No Guarantee Given for Roofing Work
If you've had roofing work completed but received no written guarantee or warranty, you may be wondering what protection you have if problems arise.
Understanding Your Situation
Many homeowners complete roofing work only to realise they have no written guarantee, warranty certificate, or formal documentation covering the work. This creates uncertainty: if problems develop weeks, months, or years later, will the roofer return? Are you covered?
The lack of a guarantee doesn't mean you have no rights – but it does make enforcement more difficult. Understanding your legal position helps you take appropriate action if issues arise.
Why Some Roofers Don't Provide Guarantees
Lack of Professionalism
Many small traders operate informally and simply don't provide written documentation. This isn't necessarily malicious, but it demonstrates a lack of professional standards.
Avoiding Future Liability
Some roofers deliberately avoid written guarantees because they don't want to be held accountable if defects emerge. Without documentation, disputes become "your word against theirs."
No Insurance Backing
Roofers operating without proper insurance cannot realistically offer guarantees because they have no means to honour them if problems occur and they can't afford the remedial work.
Unregistered "Cash Jobs"
Work done "on the side" or for cash often comes with no paperwork at all. These traders may not even provide proper invoices, let alone guarantees.
Your Rights Without a Written Guarantee
Good news: Even without a written guarantee, you still have legal protection under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. The law requires that:
- Services must be carried out with reasonable care and skill
- Work must be fit for purpose (i.e., your roof should be weathertight)
- These rights last for 6 years in England, Wales & Northern Ireland (5 years in Scotland)
However, enforcing these rights without written documentation can be challenging. You'll need to prove that defects are due to poor workmanship rather than wear and tear or other factors.
What Not to Do
- ×Don't assume you have no recourse – your legal rights exist regardless of written guarantees
- ×Don't delay reporting problems – the longer you wait, the harder it becomes to prove causation
- ×Don't lose your invoice or payment records – these are crucial evidence that work was carried out
- ×Don't accept "guarantees not included" on future jobs – professional roofers always provide them
What You Should Do Now
1. Request Written Confirmation Retrospectively
Contact the roofer and request a written summary of work completed, materials used, and any workmanship warranty they're willing to provide. Even a simple email confirmation is better than nothing and creates evidence.
2. Gather All Available Documentation
Collect invoices, receipts, quotes, text messages, emails, photos of the work in progress, and any other records. These establish that work was carried out and by whom.
3. If Problems Arise, Report Immediately
Don't wait. Contact the roofer in writing as soon as defects become apparent, clearly describing the problem and requesting inspection and rectification. Keep copies of all correspondence.
4. Obtain Independent Expert Evidence
If the roofer disputes responsibility, arrange for an independent roofing professional or surveyor to inspect and provide a written report identifying defects and probable causes. This evidence is crucial for legal action.
5. Consider Alternative Dispute Resolution
Contact Citizens Advice or explore mediation services before pursuing court action. These routes are often quicker and less expensive than legal proceedings.
6. Small Claims Court as Last Resort
For claims under £10,000, you can use the small claims court. The lack of a written guarantee doesn't prevent you from pursuing claims based on statutory rights under the Consumer Rights Act.
Never Face This Uncertainty Again
The best way to avoid this situation is to use a roofer who is part of a formal guarantee scheme. With the Roofing Protection Scheme:
- Optional RPS Protection on eligible work — up to £20,000 over 10 years
- Independently inspected before protection activates
- Clear dispute resolution process
- Not every job is automatically protected — protection is optional and inspection-gated
Legal Disclaimer: This guidance is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. The Roofing Protection Scheme provides access to vetted roofers and dispute resolution for work carried out by our members only. For legal advice regarding your specific situation, please consult a qualified solicitor or contact Citizens Advice.