Can Roofers Work in the Rain and in Winter?

HSE guidance says not to go on any roof in poor weather such as rain, ice, frost or strong gusting wind, or where the roof is slippery. A good roofer will stop for safety, not to be awkward. A delay is the honest answer on a wet or frosty day.

Can roofers work in the rain?

Working at height is hazardous, and adding water makes the surface incredibly dangerous. Official advice from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is clear that tradespeople should not consider going on any roof in poor weather conditions such as rain. This safety advice is aimed entirely at people working on roofs, and you must never go on the roof yourself.

Rain affects all types of property, whether you have a pitched roof, which is a traditional sloping structure, or a flat roof, which is a horizontal surface with a very slight fall for drainage. Concrete and clay tiles are moulded roof coverings, and natural and fibre cement slate are thinner overlapping coverings. HSE advises against going on a roof where slippery conditions exist.

The HSE guidance specifically notes that tradespeople must stay off the structure if slippery conditions exist on the roof. A good roofer will stop for safety on a wet day rather than carry on, and a delay is the honest answer.

When wind, ice and frost stop a roof job

Rain is only one part of the problem during the British winter. The HSE states that tradespeople should avoid roof work when there is ice, frost or strong winds, particularly gusting winds. HSE lists frost alongside rain and ice as poor weather in which not to go on a roof.

Wind is a major hazard for anyone carrying large sheets of material or working at height near the edge of a property. The HSE states that winds in excess of 23mph (Force 5) will affect a person's balance. This matters when handling underlay, which is often called felt or membrane and forms the waterproof layer beneath your tiles.

The same applies when carrying battens, the long timber strips that tiles are fixed to, or working at the ridge, which is the highest peak of the roof, and the hip, the sloping external corner. Lead flashing, the metal strips that seal joints against walls or chimneys, is also fitted by a roofer at height, which is another reason a windy day can mean a delay.

Which roofing jobs are affected most by wet and cold

Moisture and low temperatures affect roofing materials just as much as the people fitting them. Roofers say flat roof systems can be sensitive to winter weather. These systems include built-up felt, which is usually applied with a hot torch, EPDM rubber, GRP fibreglass, single-ply membranes and liquid coatings.

Roofers say, as views rather than rules, that rain stops roofing felt from sticking. One says that the glue for an EPDM rubber roof cannot be used below 5 to 6 degrees.

GRP fibreglass is also described as very temperature sensitive, with no figure given. Others say the limits depend on the product and the curing agent requirements set by the manufacturers, so the instructions for the system being fitted matter. A warm roof has insulation above the timber deck and a cold roof has it between the joists.

This table sets out what some roofers say about three common flat roof materials.

These are individual roofers' views, not rules, and what a roofer can do depends on the exact product and the manufacturer's instructions.

Can a flat roof be replaced in winter?

Whether a flat roof can be replaced in winter depends on the roofer and the system. Roofers hold differing views. Some say a flat roof can be replaced in most weather conditions except frost, and others say it should preferably be a dry day.

Some do not recommend winter work because of frost. Others say that some flat roof systems are better than others at this time of year. A reliable contractor will check the daily weather forecast and choose a dry window to strip and cover your property.

Replacing a flat roof means stripping away the old material to reveal the timber deck, which is the structural wooden boards that support the waterproof covering. Nobody can see rotten timber until the old covering is off. Exposing this timber to rain or snow can put the inside of your home at risk, which is why the plan for stripped sections matters.

What temporary protection to expect if the weather turns

Winter weather can change rapidly while a job is under way, leaving your property exposed to the elements. A roofer should explain in advance how the roof will be left weathertight at the end of each day. It is highly recommended that you ask this exact question before you hire a firm.

How a roofer does this is for them to explain, which is why it is worth asking. Ask in particular about vulnerable areas like the valley, which is the internal corner where two slopes meet, and the verge, the outer edge of a roof above a gable.

You must never attempt to climb ladders or secure a loose tarpaulin yourself during bad weather. You can monitor the situation safely by carrying out visual checks from the ground or from inside your loft.

Building regulations for winter roof work

Weather delays do not change the strict legal requirements for your roofing project. In England, repairing or re-covering a roof does not normally need a building control application if less than 25 per cent of the building envelope and less than 50 per cent of the roof is affected. Above that, approval is needed and the insulation may have to be upgraded.

Approval is also needed for structural alterations, where a new covering performs significantly differently in fire, or where it adds 15 per cent or more to the weight. Replacing a glazed or polycarbonate conservatory roof with a solid one takes the conservatory out of its exemption, so building regulations apply to the new roof. Rules differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland, so you must check with your local council rather than guessing.

CompetentRoofer is a government-authorised competent person scheme run by the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC). Registered roofers can self-certify roof refurbishment in England and Wales, and the customer should receive a building regulations compliance certificate. Otherwise, the work goes through council building control or a registered building control approver.

What to agree about delays before you sign

Because winter weather is unpredictable, you need a clear agreement in place before the scaffolding goes up. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, work must be done with reasonable care and skill, and if it is not you can ask for it to be put right or for money back. A proper written quote contains clear details about how weather delays will be managed.

Small repairs are usually a fixed price or a day rate, while larger work is priced per square metre plus access. Scaffolding is often a separate and significant line on the bill. Waste removal and VAT may or may not be included, so you must ask your contractor directly. Prices are naturally higher in London and the South East.

You should agree on several specific points in writing before the work begins.

• Who decides whether to work on a given day.
• How delays are communicated to you.
• Whether the price is affected by a weather delay.
• What the plan is for sections that have already been stripped.
• How extras will be priced, because nobody can see rotten timber until the old covering is off.

A quote is a fixed price, while an estimate is not. Contracts agreed at home, by phone or online normally carry a 14-day cooling-off period. If you ask for work to start inside that period to fix an urgent leak, you must pay for what has been done. Paying by credit card gives Section 75 protection on purchases over £100 and up to £30,000, and Citizens Advice is the place to go with a dispute.

Common mistakes and scams in this trade

TrustMark is the government-endorsed quality scheme for work in and around the home, and membership is a good sign, not a guarantee. You should always check a firm's details on the scheme's own register before handing over any money.

You should watch out for these common warning signs when hiring a roofer.

• Cold callers who have spotted a loose tile or moss from the street.
• Pressure to decide today because the weather is turning.
• Firms asking for cash only or big deposits upfront.
• Traders who have no physical address.
• Vague one-line quotes that lack any detail.
• Being sold a whole new roof for a local fault.
• Roof coating and painting claims.
• Pressure washing sold as maintenance.

You should never accept guarantees that are worthless if the firm folds because they are not insurance-backed. Going without the building regulations certificate is another major mistake that will cause significant problems when you come to sell your house.

Why a good roofer may say no

A roofer who refuses to work on a wet day is acting properly and following strict health and safety guidelines. A contractor who insists on working on a soaking flat roof may be cutting corners just to get to their next job. A roofer who rushes in the rain may be putting the quality of the job at risk.

If you are planning a major replacement, it helps to understand the best time to replace a roof in the UK. A delay is the honest answer on a wet or frosty day.

The HSE advice not to go on a roof in rain, ice, frost or strong gusting wind covers any roof, including the eaves, which are the lower edges overhanging the walls. The same applies to replacing fascias, the vertical boards under the roof edge, soffits, the flat boards tucked under the fascias, and guttering, the pipes that catch rainwater.

Common questions

Can you replace a roof in winter?

It depends on the job and the roofer. For flat roofs, roofers hold differing views, from most weather except frost to not recommending winter work. HSE advises against going on a roof in rain, ice, frost or strong gusting wind, so expect some delays. Ask your roofer how they will plan around the weather.

Is roofing in the rain safe?

Roofing in the rain is not safe because the surface becomes extremely slippery. The HSE strictly warns against going on any roof in poor weather conditions. Roofers say rain stops felt from sticking.

What happens if it rains during a roof replacement?

If it starts raining unexpectedly, a good roofer will stop for safety. This is why it is worth asking in advance how the roof will be left weathertight at the end of each day. Work should only restart when it is safe.

Can you lay roof felt in the rain?

Roofers say rain stops felt from sticking, and some prefer a dry day. This is their view rather than a rule, so ask your roofer how they handle it.

Next steps before you book winter roof work

Booking roof repairs during the colder months requires careful planning and clear communication. Use this checklist to make sure you are fully prepared before you hire a contractor.

• Take photos of the defect from the ground or from inside the loft.
• Get three written quotes from local roofing firms.
• Check that each quote provides itemised prices.
• Ask the roofer to explain in advance how the roof will be left weathertight at the end of each day.
• Ask for proof of the firm's insurance.
• Agree on a staged payment plan.
• Ensure the final payment is only made when the job is completely finished.

Winter weather will inevitably cause some delays, but a professional tradesperson will handle them safely and keep you informed throughout the process. When you are ready to compare prices and discuss your project, you can find a roofer near you to get started.