Your roof is one of the biggest single investments you will make in your home, and in Nottingham’s exposed terraces, slate-roofed city houses and flat-roofed extensions, it takes real punishment from the weather. So finding the right roofer matters. Yet most homeowners only look for a roofer when something has already gone wrong, which is exactly when it is hardest to think clearly.
This guide walks you through nine checks to make before you hire anyone to work on your roof. Work through them and you will know you are dealing with a professional who will do the job properly, stand behind their work, and leave you with a roof you can rely on for decades.
1. Confirm they actually work in your area
Local knowledge is not a nice-to-have when it comes to roofing. A roofer who knows Nottinghamshire understands the housing stock – the older city terraces, the suburb conservatories, the flat-roofed extensions off the back of 1990s homes – and how the local weather treats them.
Ask directly which areas they cover. At MTF Roofing we work across Nottingham, Mansfield, Sheffield, Chesterfield, Worksop, Derby and Newark, and the surrounding Midlands. A genuinely local firm will be able to talk about your street type and your roof’s likely issues before they even climb a ladder.
2. Check they are insured and referenced
Roofing is skilled, physical work at height, so insurance is non-negotiable. Ask for proof of public liability and employers’ liability cover, and make sure the person quoting is the person who will actually be on site. A reputable firm is happy to show you.
References matter just as much. A roofer with years of completed local jobs should be able to point you to past work and happy customers. Look for a company that has been trading long enough to have a track record you can check.
3. Look for written guarantees
A good roofer stands behind the workmanship, not just the materials. Ask what guarantee you get and get it in writing before you commit. The best roofing firms back their labour with a written workmanship guarantee that runs for years, on top of whatever warranty the manufacturer gives on the materials themselves.
4. Ask what materials they use
The quality of your roof comes down to the materials as much as the fitting. A roofer who reaches for the cheapest option is not looking after you. Ask what they would use for your job and why.
For flat roofs, a single-sheet EPDM rubber system – like Firestone RubberCover – is a strong choice: flexible, watertight, fire resistant, and with a long life expectancy. For pitched roofs, the choice between slate, concrete tile and clay tile depends on your home, your budget and the look you want. A professional will explain the trade-offs rather than pushing one product.
5. Get a written, itemised quote
Verbal estimates are not enough. A proper quote should be in writing, itemised, and fixed. It should set out the work, the materials, and the price, with no surprise costs added later. A free, no-obligation quote is the standard you should expect – a roofer who pressures you to commit on the spot is a warning sign.
6. Check they will talk you through the process
Roofing is disruptive, and a good roofer makes it as painless as possible. They should explain every step, what is happening on your property, and how long it will take, and they should work within your budget and schedule. You should never feel in the dark about what is happening to your home.
7. Confirm they will leave the site clean
A professional job is a tidy one. Messy work, leftover debris and a half-finished clean-up are signs of a contractor who does not respect your home. Ask about clean-up before the job starts, and expect the site to be left as you found it.
8. Think about the whole exterior, not just the roof
Your roof does not work alone. Fascias, soffits and guttering protect the edges of your roof and manage rainwater, and they are often the first things to fail. If you are having roofing work done, it is worth asking about the condition of the whole system. Modern UPVC fascias, soffits and guttering are low-maintenance, weatherproof and come in a range of colours, and many carry long guarantees.
9. Trust your instincts on professionalism
Finally, trust how you feel. A reliable roofer is punctual, communicates clearly, answers your questions honestly and treats your home with care. If something feels off during the quote, it will not feel better once work starts. Your roof deserves a team you are comfortable having on site.
The bottom line
Choosing a roofer in Nottingham comes down to a simple test: are they local, insured, guaranteed, transparent about materials and cost, and genuinely professional? Work through these nine checks and you will find a roofer you can trust with one of the most important parts of your home.
At MTF Roofing, we are a dedicated team of local roofing specialists covering Nottingham and the wider Midlands. We install Firestone RubberCover EPDM flat roofs, full replacement fascias, soffits and guttering, and complete new roofs, using quality materials and high standards of workmanship. Every job is fully insured, referenced and guaranteed, and we offer free, no-obligation quotes.
If you would like a free quote or advice on your roof, get in touch – we would be glad to help.