By Charlie the Roofer for Roofline · Published · Checked against the sources listed below
Treat it with suspicion. West Yorkshire Trading Standards lists a knock at the door about a loose tile as a common rogue trader tactic, often followed by extra ‘urgent’ work and a rising price. Agree to nothing and keep them off your roof. Let them leave, then get a second opinion from a roofer you chose.
How does the loose tile doorstep scam usually work?
It usually starts small and grows once you say yes. West Yorkshire Trading Standards describes the pattern:
- A problem you cannot check. The caller has noticed a loose tile, or says work is needed when it is not.
- A low price and an early start. An on the spot discount, or an offer to start straight away.
- More work once the job begins. Further jobs that need urgent attention appear, and the price climbs.
- Pressure to pay in cash. Some traders drive customers to the bank or a cash machine.
In July 2025 Sheffield City Council reported a roofer jailed for three years and three months for fraud, having taken more than £28,000 for unnecessary work. He found two of his three victims by knocking on doors. In January 2026 City of York Council reported a roofline trader jailed for 10 months. His customers said prices rose once extra work was found.
What should you do while the roofer is at your door?
Say no to the work, however small or cheap. West Yorkshire Trading Standards advises residents not to do business on the doorstep.
- Do not sign anything or hand over money.
- Do not let them onto your roof, up a ladder or into your loft.
- If it is safe, photograph the van and its registration from indoors. You may need these if you report the trader.
- Ask for a business card and a written quote with a final price, then let them go.
- Check the company on Companies House.
A genuine trader will accept that and leave.
If you are still worried, ask a roofer you chose to check. Roofline is based in Barnsley and covers Yorkshire. We do free inspections and send you photos of what we find. Call or WhatsApp 07413 797731, or send us a message. After a storm, read our guide to storm damage claims. For clean and coat offers, see moss on your roof.
Can you cancel work you agreed to at your door?
Usually, yes. Under the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013, work agreed at your home normally carries a cancellation period ending 14 days after the day you agreed it.
- No paperwork. The trader must give you written cancellation information. If it never arrives, the period is extended by 12 months. If it arrives late, you get 14 days from receiving it.
- Work started early. The trader must not start within the period unless you expressly ask, on paper or by email. If you asked and had the cancellation information, you pay for work done before you cancel.
- Owing nothing. Without that request, or without the cancellation information, you bear no cost for work done in the period.
Put your cancellation in writing, by letter or email, and keep a copy of whatever you send.
Who should you report a doorstep roofer to?
Report it to Trading Standards through the Citizens Advice consumer helpline, the route West Yorkshire Trading Standards gives, even if you turned the caller away.
- 999 in an emergency, such as when you feel threatened or the caller refuses to leave.
- Citizens Advice consumer helpline, 0808 223 1133, which passes reports to Trading Standards.
- Police on 101 when it is not an emergency.
- Report Fraud, 0300 123 2040, if you have lost money. It replaced Action Fraud in December 2025.
West Yorkshire Trading Standards says rogue traders deliberately target elderly and vulnerable people, so mention this to any relative or neighbour who lives alone.
Send us a photo on WhatsApp and we will tell you what we think it is and whether it needs a visit. Quotes are free and itemised.
Sources
- West Yorkshire Trading Standards: Rogue Traders & Cold Calling
- West Yorkshire Trading Standards: keep safe from rogue traders (CTSI, 16 October 2017)
- Sheffield City Council: Rogue roofer prosecuted for fraud (7 July 2025)
- City of York Council: Unfair trading results in 10 month prison sentence (23 January 2026)
- Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013, regulations 5, 30, 31 and 36
- GOV.UK: Report Fraud, new service from City of London Police (4 December 2025)
General information about roofing in England, checked against the sources above when published. It is not a substitute for advice about your own roof.
