NFRC Insurance & Risk Guide for Roofing Contractors
NFRC-registered roofing contractors work in one of the highest-risk trades in the UK construction sector. Working at height, hot works, structural exposures and weatherproofing responsibilities mean that strong, specialist insurance is essential.
This NFRC Insurance & Risk Guide, produced by SRS Insurance, explains:
- The major risks roofing contractors face
- Which insurance covers are essential
- Typical roofing-related claims
- Dangerous exclusions found in cheap policies
- How to properly protect your roofing business
This guide is insurance & risk guidance only — not compliance or audit advice.
Key Risks for NFRC Roofing Installers
Roofers face extremely high exposure due to height, heat and weatherproofing requirements.
1. Working at Height (Major Injury Risk)
Falls from:
- Ladders
- Scaffolds
- Roof edges
- Fragile roof surfaces
These are among the most severe claims in the UK trade sector.
2. Hot Works (Torch-On Felt / Bitumen)
Hot works can cause:
- Roof fires
- Internal structural fires
- Damage to insulation
- Spread of flames beneath membranes
Hot works claims can exceed £250,000+.
3. Water Ingress & Roof Leaks
One of the most common roofing claims.
Caused by:
- Incorrect torching
- Faulty joint sealing
- Poor detail work
- Wrong materials
- Failed flashing
- Bad weatherproofing
Water ingress claims often range £5,000–£60,000+.
4. Material Failure or Incorrect Specification
Risks include:
- Wrong membrane type
- Incorrect installation on low pitches
- Using incompatible systems
- Failure at termination details
These often lead to contractor liability claims.
5. Damage to Solar Panels, Fascia, Gutters, Skylights
Roofing work frequently involves:
- Breaking tiles
- Damaging roof furniture
- Dislodging existing components
6. Manual Handling & Falling Objects
Risks include:
- Tools dropped from height
- Slates slipping off roof
- Injury to public or workers below
7. Storm & Weather Damage During Works
Unfinished works can be damaged by:
- Wind uplift
- Water ingress
- Dislodged tiles
- Scaffold collapse
Contract Works insurance is crucial.
Essential Insurance Covers for NFRC Roofing Contractors
1. Public Liability Insurance (PL)
Protects against injury or property damage.
PL for NFRC roofers should include:
- Work at height
- Hot works cover
- Pitched roofing
- Flat roofing
- Torch-on felt systems
- Structural damage
- Water ingress
- Falling tools / falling objects
Recommended limits:
- Domestic: £2m–£5m
- Commercial: £5m–£10m
2. Professional Indemnity Insurance (PI)
Important for roofers who:
- Specify materials
- Provide roof survey reports
- Advise clients on system suitability
- Work on commercial or complex roofs
- Issue roofing condition assessments
PI protects against:
- Wrong specification
- Incorrect pitch advice
- Faulty survey or reporting
- Professional advice errors
Recommended limits: £250k – £1m.
3. Employers’ Liability Insurance (EL)
Legally required for roofing businesses employing:
- Roofers
- Labourers
- Apprentices
- Labour-only subcontractors
Legal minimum: £10m.
Roofing is one of the highest-risk trades — EL is non-negotiable.
4. Tools & Equipment Insurance
Roofers commonly lose tools due to:
- Scaffolding theft
- Van break-ins
- On-site opportunistic theft
High-value items include:
- Nail guns
- Torch-on equipment
- Cutting tools
- Scaffold accessories
- Roofing tools & fixings
5. Contract Works Insurance
Critical for roofing contractors undertaking:
- Re-roofing
- Flat roof installations
- New build roofing
- Commercial roofing
- Large residential roofs
Contract Works covers:
- Materials
- Partially completed roofing
- Weather-related damage
- Fire damage during works
- Theft and vandalism
Common Insurance Mistakes NFRC Roofers Should Avoid
No hot works cover
Many generic policies exclude:
- Torch-on felt
- Bitumen boilers
- Heat guns
This is extremely dangerous for flat-roof installers.
No working-at-height cover
Some policies limit height to 10m or exclude scaffolding.
‘Property worked upon’ exclusions
This could void claims involving damage to:
- Roof structures
- Slates or tiles
- Membranes
- Insulation
- Decking
- Fascia or soffits
Roofers must avoid this exclusion.
Insufficient public liability limit
Commercial roofing requires £5m–£10m as standard.
PL without “water ingress” extensions
Water ingress is the #1 roofing claim.
No cover for subcontractors
Labour-only subcontractors MUST be covered under your EL & PL.
Not checking height limits
Roofers often work:
- Above 10m
- On commercial buildings
- On blocks of flats
Your policy must allow for your real working height.
Typical Claims Faced by NFRC Roofing Contractors
Torch-On Felt Fire (£75,000–£300,000+)
Hot works ignited insulation beneath the membrane.
Water Ingress Claim (£10,000–£60,000)
Failed detailing caused internal flooding in heavy rain.
Dropped Tile Causing Injury (£20,000–£40,000+)
Slate fell from roof, injuring a passer-by.
Storm Damage During Works (£8,000–£30,000)
Materials blown off scaffolding or incomplete roof.
Tool Theft (£1,500–£10,000)
Tools stolen from scaffolding or vans.
Fall From Height Claim (£30,000–£100,000+)
Installer injures themselves while climbing onto a roof.
Recommended Insurance Checklist for NFRC Roofers
Roofing contractors should ensure their insurance includes:
- Work at height (sufficient height limit)
- Hot works (torch-on felt / bitumen)
- Water ingress cover
- Flat & pitched roofing cover
- Building fabric protection
- Professional Indemnity (advice/specification)
- Tools & equipment
- Employers’ Liability
- PL £2m–£10m
- “Property worked upon” cover
- Contract Works
This is risk protection, not compliance advice.
Why NFRC Roofers Choose SRS Insurance
- Specialists in roofing contractor insurance
- Proper hot works & height-risk protection
- A-rated UK insurers
- Tools & plant cover available
- Fast certificates & documents
- Designed for both domestic & commercial roofers
We insure flat roofing, pitched roofing, slating, tiling and commercial roofing firms UK-wide.
