Roof Repairs in Northern Ireland: Why Qualified Roofers Matter Stuart Penrose Roofing

Northern Ireland Storm Damage & Roofing Skills Shortage: Why Training Matters

The roofing industry in Northern Ireland is facing significant challenges. The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) has not provided adequate support for this region compared to the rest of the UK. Similarly, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has been largely absent, leaving local roofers and apprentices without a clear path forward.

Impact of Recent Storms

The storm in January highlighted our unpreparedness. Many homes and buildings suffered severe damage, and the shortage of qualified roofers became painfully apparent. If this is our current situation, what will happen as weather patterns continue to change unpredictably?

Consequences of Poor Regulation

In the aftermath, I continue to receive calls from homeowners who hired unqualified “roofing contractors” for storm repairs. Unfortunately, many of these opportunists caused more damage than they repaired, leaving families in worse situations and eroding trust in the roofing trade. This is a direct result of an under-regulated industry lacking a clear training or qualification framework—where chaos leads to unqualified workers.

The Need for Structured Training

Experienced roofers like myself have been left to shoulder the burden alone. There is no structured training or college attendance; everything must be learned on-site. While hands-on learning is valuable, it limits productivity and prevents apprentices from obtaining recognized qualifications. This lack of qualifications leads to a decline in apprenticeship uptake, perpetuating a cycle of under-skilling.

Preserving Heritage Skills

Consider our heritage buildings and period homes. The roofers who possess traditional skills are now aging, often in their 50s and 60s. When they retire, who will carry on this specialized work? Without proper training pathways, the next generation of skilled roofers may not exist, risking the maintenance of our most important buildings.

A Call for Investment and Support

Northern Ireland deserves better. We need substantial investment in training, clear qualification pathways, and support from the organizations that represent and regulate our industry. If storms are becoming the new normal, then we must also have a skilled, prepared, and supported roofing sector.

Proposing a Cross-Border Roofing Body

It’s time to think bigger. Ireland, both north and south, needs a cross-border roofing organization. Such a body could establish standardized training and qualifications recognized on both sides of the border. It could enforce accountability by properly registering contractors and verifying their workforce, thereby reducing the prevalence of opportunists. Most importantly, it could protect homeowners by setting shared standards for storm repairs, insurance compliance, and dispute resolution. Without this level of coordinated regulation, we will continue to see the same cycle: storms hit, unqualified workers emerge, and the reputation of the trade suffers.

The Importance of Community Support

We can’t overlook the role of our community in this situation. Homeowners, businesses, and local authorities must come together to advocate for better training and support for roofers. By working collaboratively, we can push for changes that benefit everyone. It’s about creating a safer environment for our homes and ensuring that skilled tradespeople are available when we need them most.

Embracing Technology in Training

Let’s talk about technology. In today’s world, we have incredible tools at our disposal. Online training programs, virtual workshops, and interactive learning platforms can revolutionize how we train roofers. Imagine apprentices learning from the best in the business, no matter where they are located! This could be a game-changer, making training more accessible and efficient.

Building a Stronger Future

As we look to the future, we must prioritize building a stronger roofing sector. This means investing in our people, embracing new technologies, and fostering a culture of continuous learning. We can’t afford to let our skills erode. The future of roofing in Northern Ireland depends on it.

Stuart Penrose — award-winning heritage roofing contractor, Domestic Roofing Contractor of the Year