What to Ask a Roofer Before Installing Felt Shingles

Felt shingles are a common and cost-effective roofing material used in homes across the UK. These shingles offer protection against wind and rain and are a good choice for sheds, garages, and even residential homes in some cases. They are made using a base layer of either fibreglass or organic material, then covered with waterproof bitumen and coated with mineral granules to resist wear and sunlight.

Before hiring a roofer to install felt shingles, it's important to ask clear and helpful questions. This ensures you are choosing a skilled person for the job and protecting your investment. With the right approach, your roof will last longer, look better, and require fewer repairs in the future. A good roofer will also be happy to explain their methods and provide honest answers to your concerns.

This article will guide you through what to ask and what to look out for when hiring a professional for a felt shingle installation. From spotting quality work to avoiding poor workmanship, these tips will help you feel more confident as you prepare for your roofing project.

Key Questions to Help You Choose the Right Roofer

Finding a reliable roofer can seem tricky at first, especially with so many people offering their services. Asking the right questions helps you make the best choice and avoid future problems with your roof. Here are some useful things to ask during your first talk with any potential roofer.

What Experience Do You Have With Felt Shingles?

It’s important to know if the roofer has direct experience working with felt shingles. Ask how long they have been installing them and whether they’ve handled projects like yours before. Some roofers might be skilled in general roofing but lack practice with this specific material. Installing felt shingles the right way takes a certain technique and understanding.

You can also ask for examples of their past work, such as photos or details of recent jobs. Good roofers will be happy to share proof of what they’ve done and may even give you contact details of past clients if you want to check references.

Are You Properly Insured and Certified?

Before any work begins, make sure the roofer has the right insurance. Public liability insurance protects both of you if anything goes wrong during the job. For example, if there’s an accident or damage to your home, this insurance helps cover the costs. Without it, you could be left paying the bill.

It’s also worth checking if the roofer is part of a trade body. Organisations like the NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) or TrustMark help make sure roofers meet proper standards and follow rules that protect customers. This gives you extra peace of mind.

What Materials Will You Use?

Felt shingles come in different qualities. Cheaper ones may not last as long or stand up well to bad weather. Always ask what type and brand the roofer plans to use, and why they have chosen it for your home. Higher-quality felt may cost more, but it can give better results and fewer problems in the future.

A good roofer will know the pros and cons of each type and explain them in a way you can understand. They should also be honest about any price difference and what you get for your money.

Can You Provide a Written Quote and Timescale?

Always ask for a clear, written quote before agreeing to anything. This should cover the cost of materials, labour, and any other charges. It’s also useful to ask when the work will start and how long it should take. Having this information in writing means there’s less chance of confusion or sudden price changes later on.

Written quotes also help you compare different roofers and decide which one offers the best service and value. Make sure everything is easy to understand, and don’t be afraid to ask for something to be explained in more detail.

How to Spot a Quality Felt Shingle Installation in Advance

There are a few things you can check before the work begins that might show whether the roofer will do a good job. A careful look at their behaviour and approach can reveal a lot about their work style and skill level.

First, a quality roofer will carry out a full inspection of your roof before giving a final quote. They’ll check for damaged boards, signs of rot, and any areas that need fixing before laying new shingles. If the base of your roof is not solid, the shingles won’t stay in place or protect against water.

The roofer should explain how they’ll fit the felt shingles, such as what overlaps they will use and how they’ll fasten the sheets. Good installation needs the right layers and strong nails or fixings to stop wind or rain getting in. If they cannot describe these steps clearly, they may not know what they’re doing.

Another good sign is how they organise their tools and materials. Roofers who keep things tidy and ready tend to take pride in their work. It also helps avoid delays and problems during the job. If their van and tools look well cared for, they probably do careful work too.

You can also look out for how they talk about aftercare. Good roofers will tell you how to look after the shingles, what to check after heavy rain, and when to book a roof check-up. These extras show that they are thinking about your roof for the long term, not just while they’re on site.

Red Flags That Might Signal Inexperience or Poor Workmanship

Just as there are signs of a good roofer, there are also clues that a roofer might not be up to the job. Spotting these early can save you time, stress, and extra costs later on.

One major red flag is a lack of clear answers. If a roofer seems unsure or avoids explaining their process, they may not have enough experience. You should feel comfortable asking questions and getting straightforward answers. If they become annoyed or dismissive, that’s a bad sign.

Be cautious of anyone who tries to rush you into signing a contract or paying a large amount upfront. While a deposit may be fair, no honest roofer should ask for full payment before they start. If they do, it could mean they aren’t confident in delivering the work—or worse, that they may disappear.

Another concern is poor appearance or lack of preparation. Roofers should turn up looking ready to work, with the proper safety gear and neat tools. If their vehicle or equipment is in bad shape, or if they seem disorganised, this could reflect on the quality of the work they do.

Finally, if a roofer refuses to offer a written quote or guarantee, think twice before going ahead. These documents protect you if something goes wrong and show the roofer is willing to stand by their work. Without them, you have no proof of what was agreed.

What to Clarify Before Work Begins on Your Roof

Once you’ve chosen a roofer and feel happy with your choice, take time to confirm a few final points. This helps avoid confusion and makes sure you both understand how the work will be carried out. Even if everything sounds good at first, double-checking the details can prevent later problems.

What Is Included in the Quote?

Ask for a full list of what the quote covers. This should include removing old roofing, preparing the surface, installing the new felt shingles, and cleaning up at the end. It’s helpful to know exactly what you are paying for and what might cost extra if needed.

If something is not clear, ask the roofer to explain it or add it to the paperwork. It’s much better to sort out small issues now than deal with bigger ones later on.

What Will the Daily Work Schedule Be Like?

Find out what days the roofer will be working, what time they will start and finish, and whether they plan to work on weekends. This helps you plan around their visits and makes sure there is someone available if you need to speak to them.

Ask if the same team will be there each day and who to contact if you have any concerns. Clear communication is key to a smooth job and a good final result.

What Guarantees or Aftercare Do You Provide?

A solid guarantee can protect you if something goes wrong after the job is finished. Ask how long the work is guaranteed for and what it covers. Some roofers offer separate warranties for the shingles and their labour, so it’s good to understand both.

It’s also worth asking if they’ll do a follow-up visit to check the roof after a few months, or if they’ll be available to fix any small issues that come up shortly after the work is done. These extras show the roofer cares about doing the job right and keeping you satisfied.