How Much Experience Should a Roofer Have?

How Much Experience Should a Roofer Have?

So, How much experience should a roofer have?

When choosing someone to work on your roof, experience matters more than anything else. Roofing requires skill, patience, and knowledge built up over years on the job. The right roofer can identify problems quickly, carry out work safely, and ensure your roof lasts for decades. But how much experience should a roofer have? Let’s explore what to look for and why experience makes such a difference.

Why Experience Matters in Roofing

Roofing isn’t a trade you can master overnight. Every roof is different — from its pitch and structure to the materials used. Experienced roofers understand these differences and know how to work efficiently while maintaining high safety standards.

When a roofer has spent years on-site, they’ve likely encountered almost every kind of issue, from minor leaks to full structural failures. This practical knowledge allows them to diagnose problems faster and provide effective, lasting solutions.

An experienced roofer also knows the importance of preparation — checking the weather, assessing materials, and planning each stage before work begins. These small steps make a huge difference to the final result.

The Ideal Level of Experience

So, how much experience should a roofer have? Ideally, a professional roofer should have at least five years of hands-on experience before working independently. This period allows time to learn key techniques, understand regulations, and develop confidence in handling different roofing systems.

For more advanced work — such as structural roof replacements, commercial projects, or listed buildings — ten or more years of experience is often best. At that level, a roofer not only has technical ability but also a deep understanding of planning, safety, and customer service.

Experience doesn’t just come from time spent working; it also comes from the variety of projects completed. Roofers who have worked on new builds, repairs, and restorations bring a wider skill set to the job, which benefits every client.

Different Types of Roofing Experience

Roofing is a broad trade that covers multiple specialisms. Some roofers focus on new builds, while others specialise in repairs or flat roofing systems. Here’s how experience applies across the different areas.

New Roof Installations

Installing a new roof requires strong knowledge of materials, design, and weatherproofing techniques. Our new roofs service, for example, involves detailed planning, accurate measurements, and understanding how to create a roof that looks good and lasts. Roofers with several years of installation experience know how to prevent issues like poor ventilation or uneven tiles.

Roof Repairs

When it comes to roof repairs, experience helps identify hidden causes of leaks or damage. A less experienced roofer might fix the surface problem but miss the root issue beneath. Skilled roofers can spot weaknesses in underlays, flashing, or drainage that often cause recurring leaks.

Flat Roofs

Flat roofing requires a very specific skill set. Installing flat roofs involves working with materials like GRP, felt, or single-ply membranes, all of which demand careful sealing and layering. It takes years to perfect these methods and understand how to prevent common issues like pooling water or blistering.

Tiled and Slate Roofing

For traditional properties, tiled and slate roofing requires both craftsmanship and experience with older structures. Roofers who work on tiled roofs or slate roofs need a good eye for alignment, weight balance, and aesthetics. Experience ensures the roof is watertight without losing the property’s original character.

Chimney Repairs and Brickwork

Chimneys often develop cracks or leaks that affect the roof’s integrity. Our chimney repairs and brickwork and repointing services rely on experience with mortar work and structural stability. It takes skill to restore these areas safely, especially on older homes.

Moss Removal and Roofline Work

Regular maintenance such as moss removal and replacing soffits and fascias also benefit from experience. Experienced roofers know the safest cleaning methods, how to handle delicate materials, and how to spot potential problems while carrying out maintenance.

Experience and Building Regulations

In the UK, roofing work must meet specific building regulations. These cover insulation, ventilation, fire safety, and structural performance. Experienced roofers are familiar with these standards and know how to apply them correctly.

Inexperienced or unqualified roofers may unintentionally breach regulations, which can cause serious issues later — from failed inspections to invalid warranties. By hiring a roofer with several years of experience, you can be confident that your roof meets all legal and safety requirements.

How Roofers Gain Experience

Most roofers start out as apprentices or labourers, learning from more experienced professionals. Over time, they gain hands-on skills such as cutting materials, fitting tiles, sealing joints, and understanding roof structures.

We’ve built our experience through years of working on a variety of projects across South London, Surrey, and Sussex. From small terraced houses to large extensions and commercial roofs, each job adds valuable knowledge.

Roofing experience also comes from keeping up to date with new materials and techniques. As the industry evolves, professional roofers continue learning through courses and on-site training.

Experience in Extensions and Renovations

Roofing is often part of larger home improvement projects. When building an extension or converting a loft, the new roof must integrate seamlessly with the existing structure. That’s where experience really shows.

We handle all aspects of roofing for extensions and conversions, ensuring everything aligns correctly, from pitch angles to drainage. For full renovations, we restore roofs to their best condition using modern materials that respect the property’s original style.

This combination of traditional skill and modern knowledge is what defines a truly experienced roofer.

Spotting an Experienced Roofer

If you’re looking for a roofer, there are a few ways to tell whether they have the right level of experience:

• Ask how long they’ve been in the trade. A genuine roofer won’t hesitate to share their background.

• Look at their previous projects. Photos or case studies show the quality of their work.

• Check independent reviews. Platforms like Checkatrade provide honest feedback from past customers.

• Ask about materials and techniques. Experienced roofers explain things clearly and recommend the right solutions for your property.

You’ll often find that experienced roofers communicate better too — they give straightforward advice and set realistic expectations.

How Experience Affects Cost

Some homeowners are tempted to choose the cheapest quote, but experience is worth paying for. Inexperienced roofers might offer lower prices, but mistakes or poor workmanship can lead to extra costs later.

Experienced roofers charge fairly for their time, skill, and reliability. You’re paying for peace of mind — knowing the job will be done right the first time, using quality materials and proven techniques.

Safety and Experience Go Hand in Hand

Roofing can be dangerous work, especially at height or in bad weather. Experienced roofers know how to manage these risks safely. They use proper scaffolding, safety harnesses, and protective equipment, ensuring both their team and your property stay secure.

Accidents and damage are far less likely when a roofer has years of training and knows how to assess site conditions before starting work.

Why Experience Builds Trust

At the end of the day, roofing is about trust. When you hire a roofer, you’re trusting them with one of the most important parts of your home. Experience shows commitment to the trade and a track record of satisfied clients.

We’ve spent years building relationships with homeowners across South London and beyond, completing everything from repairs to full installations. Our goal is always to deliver dependable, lasting results that homeowners can rely on for years to come.

Conclusion

So, how much experience should a roofer have? Ideally, at least five years for general work — and over ten for complex projects like full installations or heritage restorations. Experience ensures your roof is installed safely, built to last, and compliant with all regulations.

If you’re planning a repair, installation, or home improvement project, contact us for honest advice and a free quote. With years of hands-on experience and a reputation for quality, we’re here to provide reliable roofing services across Surrey, South London, and Sussex.