Cowboy roofing contractors - the conmen whose charm and bravado far outweigh honesty or skill in the trade - seem to be a constant focus of the media.

But although householders are right to be wary, reputable roofers, and the industry as a whole, are suffering the consequences.

It is this kind of negative publicity that skilled, well-established roofing contractors are keen to combat.

In contrast to the fly-by-night cowboy, for many companies roofing is in the blood, with skills being passed down from father to son through many generations.

The Mason family are keen that the public does not tar all roofers with the same brush.

Since his grandfather - who worked on roofs until the age of 72 - retired recently, Stephen Mason has been running the company with his father and brother.

Their history is far-reaching as well as long-lasting. Stephen's great-grandfather went abroad when he was 29, working on roofs in what was then the Gold Coast, now West Africa.

Stephen, like the other roofers of the family, is highly qualified and skilled.

He recognises that although roofing is a very old trade, it is one that is always changing, with health and safety as one of the most important issues in the industry.

So, the frustration of craftsmen like him is hardly surprising. Despite all their hard work to build up a solid reputation, he says dishonest 'roofers' are constantly undermining them.

One of the ways in which both the public and the roofing contractor can safeguard themselves against the problem of rogue roofers, he notes, being a member of National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) for over a 11 years.

Every NFRC member has been vetted to ensure that they comply with the NFRC Code of Practice, are suitably qualified to lay products to specification, have correct health and safety policies in place and are covered by third party public liability insurance.

Being a member of the NFRC means that, as well as better peace of mind, clients can also take advantage of tailor-made insurance packages and get help and advice in the event of any problems.

Stephen Mason has been fixing roofs since his Grandfather showed him 15 years ago. His Great-grandfather started the business in 1892 in North Africa. Still only 31, two years ago he split from the family roofing business to go out on his own. 

He wanted to provide a different service where quality of workmanship came first. He points out that as in most businesses there is a great deal of competition and although not necessarily the cheapest he is determined to make his company the best in the area. 

He says “it has not been easy doing the job, estimating, running the office, maintaining staff levels and dealing with all customer enquiries. You cannot stagnate or become complacent.” He is always thinking of new ideas to promote and improve the company. He says “That to gain a good reputation all his jobs have signs exhibited to promote his work and of course there is the website and the advertisements in the yellow pages.” 

The thing to remember is that if a customer contacts the office with just a single tile to change or a complete roof, all our customers are treated the same way being called sir or madam as good manners are always important. 

Finding premises is difficult; he makes do with just a small area but has planned to expand to a large yard, although he still has access to the family yard in Whytleafe, Surrey. People do not want lorries parked outside their homes and the storage of tiles, battens and felt requires costly storage space. 

Transport costs have become a major factor within job estimates, for local customers its not too bad but those 10 miles away can become less cost effective especially transporting thousands of roofing tiles.                       

Finding clay peg tiles can also be very difficult now days, salvage yards can charge a premium for them and the tiles must match so that you cannot see the repair as they must all blend in.

 “Being in the Federation of Roofing Contractors is important” says Stephen; professional bodies give customers confidence that their roof will be repaired or replaced to a high standard.

              ……OUR FAMILY SPECIALISES IN KEEPING YOURS DRY……