this is certainly true of roofing companies. An approved roofing business is likely to be staffed by contractors with lots of experience in the trade and as a result, they’ll have had the time to create strong connections with other professionals in the industry.
For example, roofers require a broad range of materials to be able to carry out certain jobs and, to achieve a particular standard of work, they need to build business relationships with the best roofing material manufacturers. This means that they’ll have access to lots of different high-quality materials and as a result, you can guarantee your roof will be repaired or replaced to the highest standard. In contrast, a company that has not been certified is unlikely to have had the time to form these crucial relationships, and may consequently not be able to produce the same quality of work.
When it comes to working with any kind of contractors, there’s always going to be an element of risk involved. After all, you’re placing your trust in relative strangers and, aside from research, there’s not a lot you can do to guarantee that they’ll do a good job. However, it goes without saying that when hiring a roofing contractor, there’s significantly less risk involved when selecting someone who is approved in the industry.
Cooper & Williams Ltd: roofing and flooring experts in Shrewsbury that produce award-winning results
At Cooper & Williams Ltd, we pride ourselves on being roofing and flooring specialists and our achievements reflect our dedication and commitment to the work that we do. In addition to being members of the Competent Roofer Scheme, we have accreditations with the Contractor Health and Safety Scheme (CHAS) and have an award from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) for our innovate and creative work.
Whether the roof on your home requires insulation repair or you need guttering replaced on your commercial building, we have over 40 years of experience in the industry and offer competitive quotes for all our services.
We have public liability insurance to the value of £10 million and provide guarantees for all work completed. We also work with a range of reputable suppliers in the industry, ensuring that we have access to the best materials and equipment around.
For more information on the services we offer, contact us today and renovate your roof with Cooper & Williams Ltd.
