Nationwide research conducted by Chandlers Roofing Supplies has revealed that ‘weeding out’ rogue roofers is the most pressing issue for those working in the roofing trade.
Almost three quarters (72%) of all respondents to the survey said that work by unscrupulous roofers was the top issue facing the future of the roofing trade. Indeed, a staggering 73% of roofers said they had been called upon to rectify ‘shoddy’ roofing work by a rogue roofer on at least one occasion in the last 12 months.
The second most pressing issue, cited by 58% of respondents, reflected concerns of an ‘aging workforce’.
In addition, 95% of UK roofers feel they are the least appreciated among all tradespeople. According to a third of respondents, electricians attract the most appreciation from customers, followed by carpenters and, in third place, plumbers. Brickies and roofers were identified as the least appreciated trades and this is despite the fact that almost half (46%) of roofers report working a seven-day week at least once a month, with 20% working a seven-day week ‘more often than not.’
Health concerns
70% of roofers rating their physical health as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’, yet one fifth report being off work in the last two years due to an injury sustained on the job. Mental health also appears to be growing issue for roofers with 18% saying that they, or a work mate, had suffered from a mental health issue over the past 12 months.
Working at a height is reported as the biggest occupational risk according to 53% of roofers, whilst 37% stated that inclement weather is a high risk. However, the development of new materials and tools was identified by half of respondents as the key factor that has made the roofer’s job easier and safer. A further quarter of respondents say that training in health and safety has benefited the trade.
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, 48% say they ‘sometimes enjoy’ their trade with only 2% saying they don’t enjoy being a roofer. 44% of roofers would even recommend roofing as a career to a friend or family member.
When questioned about their earnings, almost half (47%) said they ‘are comfortable’, 22% say they are ‘doing well’ and a quarter say they ‘get by’. Asked how they became roofers, 35% of respondents said they ‘fell into’ the trade while in excess of a quarter reporting that the roofing trade has been in the family. Only 1 in 10 had been down the roofing apprenticeship route.
Sue McKinney, of Chandlers Roofing Supplies said: “Its not surprising that customers are somewhat unappreciative when subjected to the services of rogue roofers. 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, putting in a seven day week on a regular basis and in often challenging conditions.”
Chandlers Roofing Supplies is opening two new roofing stores in Tonbridge and Harrow to add to its existing 12-store network.
