Do I *have* to use an accredited roofer in Kent?

No, accreditations aren't always legally required for every roofing job – minor repairs might not need them. But they're a strong indicator of a roofer's commitment to quality, ongoing training, and customer protection. For peace of mind, especially on larger jobs or period properties, choosing an accredited roofer is wise. Think of it like choosing a Gas Safe engineer for boiler work – not always legally mandated for every task, but a smart baseline for trust.

What's the difference between a 10-year guarantee and a 25-year guarantee?

The duration reflects how long the provider promises the work or product will perform as expected. Longer guarantees often suggest confidence in higher-quality materials or installation standards – but duration alone means nothing without knowing what's covered and who backs it. A 25-year manufacturer's warranty on tiles is only valid if installed correctly; a 10-year insurance-backed workmanship guarantee from a solvent provider might offer more real-world protection than a 25-year promise from a roofer who could disappear tomorrow.

Can a roofer be accredited by multiple bodies?

Absolutely – and it's often a good sign. Reputable Kent roofers frequently hold several accreditations: maybe they're MCS certified for solar, belong to a TrustMark CPS for insulation work, have manufacturer-specific badges for the products they use, and offer IBGs through QANW. Each serves a different purpose – verifying competence in specific areas rather than being a single seal of approval.

What if my roofer's accreditation body no longer exists?

If the accreditation scheme has ceased operations, it doesn't automatically mean the roofer is unskilled – but it does remove an easy verification route. Focus instead on their current credentials: do they offer insurance-backed guarantees? Can they provide references from recent Kent jobs? Are they registered with other active schemes? The absence of one defunct accreditation shouldn't override proven, current reliability.

Are accreditations and warranties the same as building regulations approval?

No – they serve different purposes. Accreditations are voluntary endorsements of quality and competence. Building Regulations approval ensures work meets legal safety and structural standards (often handled by a Competent Person Scheme or your local authority). Some roofing work *requires* Building Regulations sign-off (like structural changes), while other jobs (like retiling) might not. Accreditations can indicate competence in areas that *relate* to Building Regulations, but they don't replace the legal approval process when it's needed.

Protect Your £10k Roof Investment in Kent

12 March 2026

Kent Roofing Guides — Independent Advice for Homeowners

KentHub Team

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Accreditations and warranties matter most when they give you something you can actually verify. If a roofer in Kent cannot explain which scheme they belong to, what their guarantee covers, and who backs it if the business closes, you do not have much protection at all. This guide breaks down the main roofing accreditations, how to check them properly, and which warranty questions are worth asking before you agree to any work.

What Are Roofer Accreditations and Why Do They Matter in Kent?

Roofer accreditations are independent endorsements from recognised bodies that signal a tradesperson meets specific industry standards for skill, safety, and business practices. For Kent homeowners, this isn’t just about ticking a box; it’s a practical way to separate the professionals from the rest when you’re investing thousands in your home. For more on vetting tradespeople, check out our blog.

Accreditations aren’t legally required for every roofing job, and simple repairs might not need them, but they become much more important when work involves Building Regulations or specialist materials. The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) is a good example of a body setting industry benchmarks for quality and professionalism. Kent’s varied housing stock makes this especially relevant: a Victorian terrace in Tunbridge Wells may need someone used to traditional materials, while a newer home in Maidstone may rely more on manufacturer-backed systems. Accreditations are not a substitute for a solid contract, but they do give you a better starting point for checking whether the roofer is credible.

Key Roofer Accreditations to Look For (and What They Mean)

Not all accreditations carry the same weight, and knowing what each actually covers saves you from misunderstanding protection. Here’s what matters most for Kent roofers:

MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme): Essential if you’re adding solar panels to your roof. It certifies the installer’s competence in renewable energy systems, ensuring the electrical work meets safety standards. Without it, your home insurance might not cover solar-related issues, and you could miss out on Smart Export Guarantee payments.
FENSA (Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme): Primarily for windows and doors, but sometimes relevant if your roofer is installing rooflights or roof windows. It means they can self-certify compliance with Building Regulations for those specific elements. Don’t assume FENSA covers your entire roof retiling job – it’s narrowly focused.
QANW (Quality Assured National Warranties): This is a big one for roofing. QANW provides insurance-backed guarantees (IBGs) that protect you if the roofer goes bust during the guarantee period. It’s not about the roofer’s general skill but a financial safety net – crucial for long-term peace of mind.
Competent Person Scheme (CPS): If your roof work needs Building Regulations approval (e.g., changing roof structure, adding insulation at rafter level), a roofer in a CPS like TrustMark or NAPIT can self-certify the work. You can verify a roofer’s status with schemes like TrustMark. This avoids the hassle and cost of submitting a building notice to your local council – but verify they’re registered for the specific work you’re having done.
Manufacturer-Specific Accreditations: Look for badges like “Velux 5 Star Installer” or “Sika Approved Applicator”. These mean the roofer has undergone training on that brand’s products, which is often required to validate the manufacturer’s warranty. Using non-accredited installers on specialist systems, such as flat roof membranes, can void guarantees.

Here’s how to verify these quickly: ask for the accreditation name and number, then check the relevant body’s website (MCS, QANW, FENSA, or the CPS register). Ensure it’s for the company you’re hiring, not just an individual who might have left, and that it’s current. A reputable roofer should be happy to provide this proof.

How to Verify Roofer Accreditations in Kent

Verification isn’t optional; it’s how you turn marketing claims into real protection when hiring a roofer in Kent. Too many homeowners take a roofer’s word for it, only to discover later the accreditation lapsed years ago or never existed.

First, ask for proof upfront – not just a logo on their van, but the accreditation body’s name, their certificate number, and the scope of what’s covered. A trustworthy roofer expects this question and will provide details without hesitation.

Second, check the official source. Go directly to the accreditation body’s website:

For MCS: search the MCS Installer Directory
For QANW: use the QANW Member Search
For FENSA: check the FENSA Installer Search
For CPS: consult the GOV.UK Competent Person Scheme register

Third, verify the company name and validity. Ensure the accreditation matches the exact trading name on your quote and that it’s in date, because schemes require renewal.

Fourth, understand what the scheme actually covers. Manufacturer accreditations validate product-specific training but don’t guarantee general roofing competence. A CPS registration for electrical work doesn’t cover structural roof changes. Knowing the scope prevents dangerous assumptions.

Finally, for Building Regulations-related work, contact your local Kent council’s building control department – they can confirm if a roofer is authorised to self-certify under a CPS for your specific project. You can find your local authority’s contact details on GOV.UK. It takes a few minutes and adds a layer of certainty no logo can replace.

Understanding Roofer Warranties and Guarantees

Warranties and guarantees sound interchangeable, but knowing the difference protects you from nasty surprises when securing your roof. A warranty typically covers defects in materials or workmanship for a set period, while a guarantee often implies a stronger promise – but in roofing, they’re used loosely. What really matters is who stands behind it and what’s actually covered.

📺 Watch: Flat Roof Insurance Backed Guarantees And How They Work — Steve Roofer

Let’s break down the three types you’ll encounter:

Manufacturer’s Warranty: Covers the product itself (e.g., concrete tiles, roofing membrane) if it fails due to a manufacturing defect. Crucially, this usually only applies if installed correctly by an accredited contractor – which is why those manufacturer-specific badges matter. A 20-year tile warranty is useless if the roofer didn’t follow the manufacturer’s fixing guidelines.
Contractor’s Workmanship Warranty: Covers errors in installation – like poorly sealed flashings or incorrect batten spacing – for a set period (often 5-10 years). This is where many homeowners get tripped up: if the roofer vanishes, this warranty often vanishes with them unless it’s insurance-backed.
Insurance-Backed Guarantees (IBGs): Provided by a third-party insurer (like QANW or GCIS), these pay out for valid workmanship claims even if the original roofer ceases trading. They’re the gold standard for long-term protection, frequently linked to accreditations like QANW. The insurer steps in to arrange repairs using another accredited contractor. For more on your general consumer rights when hiring tradespeople, Citizens Advice is an excellent resource.

Duration matters, but so does scope. A 25-year guarantee sounds impressive until you read the exclusions: storm damage, lack of maintenance, or pre-existing structural issues are rarely covered. Focus on what’s included and ask for proof of any IBG policy itself, not just a verbal promise.

The Real Value: What to Ask Your Kent Roofer About Guarantees

These are the questions worth asking before you sign anything:

“What specific warranty do you offer on your workmanship, and for how long?” Listen for clarity: “10 years on all labour” is better than vague promises. If they hesitate, walk away.
“Is your warranty insurance-backed? If so, by whom, and can I see a copy of the policy?” This is non-negotiable for long-term protection. A reputable roofer will have the IBG details ready – if they say “it’s in the contract” but won’t show you the actual guarantee document, that’s worrying.
“If you use a specific product (like Marley tiles or Sika membrane), what manufacturer warranty applies, and what are the conditions?” Connects the dots between accreditation and product protection. The answer should reference their installer training and any registration requirements.
“What is the process for making a claim under your warranty or the manufacturer’s warranty?” You need to know: who to contact, what evidence is required (photos? reports?), and typical timelines. Vague answers here signal future headaches.
“What happens to my warranty if your company ceases to trade?” This is one of the most important questions. If they mention an IBG provider, you’re likely on firmer ground. If they say “we’ve been in business 20 years” without addressing insolvency protection, treat it as a red flag.

If a roofer gets evasive when you ask these questions, treat that as useful information and keep looking.

What If the Roofer or Warranty Provider Ceases to Trade?

This is one of the main reasons insurance-backed cover matters. If the company disappears and the roof starts leaking, the paperwork is what decides whether you have any practical protection.

If you have an insurance-backed guarantee (IBG) from a provider like QANW or GCIS, your protection is largely intact. Contact the IBG administrator directly with your contract, warranty certificate, and proof of payment. They’ll assess the claim and, if valid, arrange for another accredited contractor to fix the defect, usually covering labour and materials.

If your warranty is not insurance-backed (just the roofer’s promise), it’s likely worthless if they stop trading. At that point:

Check if any manufacturer warranty still applies (e.g., for tiles or membrane) – but remember, this often requires proof of correct installation by an accredited contractor, which you may struggle to prove without the original roofer’s involvement.
As a last resort, contact Citizens Advice or your local Kent Trading Standards for guidance on potential legal routes, though recovering costs from a defunct company is notoriously difficult.

The key takeaway is simple: prioritise roofers offering IBGs for any significant work. It is one of the few protections that still matters if the original business is no longer around.

Roofing Specifics for Kent Properties

Kent’s diverse housing stock means one-size-fits-all advice doesn’t cut it when considering roofer accreditations and warranties. Your property’s age and materials directly impact which accreditations and warranties matter most:

Victorian/Edwardian properties (common in Canterbury, Tunbridge Wells, and Maidstone town centres) often feature complex roofs with heritage clay tiles, leadwork, or timber frames. Look for roofers with accreditations specific to traditional materials (e.g., Clay Tile Manufacturer Schemes) or heritage organisation endorsements – standard modern accreditations might not cover the specialist skills needed for sympathetic repairs.
Post-war semis and estates (prevalent in Medway, Sittingbourne, and Sevenoaks) usually have simpler pitched roofs, but correct ventilation and insulation installation are critical to avoid condensation issues. Roofers registered under a Competent Person Scheme for insulation work add real value here, as improper installation can void both product guarantees and create damp problems.
Rural properties (throughout the Weald and coastal areas) may use natural slate, wood shingles, or specialised flat roofing systems. Manufacturer accreditations for these niche materials are essential – using a roofer without specific training on, say, Cedar Shingle installation risks premature failure and voided warranties.

Do not assume any “accredited” roofer can handle every roof type. Match the accreditation to your roof’s specific needs. For more insights into our approach and why we focus on Kent, visit our About Us page.