How to Start a Roofing Business in the UK

Roofing is a skilled trade with strong demand across the UK. From repairs and maintenance to new-build installations, good roofers are always needed. This guide covers how to get your roofing business set up properly.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Roofing — the standard qualification
• CSCS card — required on construction sites
• Lead work certification — for heritage and specialist lead roofing
• Working at height training — essential for health and safety compliance
• Asbestos awareness — legally required for anyone who may encounter asbestos in their work

Consider joining a trade association:

• NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) — the leading trade body
• Confederation of Roofing Contractors
• CompetentRoofer scheme — allows self-certification of building regulations compliance

Sole Trader or Limited Company?

Most roofers start as sole traders. CIS applies for subcontract work. A limited company may be beneficial at higher profit levels.

Registering with HMRC

Register for Self Assessment within three months. CIS registration as a subcontractor — deductions at 20% (registered) or 30% (unregistered) on labour. VAT at £90,000. The domestic reverse charge applies to roofing work supplied to VAT-registered, CIS-registered contractors.

Insurance

Roofing involves significant risk, making insurance critical:

• Public liability — £5–10 million recommended. Roofing work creates risks of falling debris and water damage.
• Employers' liability — if you employ anyone
• Tools and equipment — ladders, scaffolding, specialist tools
• Vehicle insurance — commercial cover
• Personal accident — especially important for working at height
• Contractor's all risks — covers the works and materials

Expect £500–£2,000 per year, reflecting the higher risk profile.

Claimable Expenses

• Materials — tiles, slates, felt, battens, lead, flashing, fixings, insulation
• Tools and equipment — ladders, scaffolding, harnesses, power tools, nail guns
• Vehicle costs — fuel, insurance, maintenance, or 45p per mile
• Scaffold and access equipment hire
• PPE — harnesses, hard hats, safety boots, hi-vis
• CSCS card and training
• Trade association membership
• Insurance premiums
• Waste disposal — skip hire, old roofing materials
• Marketing — van livery, website, local advertising
• Phone and communications
• Home office costs
• Subcontractor payments
• Accountancy fees

Accounted handles your expenses and matches receipts to bank transactions.

Industry-Specific Tax Tips

CIS

Keep every deduction statement. Separate labour and materials on invoices. CIS deductions offset your Income Tax bill.

Capital Allowances

Scaffolding systems, specialist equipment, and vehicles qualify for Annual Investment Allowance.

Weather Dependency

Roofing is weather-sensitive. Plan cash flow around seasonal patterns — late spring through autumn is typically busiest.

Building Your Business

• Quality work and reputation — referrals drive roofing businesses
• Emergency repair availability — storm damage creates urgent demand
• Checkatrade, MyBuilder — online directories
• Trade body membership — NFRC listing builds trust
• Partnerships — builders, estate agents, property managers
• Before-and-after photos — effective marketing content

Bookkeeping Tips

• Separate business and personal finances
• Record all CIS deductions
• Track materials by job
• Reconcile weekly
• Set aside 25–30% of profits for tax

Accounted is built for UK tradespeople with CIS tracking included.

Key Deadlines

• 19th monthly — CIS returns (if engaging subcontractors)
• 31 January — Self Assessment and payment
• 31 July — second payment on account
• Quarterly — VAT returns if registered

Getting Started

Roofing offers strong earning potential and consistent demand. Get qualified, get properly insured, and keep your finances tight from day one.

Ready to raise the roof on your business finances? Sign up for Accounted and let Penny keep your books in order.