Before agreeing to roof work from a cold caller, ask for a written quote, a name and address you can check, and time to think. Never pay up front in cash, and be wary of claims your roof is about to fail. For most contracts agreed at your home, you have a 14-day right to cancel.
Are roof cleaning cold callers always a scam?
No. Some honest tradespeople knock on doors when they’re working nearby. But doorstep roof work is also one of the most common areas for rogue traders, so it pays to slow things down and check before you agree to anything.
What are the warning signs?
- Pressure to decide now. “We’re only in the area today” or a discount that ends when they leave.
- Scare stories. Your roof will leak, fail or collapse unless they start straight away.
- Damage you can’t see. They say they’ve spotted something from the ground or the roof, and the price grows once work starts.
- Cash up front. A request for money before work begins, or an offer to drive you to the bank.
- No paperwork. No written quote, and no name or address you can check.
- A coating upsell. The clean is cheap, but you “must” have a coating straight after.
What should I ask them?
- Can I have a written quote, listing exactly what’s included?
- What’s your full name, business name and address?
- Will you use a pressure washer on the tiles?
- How do you get to the roof, and will anyone walk on it?
- What happens to the moss and the gutters?
- Is a biocide included?
- Can I take time to get another quote?
Anyone genuine will be happy with every one of those.
What are my rights if I agree at the door?
In most cases where you agree a contract for work while the trader is at your home, you have a 14-day cancellation period under the Consumer Contracts Regulations, and the trader should give you written cancellation information. If you want work started within that period, you should have to ask for it in writing. Citizens Advice has clear guidance on this.
What should I do if I’m worried about a trader?
- Don’t let anyone onto the roof or into the house while you think about it.
- Talk to family or a neighbour before agreeing.
- Contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline for advice; they pass reports to Trading Standards.
- If you feel threatened or someone won’t leave, call the police.
How do I check a roof cleaner is genuine?
Look for a real business name and contact details you can check, a written quote, and a clear explanation of the method. Ask neighbours who have used them. Be wary of anyone who won’t put things in writing.
Is it ever fine to say yes on the spot?
If you already know you want the work done, you’ve seen their written quote and you’re comfortable, it can be. But there’s no roof cleaning job that genuinely can’t wait a day while you think and get another price.
What if someone says they’ve seen damage on my roof?
Thank them and ask for photos, taken from the ground or with a camera on a pole, not from on the roof. Don’t let anyone climb onto the roof to “have a look” there and then. If you’re worried, ask an independent roofer to inspect it. Real damage will still be there next week.
Is it safe to pay a deposit?
For roof cleaning, a large up-front payment is unusual. If a deposit is asked for, get the details in writing and pay by a traceable method rather than cash. Be very wary of anyone who wants paying before any work starts, or who asks for more money once they’re on the roof.
What if I’ve already agreed and I’m worried?
Check your paperwork for cancellation information. If you’re within the cancellation period, you can usually cancel in writing. Citizens Advice can tell you exactly where you stand, and they can pass your report on to Trading Standards.
How can I protect an older relative?
Agree a simple rule with them: never agree to work on the doorstep, always ring a family member first. Some areas run “no cold calling” zones, and door stickers can help. Make sure they know they can say “no thank you” and close the door.
How do I compare two quotes fairly?
Check that both cover the same things: hand clearing, the cleaning method, a biocide, the gutters and the tidy-up. A cheap price that leaves out the biocide or uses a pressure washer isn’t comparing like with like. Ask each one to put the method in writing.
In short
- Slow down: no genuine roof job must start today.
- Get it in writing, with a name and address.
- Don’t pay large sums up front, especially in cash.
- You usually have 14 days to cancel a contract agreed at home.
How we work
When you contact us, we look at photos or the roof itself and give you a free quote with no deadline. We’ll tell you if your roof doesn’t need doing, and we don’t push coatings. If you want a second opinion on a quote you’ve been given, send us a photo and we’ll give you an honest view.
More on what a fair job looks like in does roof cleaning damage tiles? and is a roof coating worth it?
