Roofing Contract (UK)
This Roofing Contract (the “Contract”) is entered into on [Effective Date] (the “Effective Date”) by and between:
[Contractor Name], [Who Contractor], with its principal or registered address at [Contractor Address], [Contractor City], [Contractor County], [Contractor Postcode], England (hereinafter referred to as the “Contractor”); and
[Client Name], [Who Client], with an address at [Client Address], [Client City], [Client County], [Client Postcode], England (hereinafter referred to as the “Client”).
The Contractor and the Client are referred to collectively as the “Parties” and individually as a “Party”.
BACKGROUND
WHEREAS, the Client is the owner or lawful occupier of the property located at [Property Address], [Property City], [Property County], [Property Postcode] (the “Property”); and
WHEREAS, the Client wishes to engage the Contractor to carry out roofing works at the Property, and the Contractor has agreed to perform such works on the terms and conditions set out in this Contract;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and obligations set out herein, the Parties agree as follows:
1. SCOPE OF WORKS
1.1 The Contractor shall carry out the following roofing works at the Property (the “Works”): [Roofing Type] — [Scope of Works].
1.2 Any additional works not specified in clause 1.1 shall be agreed in writing by both Parties before commencement and shall be subject to a separate written quotation or variation to this Contract.
1.3 The Contractor shall perform all Works with reasonable care and skill, in accordance with the standards expected of a competent roofing professional, as required by the Consumer Rights Act 2015 where the Client is a consumer.
1.4 All Works shall comply with the current edition of BS 5534 (Slating and Tiling for Pitched Roofs and Vertical Cladding – Code of Practice) or BS 6229 (Flat Roofs with Continuously Supported Flexible Waterproof Coverings), as applicable.
2. ROOFING MATERIALS
2.1 [Materials Supply]. The estimated cost of roofing materials is £[Materials Estimate], which shall be charged separately to or included within the Contract Price as agreed by the Parties.
2.2 The following materials specification has been agreed: [Materials Specification].
2.3 Where the Contractor supplies materials, all products shall be of satisfactory quality and fit for their intended purpose, in accordance with the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (where applicable).
2.4 The Contractor shall not substitute agreed materials for alternatives without the Client’s prior written consent.
3. SCAFFOLDING AND ACCESS
3.1 [Scaffolding Arrangement]. The cost of scaffolding shall be: £[Scaffolding Cost].
3.2 All scaffolding shall be erected, inspected, and dismantled in accordance with the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and by operatives holding the appropriate Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) qualifications.
3.3 Where scaffolding is erected on a public highway or footpath, the Contractor shall obtain the necessary licence from the local authority under the Highways Act 1980 and shall provide adequate barriers, lighting, and signage to protect pedestrians and road users.
3.4 The Contractor shall ensure that scaffolding does not obstruct the Client’s access to the Property unless alternative access has been agreed in advance.
4. COMMENCEMENT AND DURATION
4.1 The Works shall commence on [Start Date] and are anticipated to be completed by [Completion Date], subject to weather conditions and access to the Property.
4.2 The Contractor shall provide temporary weatherproofing for any exposed areas of the roof at the end of each working day, and shall take all reasonable precautions to prevent water ingress to the Property during the course of the Works.
4.3 Time shall not be of the essence for the completion of the Works unless expressly agreed in writing by both Parties.
5. PAYMENT
5.1 The Client shall pay the Contractor the sum of £[Total Price] (the “Contract Price”) for the Works, exclusive of VAT (if applicable).
5.2 Payment shall be made in accordance with the following schedule: [Payment Schedule].
5.3 Payment shall be made by [Payment Method].
5.4 If the Client fails to make any payment when due, the Contractor shall be entitled to charge interest on the overdue amount at the rate of 4% per annum above the Bank of England base rate, in accordance with the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 (where applicable).
5.5 The Contractor shall not be obliged to continue the Works while any undisputed payment remains outstanding for more than 14 days.
6. WARRANTY
6.1 The Contractor warrants that the workmanship of the Works will be free from defects for a period of [Warranty Period] from the date of practical completion (the “Workmanship Warranty Period”).
6.2 If any defect in workmanship becomes apparent during the Workmanship Warranty Period, the Contractor shall, at its own expense, rectify the defect within a reasonable time after receiving written notice from the Client.
6.3 The Workmanship Warranty does not cover damage caused by the Client, third parties, extreme weather events, structural movement, or failure to maintain the roof in accordance with the Contractor’s maintenance recommendations.
6.4 The Contractor’s obligations under the Defective Premises Act 1972 are in addition to and not limited by this warranty, and nothing in this clause shall exclude the Contractor’s statutory liability under that Act.
7. INSURANCE
7.1 The Contractor shall maintain public liability insurance with a minimum cover of £[Public Liability Amount] for the duration of this Contract and shall provide a copy of the certificate of insurance to the Client upon request.
7.2 The Contractor shall maintain employer’s liability insurance with a minimum cover of £[Employers Liability Amount], as required by the Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969.
7.3 The Contractor shall maintain all other insurance required by law, including motor vehicle insurance for any vehicles used in connection with the Works.
8. HEALTH AND SAFETY
8.1 The Contractor shall comply with all applicable health and safety legislation, including the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Work at Height Regulations 2005, and the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) where applicable.
8.2 Where the project is notifiable under CDM 2015 (lasting more than 30 working days with more than 20 workers on site at any time, or exceeding 500 person-days), the Client shall ensure that a principal designer and principal contractor are appointed in accordance with the regulations.
8.3 The Contractor shall carry out a risk assessment for the Works before commencement and shall prepare a method statement detailing the safe system of work to be followed.
8.4 The Contractor shall ensure that all operatives working at height are competent and trained, and that appropriate fall prevention and fall arrest measures are in place at all times.
8.5 The Contractor shall ensure that all waste materials (including asbestos-containing materials if discovered) are disposed of lawfully in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
9. CLIENT’S OBLIGATIONS
9.1 The Client shall provide the Contractor with reasonable access to the Property and shall ensure that areas surrounding the building are cleared of vehicles, garden furniture, and other obstructions to allow safe erection of scaffolding and delivery of materials.
9.2 The Client shall inform the Contractor of any known structural defects, previous roof repairs, the presence of asbestos-containing materials, or other hazards that may affect the Works.
9.3 Where the Property is a listed building or located within a conservation area, the Client shall inform the Contractor of any restrictions and shall obtain any necessary consents from the local planning authority before the Works commence.
10. VARIATIONS
10.1 Any variation to the scope, specification, or cost of the Works must be agreed in writing by both Parties before the varied work is carried out.
10.2 Where hidden defects (such as rotten timbers, damaged rafters, or structural inadequacy) are discovered during the Works that were not apparent from a reasonable visual inspection, the Contractor shall notify the Client immediately and shall provide a written quotation for the additional remedial works required.
11. TERMINATION
11.1 Either Party may terminate this Contract by giving not less than 14 days’ written notice to the other Party.
11.2 Upon termination, the Client shall pay the Contractor for all Works completed to the Contractor’s reasonable satisfaction up to the date of termination, together with the reasonable cost of any materials ordered or purchased that cannot be returned. The Contractor shall ensure that the roof is left in a weatherproof condition.
11.3 Either Party may terminate this Contract immediately by written notice if the other Party commits a material breach of any term of this Contract and (where the breach is capable of remedy) fails to remedy the breach within 14 days of receiving written notice requiring it to do so.
12. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
12.1 Nothing in this Contract shall exclude or limit liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, or any other liability which cannot be excluded by law, including the Contractor’s obligations under the Defective Premises Act 1972.
12.2 Subject to clause 13.1, the Contractor’s total liability under or in connection with this Contract shall not exceed the Contract Price.
13. DISPUTE RESOLUTION
13.1 In the event of any dispute arising out of or in connection with this Contract, the Parties shall first attempt to resolve the matter by negotiation in good faith.
13.2 If the dispute is not resolved within 28 days, either Party may refer the matter to mediation in accordance with the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR) Model Mediation Procedure.
13.3 Nothing in this clause shall prevent either Party from seeking urgent injunctive or other equitable relief from the courts.
14. THIRD PARTY RIGHTS
14.1 A person who is not a party to this Contract shall have no right under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any of its terms.
15. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION
15.1 This Contract and any dispute or claim (including non-contractual disputes or claims) arising out of or in connection with it or its subject matter or formation shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.
15.2 Each Party irrevocably agrees that the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with this Contract.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Roofing Contract as of the Effective Date first written above.
THE CONTRACTOR
Name: [Contractor Name]
Address: [Contractor Address], [Contractor City], [Contractor County], [Contractor Postcode]
THE CLIENT
Name: [Client Name]
Address: [Client Address], [Client City], [Client County], [Client Postcode]
Contractor
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
Client
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
What Is a Roofing Contract (UK)?
A Roofing Contract in the United Kingdom sets the scope of works, price, programme, and payment terms for the building or installation project, under the framework of the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
Under English law, a roofing contract is a contract for the supply of services and goods, governed by the common law of contract and, where the client is a consumer, the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Sections 49 to 52 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015 require that services be performed with reasonable care and skill, within a reasonable time if no deadline is agreed, and at a reasonable price where no price is fixed. Where the contractor supplies roofing materials (tiles, slates, membranes, battens, insulation), these must be of satisfactory quality and fit for purpose under sections 9 and 10 of the Act.
Roofing work in England and Wales is subject to several important regulatory frameworks that distinguish it from other building trades. The Building Act 1984 and the Building Regulations 2010 require building control approval for many types of roofing work, including re-roofing more than 25 per cent of the roof area and structural alterations. The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) impose health and safety duties on clients, contractors, and designers involved in construction projects, including roofing works. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require specific precautions for all work carried out at height. The Defective Premises Act 1972 imposes a statutory duty on contractors to confirm that residential dwelling work is done in a professional manner with proper materials.
Our UK Roofing Contract template is specifically drafted for the legal framework of England and Wales and provides thorough provisions covering all standard roofing engagements, from minor repair works to complete roof replacements requiring scaffolding and building regulations approval.
The legal framework governing the Roofing Contract (UK) in United Kingdom draws on several key statutes and regulatory bodies. Under the Companies Act 2006, Companies House maintains the register of UK companies. Section 386 of the Companies Act 2006 sets accounting record obligations. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) enforces the Consumer Rights Act 2015. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulates financial services under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. The High Court of Justice has jurisdiction under the Senior Courts Act 1981. Parties executing a Roofing Contract (UK) in United Kingdom should confirm the document reflects current law, including any amendments enacted since the original drafting date. The Companies Act 2006 sets the foundational requirements.
When Do You Need a Roofing Contract (UK)?
A UK Roofing Contract should be used whenever a property owner, landlord, managing agent, or commercial occupier in England or Wales engages a roofing contractor to carry out roof repair, replacement, installation, or maintenance works. Given the high cost, technical complexity, and safety risks associated with roofing work, a written contract is essential for protecting both the client and the contractor.
Residential property owners should use a roofing contract for any significant roof work, including replacing worn or damaged tiles, repairing leaks, replacing flat roof coverings, installing new insulation to meet current building regulations, fitting roof windows or skylights, and carrying out chimney and flashing repairs. A written contract is particularly important where the project requires scaffolding (which involves significant additional cost and safety obligations) or building regulations approval. Without a written contract clearly defining the scope of works and materials, disputes commonly arise over whether specific items (such as replacing rotten timbers discovered during the works) were included in the original price.
Landlords and property management companies should use a roofing contract when commissioning roof works on rental properties, blocks of flats, or commercial premises. Landlords have statutory obligations under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 to keep the structure and exterior of residential properties in repair, including the roof. A thorough written contract confirms that the works are carried out to a professional standard, that warranties are provided for future reference, and that building regulations compliance certificates are obtained.
Commercial property owners and facilities managers should use a roofing contract for industrial and commercial roofing projects, which may involve different materials (such as profiled metal sheeting, single-ply membranes, or built-up felt roofing) and may fall under the full CDM 2015 regime requiring the appointment of a principal designer and principal contractor. Insurance companies may also require evidence of a written roofing contract when processing claims for storm damage or water ingress.
What to Include in Your Roofing Contract (UK)
A thorough UK Roofing Contract must contain several essential elements tailored to the specific regulatory and practical requirements of roofing work in England and Wales.
The scope of works clause must describe the roofing works in precise detail, including the type of work (full replacement, partial repair, overlay, flat roof), the roof area and elevation, all materials to be removed and installed, ancillary works (guttering, flashing, insulation, ventilation), and compliance with the applicable British Standards (BS 5534 for pitched roofs, BS 6229 for flat roofs). Hidden defect procedures should specify what happens when the contractor discovers rotten timbers, damaged rafters, or structural problems that were not visible during the initial inspection.
The scaffolding clause is critical for roofing contracts. It must specify who is responsible for providing, erecting, and dismantling the scaffolding, the cost, compliance with the Work at Height Regulations 2005, and any requirements for highway licences under the Highways Act 1980 where scaffolding is erected on public land.
The building regulations clause should identify which party is responsible for obtaining building control approval under the Building Act 1984, the applicable Approved Documents, the associated fees, and the requirement to obtain a completion certificate. Failure to obtain building regulations approval is a common problem in roofing work that can cause significant difficulties when the property is later sold.
The warranty clause should provide both a workmanship warranty from the contractor and reference the manufacturer's materials warranty. The workmanship warranty must not purport to exclude the contractor's statutory liability under the Defective Premises Act 1972. The payment clause must state the contract price in pounds sterling, the payment schedule, accepted payment methods, and late payment consequences. The insurance clause should require public liability insurance and employer's liability insurance at appropriate levels. The health and safety clause should require compliance with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, CDM 2015, and the Work at Height Regulations 2005. The contract must also include termination provisions, a dispute resolution mechanism, exclusion of third-party rights under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999, and a governing law clause specifying England and Wales.
Additional compliance elements for a Roofing Contract (UK) used in United Kingdom include: Under the Companies Act 2006, Companies House maintains the register of UK companies. Section 386 of the Companies Act 2006 sets accounting record obligations. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) enforces the Consumer Rights Act 2015. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulates financial services under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. The High Court of Justice has jurisdiction under the Senior Courts Act 1981. Forms-legal.com provides this template as a starting point for United Kingdom-compliant documentation.
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Reference this free template in an article, syllabus, or research note:
Forms Legal. (2026). Roofing Contract (UK) (United Kingdom) [Legal document template]. Forms Legal. https://forms-legal.com/uk/business/services/roofing-contract-uk
"Roofing Contract (UK) (United Kingdom)." Forms Legal, 2026, https://forms-legal.com/uk/business/services/roofing-contract-uk.
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title = {Roofing Contract (UK) (United Kingdom)},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://forms-legal.com/uk/business/services/roofing-contract-uk}},
note = {Free legal document template. Based on Companies Act 2006}
}Also available for these jurisdictions:
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, many roofing works require building regulations approval under the Building Act 1984 and the Building Regulations 2010. Re-roofing more than 25 per cent of the total roof area, structural alterations to the roof, loft conversions, and installation of new roof windows or dormers are all notifiable works that require building control approval. Approved Document L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) may require the installation of additional thermal insulation when re-roofing. Approved Document B (Fire Safety) applies to roofing materials, particularly in areas within one metre of a boundary. The property owner can use either the local authority building control service or a private approved inspector. Failure to obtain building regulations approval where required is a criminal offence, and the local authority can require the work to be opened up for inspection or demolished and redone. A building control completion certificate should be obtained upon satisfactory completion of the works, as this will be required when selling the property.
The Defective Premises Act 1972 imposes a statutory duty on any person taking on work for or in connection with the provision of a dwelling to confirm that the work is done in a workmanlike or professional manner, with proper materials, and so that the dwelling will be fit for habitation when completed. Section 1 of the Act applies to roofing contractors carrying out works on residential properties. This duty cannot be excluded or restricted by any contractual term. The limitation period for claims under the Act was historically six years from completion, but following the Building Safety Act 2022, a retrospective extension allows claims to be brought for up to 30 years for works completed before 28 June 2022, and 15 years for works completed after that date. This means that a roofing contractor can potentially face claims for defective workmanship for a significantly longer period than under a standard contractual warranty.
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) apply to all construction work in England and Wales, including roofing projects. For domestic clients (homeowners), the client's duties under CDM 2015 are automatically transferred to the contractor or, where more than one contractor is involved, the principal contractor. For commercial clients, the full CDM duties apply. A roofing project becomes notifiable to the Health and Safety Executive if it will last longer than 30 working days and have more than 20 workers on site at any one time, or exceed 500 person-days. For notifiable projects, the client must appoint a principal designer and principal contractor before the construction phase begins. All roofing contractors must prepare a construction phase plan, carry out risk assessments, and confirm that all operatives are competent and trained. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 also apply specifically to roofing work, requiring the contractor to take all reasonably practicable measures to prevent falls.
A roofing contract should include two types of warranty: a workmanship warranty and a materials warranty. The workmanship warranty is provided by the roofing contractor and typically covers defects in the installation, fixing, and finishing of the roof for a specified period, commonly between 5 and 20 years for major re-roofing projects. The materials warranty is provided by the manufacturer of the roofing materials and covers manufacturing defects, colour fastness, and weather resistance. Manufacturer warranties for roofing tiles commonly range from 15 to 50 years, while membrane warranties for flat roofs typically range from 10 to 25 years. Some roofing industry guarantee schemes, such as those offered by the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), provide insurance-backed guarantees that remain valid even if the contractor ceases trading. It is important that the contract distinguishes between the two types of warranty and clarifies who the client should contact for each type of claim. The workmanship warranty should not exclude the contractor's statutory liability under the Defective Premises Act 1972.
A roofing contractor in England and Wales needs several types of insurance. Public liability insurance is not a legal requirement for sole traders, but it is considered essential industry practice and most clients require proof of cover before engaging a roofing contractor. A typical minimum level of public liability cover for roofing work is between two million and ten million pounds sterling, reflecting the higher risk associated with working at height and the potential for significant property damage. Employer's liability insurance is a legal requirement under the Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 for any contractor who employs one or more persons, with a statutory minimum cover of five million pounds sterling. Professional indemnity insurance is not legally required but is recommended for contractors who provide design advice or technical consultancy as part of their roofing service. Contract works insurance (also known as contractors' all risks insurance) covers loss or damage to the works in progress and is particularly important for roofing projects where materials on site and partially completed work are exposed to weather damage and theft.
This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.Full disclaimer
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