A survey by Chandlers Roofing Supplies finds that last year seven out of 10 roofers had to rectify substandard work carried out by a rogue roofer.
A nationwide survey of 499 roofers carried out in December 2018, revealed that ‘weeding out’ rogue roofers is considered the most pressing issue for those working in the roofing trade.
Almost three quarters (72 per cent) of all respondents, in a survey conducted by Chandlers Roofing Supplies, in association with Fix Radio, said that work by unscrupulous roofers was the top issue facing the future of the roofing trade.
A further 73 per cent said they had been called upon to rectify substandard roofing work by a rogue roofer on at least one occasion in the last 12 months.
It needs to be highlighted that the vast majority of roofers work exceptionally hard and to a very high standard
In addition, 95 per cent of respondents said that they feel the least appreciated among all trades people, with a third believing that electricians attract the most appreciation from customers, followed by carpenters, with plumbers and decorators taking third and fourth position.
Bricklayers and roofers were identified as the least appreciated trades, despite the fact that almost half of roofers report working a seven-day week at least once a month, with 20 per cent reporting that they often work a seven-day.
Sue McKinney, of Chandlers Roofing Supplies, a family-owned merchant with 13 branches said: “This is quite a staggering result. While it’s not surprising that customers are somewhat unappreciative when subjected to a seeming increase in rogue roofer activity, 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.”
One fifth of roofers report being off work in the last two years due to an injury sustained on the job while mental health also appears to be growing issue with 18 per cent 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, with only two per cent saying that they don’t enjoy being a roofer. Three-quarters of respondents would even recommend roofing as a career to a friend or family member.
