Why Checkatrade Leads are
Failing You in 2026

In the UK roofing industry, the "portal era" is facing a crisis. For years, platforms like Checkatrade, Bark, and MyBuilder were the gold standard for getting enquiries. But as we move through 2026, the math simply doesn't add up anymore for the average roofing contractor.

If you feel like you're paying more for leads while closing fewer jobs, you aren't alone. Here is why the old model is broken—and what the top 1% of firms are doing differently.

1. The "Race to the Bottom" on Price

When a homeowner posts a job on a portal, they aren't looking for the best roofer; they are often conditioned to look for the quickest price. Because portals encourage multiple quotes, you find yourself in a bidding war against "cowboys" who undercharge and under-deliver.

2. The Shared Lead Problem

If you are driving between sites or finishing a job, another firm has already booked the site visit. You’ve lost your money before you’ve even had a chance to say "hello."

3. "Lead Fatigue" from Homeowners

Homeowners in 2026 are overwhelmed. They get bombarded with calls the second they hit "submit." By the time you call them at 6 PM after a long shift, they are annoyed. They don't want another sales pitch; they want a solution that was delivered 5 hours ago.

The Solution: Ownership & Automation

The most successful roofers I work with in Manchester and London have stopped relying 100% on shared portals. Instead, they focus on two things:

• Owning their lead flow: Generating exclusive leads via their own website.
• Automating the response: Using AI to reply instantly, 24/7.

When you use a system like RoofFlow AI, you engage the lead in 45 seconds via SMS and email. You win the job not by being the cheapest, but by being the most professional and the fastest.