Whether you want to know who regulates roofers in the UK or you are looking to buy a new home, you need to make sure you’re doing things right. There are a few different ways to make sure that you’re getting the best deals and the best possible service from the contractor you choose. Hopefully, this article will help you understand how to go about it.
Building Regulations
When you are planning a re-roofing job you should be aware of the Building Regulations. The UK government has set up the Competent Roofer scheme to help you ensure that the work you undertake is approved and meets the required standards.
If you’re planning a re-roofing project you should also consult your local council. They will be able to advise you on what you need to do, as well as best working practices.
A re-roof can involve replacing a flat roof, a tiled or slates roof or a pitched roof. All re-roofs require approval by the building regulations. However, there is no requirement to apply for this if the re-roofing is on a like-for-like basis.
You may also need to apply for building regulations if you are changing the roof material, if you are installing new insulation or if the re-roofing entails more than 25% of the roof’s surface area being replaced. These regulations are not only designed to protect the safety of the occupants of the property, but to reduce energy consumption.
If you are doing any of these things without applying for building regulations approval, you could face hefty fines or even prosecution. Moreover, the council will want to see that you’re following energy efficiency regulations.
Most new roofs are now required to have Building Regulations approval. This is to ensure that the roof structure is capable of coping with the materials being used. Depending on your local council, you might also need to apply for planning permission.
Building Regulations will need to be applied for before work begins. In order to demonstrate compliance, you need to provide full details of the new roof, including dimensions, materials and performance properties.
Control of Asbestos Regulations
Asbestos is an insulating material which can be found in many older buildings. This substance can cause asbestosis and mesothelioma. However, it is illegal to use asbestos in new houses.
It is also unlawful to break or disturb asbestos-containing material. For this reason, a lot of care must be taken when dealing with asbestos. You must use a protective device, like eye masks, overalls, and FFP3-grade asbestos respiratory masks.
When dealing with asbestos, it is essential to have risk assessments, a material risk management plan, and written records. The control of asbestos regulations for roofers in the UK provide specific requirements to prevent exposure to asbestos fibre.
These regulations require employers to carry out risk assessments on all workers who carry out work in regulated areas. A material risk management plan must include a thorough risk assessment and a plan for managing asbestos.
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 were passed to ensure the safe handling of asbestos in the workplace. They apply to construction and other building activities in public and domestic premises. Specifically, they define notifiable non-licensable asbestos work, and impose health surveillance by April 2015.
All Class I, II and III asbestos work must be carried out in a regulated area. These include areas designated as clean change areas and decontamination areas.
Clean change areas must be equipped with lockers for employees and other appropriate storage containers. Vacuums with HEPA filter systems must be used to collect asbestos dust and debris. Lastly, asbestos waste and other debris must be disposed of in leak-tight containers.
The Control of Asbestos regulations for roofers in the UK are intended to protect both the general public and employees. Employers who are unable to comply are at risk of being fined and may be forced to act without legal obligation.
TrustMark
TrustMark is a Government-endorsed quality scheme which offers consumers confidence in home improvement projects. This includes energy efficiency work. The scheme is supported by consumer protection organisations. It aims to ensure high standards of workmanship and protection.
In order to receive the benefit of this scheme, contractors must be registered with TrustMark. These companies must have a two-year financial protection mechanism for home improvement work, including a guarantee from a third party. They may offer financing options as well.
If you choose to use a TrustMark approved contractor, they will be able to offer you a wide range of solutions for problems. You can find a list of TrustMark approved installers on the TrustMark website.
As a homeowner, you will also have the option of obtaining a grant to help pay for your home improvement project. However, you will need to get at least three quotes.
When you choose a roofer with the TrustMark logo, you can be confident that you’ll be getting quality service. They will comply with a strict code of practice. They will also promote good health and safety practices.
Contractors who are TrustMark approved will have their work checked by administrators. They will have been assessed for their technical competence and trading practices.
TrustMark is also recognised by the Green Homes Grant scheme. It allows you to claim up to PS10,000 to help pay for certain improvements. However, you must have a TrustMark Registered Business carry out the work. To do so, you will need to lodge details in the Data Warehouse.
The National Federation of Roofing Contractors is an organisation that is widely recognised and supported by consumer protection organisations. As a result, its members are committed to providing high standards of craftsmanship and technical competence.
WITA
It is essential to check that any contractor you employ has the correct licensing before embarking on any roofing project. This is because roofers are engaged in activities that can be hazardous. In particular, they have to be licensed to work with asbestos, a material which may cause a risk of asbestos exposure.
There are two organisations which are authorised to certify roofers in the UK. One is the Federation of Traditional Metal Roofing Contractors (FTMRC). They are a trade association which has been established to ensure that all registered contractors are doing their work to the required standard.
Another organisation is the National Federation of Roofing Contractors Limited. This organisation regulates the roofing industry in the UK and ensures that all contractors are doing their work to the appropriate standards. The NFRC is a membership organisation, representing over 70% of the roofing industry.
In addition to regulating the roofing industry, the NFRC also promotes good practice and has over 12,000 licensed tradesmen registered. If you are looking for a roofing contractor, it’s worth checking the NFRC website for a list of approved contractors and finding out if they are members of their Competent Roofer scheme.
You should also check that your roofer has an official complaints procedure. If you are not happy with your roofer, you can contact the relevant authority and/or the CORC, which offers a free mediation service to resolve disputes. If you do not feel comfortable dealing with the roofing company you are considering hiring, you can check whether it is a member of the Buy with Confidence scheme. Many local authorities are now participating in this initiative, which vets businesses for honesty and fairness.
