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What Scaffolding Do I Need for a Roof Job?

By Staff4dshire Group · Staff4dshire Scaffolding

Roof work is work at height, so the access has to be right before anyone goes up. The type of scaffold depends on the job: a few tiles, a chimney rebuild and a full re-roof all need something different. Here is how to think about it.

Access scaffold with ladder access erected to a brick gable

The law in brief

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require work at height to be properly planned, and for equipment to be used that prevents falls wherever that is reasonably practicable. For most roof work that means a scaffold with guardrails and edge protection rather than working from ladders.

Scaffolds should be designed and erected by competent scaffolders; industry guidance such as the NASC's TG20 sets out standard configurations, and anything outside it needs a specific design.

Full scaffold with edge protection

For a re-roof, replacing the felt and battens, or long runs of ridge and verge work, a full scaffold along the elevation with a working platform at eaves level and edge protection is the usual answer. It gives roofers a safe place to work and a barrier along the roof edge.

On re-roofs a loading bay is often added so tiles and materials can be lifted onto the scaffold safely.

Scaffold to the front elevation of a semi-detached house

Chimney scaffolds

Chimney repairs, re-pointing, new flashings and pots need a scaffold that reaches the stack. That is usually a scaffold up the elevation with a platform built around the chimney itself, sometimes with a roof ladder or crawl boards for access across the slope.

See our guide to chimney leaks and lead flashing for the roofing side of chimney jobs.

Smaller jobs and towers

Very small, short jobs, such as clearing a gutter on a single-storey extension, may be done from a mobile tower or other access equipment, if it is suitable and used correctly. A roofer should assess the job and tell you honestly what access it needs.

Scaffolds on pavements or roads need a licence from the highway authority; in most of Staffordshire that is Staffordshire County Council.

Inspections and handover

A scaffold must be inspected after it is put up and before it is first used, at intervals of no more than seven days while it is in use, and after anything that could affect its stability, such as high winds or alterations.

At handover you should receive confirmation that the scaffold is complete and safe to use. Staff4dshire Scaffolding delivers on our own transport and works alongside Staff4dshire Roofing Specialists. See Staff4dshire Scaffolding or scaffolding in Rugeley.

Quick checklist

  • Describe the roof job to your scaffolder
  • Ask whether a full scaffold or chimney scaffold is needed
  • Allow for a loading bay on re-roofs
  • Check if a pavement licence is required
  • Agree the hire period
  • Make sure the scaffold is inspected and handed over

Frequently asked questions

Can roof repairs be done from a ladder?

Ladders are for short, low-risk tasks. Most roof work needs a scaffold or other equipment that prevents falls. Your roofer should assess the job and explain what access it needs.

How long can I keep a scaffold up?

As long as the job needs, within the agreed hire period. It must be inspected at least every seven days while in use.

Do I need a licence for scaffolding on the pavement?

Yes. A scaffold on a pavement or road needs a licence from the highway authority. We will tell you if your job needs one.

About Staff4dshire Group. Staff4dshire Group is based at Unit 7 & 8 Kimberley Business Park, Rugeley, Staffordshire. Our companies cover building and landscaping (Staff4dshire Properties), roofing (Staff4dshire Roofing Specialists), scaffolding (Staff4dshire Scaffolding), groundworks, drainage and utilities (Staff4dshire Groundworks & Utilities), plant hire (Staff4dshire Plant Hire) and renewables (Margav Energy). We work for homeowners, developers, principal contractors and local authorities across Staffordshire, Birmingham and the West Midlands, and we are a registered supplier with Walsall, Tamworth, Sandwell, Dudley, Birmingham, Telford & Wrekin, Wakefield and Bradford councils.
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