Table of Contents
This cost guide is accurate as of 2022
This cost guide covers everything you need to know before getting work done to your roof, including options for different materials and additional costs you may need to factor in before re-roofing or repairing your roof.
Looking after your roof is vital, and you should make sure that you take care of it with regular maintenance and repair work. Doing so ensures the safety of your home and its inhabitants by protecting your house from water and structural damage. However, if the repairs start to add up, it might be a sign that it’s time to replace your roof entirely.
Re-roofing involves completely removing the roof on your home in order to have a new one installed. Sometimes, you may have to reinforce the structures that hold up your roof as well, depending on your situation. Or, you may simply be looking to re-tile or repair your roof, which is a less time-consuming and cheaper process.
The average roof replacement costs £5,500, with a lower price bracket of £1,500 for a small roof using cheaper materials, and an upper price bracket of £18,000 for a large roof using premium quality materials.
The good news is that a properly installed new roof will last you upwards of 20 years.
Keep in mind that the prices in this guide will always clarify where a sum includes cost of labour and materials, and where the price is referring to them separately. Lastly, the prices in this guide do not include VAT.
This guide shows you the cost of different roof replacements, according to the most common kinds of roofs found in the UK. Further down, this guide also includes cost of materials (per square metre), as well as the costs of standard repair jobs.
Can you repair a roof without replacing it?
It’s important to have a sense of whether you actually need your roof to be replaced, or whether a roof repair will be enough. If your roof looks damaged, then you should hire a roofer to assess the situation.
If you’re not sure whether it’s time to replace your roof or not, here are a few things to look out for:
Warning signs
- Damaged tiles – if you can see missing or broken tiles on your roof, then you should get your roof inspected. This can happen due to bad weather, so always make sure to inspect your roof after heavy winds or storms. If there are only a few broken or missing tiles, a tradesperson will probably fix your roof rather than replace it. If the number of tiles that need changing is substantial, you might need a replacement instead.
- Light filtering in – go and examine your roof from the inside. Can you see sunlight coming through the roof boards? If you can, you need to contact a roofing company as soon as possible.
- Water damage – another sign that your tiles are worn out is damp, leaks, and other signs of water damage on your walls. This can be due to a leak in your roof, which can result in further damage to your home if you don’t have your roof inspected as soon as you can.
- Sagging roof (on flat roofs) – a sagging roof can suggest that the boards supporting your roof are beginning to bend or break under the weight of water, usually as a result of extreme weather conditions. This destabilises the whole structure of your home, and could mean you will need to get your roof replaced urgently.
- How long you’ve had your roof for – a well looked after roof can last 20 or more years. If in the last 20-25 years nobody has done any roof work or repairs on your roof, then you might be due for a replacement. A roof inspection is a good idea at this point.
If one or more of these signs are causing significant damage to your roof, then it’s likely that a repair won’t be enough. At this point, you will need to have a whole new roof installed.
Find a rated roofer near you and submit your job for free!
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How much does it cost to replace an entire roof?
The average cost of a roof replacement is £5,500. At the high end, you might end up spending around £18,000, whereas a budget roof replacement could cost as little as £1,500. It depends on the size of your roof, the quality of your materials, and the design.
In 2021, 93% of roofers said they raised their prices due to material shortages, the impact of COVID-19, and an increased demand for work.
With this in mind, the average roof installation will cost a UK homeowner roughly £5,500.
A large, more complex roof replacement can cost you as much as £18,000 or even more, whilst on the lower end, a small roof replacement could cost as little as £1,500, using cheaper materials.
This price is broken down into:
- Cost of materials (how much you spend will depend on the quality of your materials)
- Cost of labour, with installation usually costing around £250 a day
Flat roof replacement costs
The average cost of a flat roof replacement project is around £2,000. Prices range between £1,200 and £3,500. The price will vary according to the materials you pick, where you live in the UK, and how easy it is for your builders to access your home’s roof.
If you’re looking to have work done on a flat roof, then you’re in luck. Flat roofs tend to be the cheapest to replace. They’re not completely flat, but are actually slightly pitched, so that water can run down them and into the gutters. That’s why they’re usually made of highly water-resistant materials.
It’s unusual for a home to have a flat roof, because they tend to be used for small buildings, like garages, sheds, and extensions.
Flat roof replacements are quite straightforward, and usually take between 2-3 days. Small flat roof replacements can cost as little as £1,200, though bigger extensions, higher up, could cost you up to £3,500, or even more. It really depends on the scope of your project.
Bigger flat roof projects can cost up to £5,000, or more in some cases.
The most common types of flat roof materials are felt, fibreglass, EPDM rubber, and lead. Naturally, prices range quite a bit. Felt roofs are the cheapest, and cost between £40 and £70 per m2. Rubber roofs are the next most affordable option, at £80 – £100, with a similar bracket for fibreglass. Lead flat roofs cost between £90 and £110 per m2.
Hip roof costs
A hip roof will cost you roughly £8,000 to replace.
Hip roofs are a very common type of roof structure, where the roof slopes upwards from four different sides that meet in the middle.
There are two kinds of hip roof, the pyramid hip and the crossed hip. Pyramid hip roofs sit on square buildings, and have a single apex point where the four slopes meet. Crossed hip roofs sit on T, X, or L-Shaped houses, and have no gable ends (walls end at gutter level).
You can also get half-hip and hip and valley roofs, where the structure becomes more intricate. Keep in mind that the more unique your roof is, the more it will cost you to have it replaced.
For a standard pitched roof replacement, which requires some additional features and expertise, you might pay around £8,000, or within the range of £6,000 and £12,000, depending on the size and complexity of the project, and your choice of materials.
Pitched roof cost per m2 is around £30 – £35.
Gable roof costs
The cost of a gable roof replacement starts at around £5,000 but can reach £10,000, or even more, depending on your choice of materials and the size of your house. An average gable roof replacement costs £7,500, though additional costs need to be factored in as well.
On a rectangular house, a gable roof is made up of two, same sized sloping roofs that meet in the middle. In other words, rather than a hip roof that has four sloping sides, a gable only has two, as illustrated below.
This type of roof is considered one of the most stable designs, and is therefore a very popular choice, especially since they tend to have larger loft spaces than hip roofs.
A gable roof replacement should cost you around £7,500 (within the £5,000 and £10,000+) bracket. These are just estimate sums though, as you might have to add on other costs for roof removal and other fees.
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Mansard roof costs
A mansard roof replacement will cost you upwards of £10,000.
Mansard roofs maximise the amount of living space inside your home, and are made up of one shallow upper slope and one steep slope.
The cost of a mansard roof replacement is impacted by the steepeness of your roof, its size, and the quality of materials.
Note that asphalt shingles are not recommended for mansard roofs, because it’s really hard to stop shingles from sliding down the side of your roof, due to its vertical slope structure and the weight of asphalt shingles. A skilled tradesperson can nail your shingles down or use a sealer, but we don’t recommend you use them. Synthetic shingles are a better fit, but they do, on average, cost a bit more.
Due to the complexity of a mansard roof, a replacement will cost you around £10,000, and can reach even larger sums depending on individual project requirements.
Lean-to roof costs
A lean-to replacement roof will cost you around £3,500.
Also known as a pentroof or shed roof, these are the easiest type to build, and have a single slope and roof surface.
They’re typically found on extensions, such as conservatories or garages, and usually cost between £2,500 and £5,000.
This price range depends on the materials used for your conservatory, lean-to roof:
- Polycarbonate roofs cost around £3,000 (3,000mm x 3,500mm) or around £5,000 (4,000mm x 4,000 mm)
- Glass roofs cost around £3,500 (3,000mm x 3,500mm) or £5,500 (4,000mm x 4,000 mm)
Lean-to roof replacement costs range according to choice of fittings and size, but expect to pay upwards of £2,500. For an accurate quote, contact a skilled tradesperson.
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What is a green roof?
Green roofs are one of the most popular eco jobs being done right now. And why wouldn’t they be?
Partially or completely covered in plants, a living roof can revitalise your home and reduce energy costs by boosting your roof’s thermal performance and insulation.
A green roof can even extend the life expectancy of your roof by protecting the waterproof membrane underneath the greenery. The vegetation on your green roof will store water and release it back into the environment naturally, improving your roof’s drainage system as well.
Specialist companies make vegetation blankets that are ready-to-install as a top, protective roof layer. There are plenty of options depending on what plants you prefer, and they’re fairly easy and quick to install.
What you decide to go for will impact on costs. You could pay between £50 and £200 per m2, with an average of around £75 – £130 per m2.
There are plenty of reasons to invest in a green roof, from the fact that they look beautiful, to their practical, energy saving, and eco-friendly benefits.
How much does it cost to buy and install a skylight?
On average, a roof window will cost you between £1,100 and £2,000.
A new skylight or roof window could add a lot more natural light to your home, improving ventilation and helping you cut down on your energy bills.
How much you spend installing a new skylight or velux window depends on the type of window you want, and the size you want it in.
Cost of a velux window?
If your roof window is easy to access from the outside, then a velux window might be a good idea, as they have additional security features like reinforced structures and additional locks.
Small: £1,100 – £1,500
Large: £1,500 – £2,000
Cost of a roof dome?
Roof dome windows maximise the amount of light coming into your home, so if this is a priority for you, then you should consider getting one of these. They’re usually found on flat roofs.
Small: £1,250 – £1,550
Large: £1,350 – £1,750
Cost of a flat roof skylight?
Flat roof skylights let in twice as much light as vertical windows. You may need planning permission to install a flat roof skylight, though, so factor this in.
Between £1,400 – £1,700
Cost of a pyramid skylight?
Shaped like a pyramid, pyramid skylights fit all kinds of roof styles, and are a modern solution for letting in lots of natural light.
Between £1,350 – £1,650
Cost of a electric powered window?
Electric powered windows allow you to open and shut roof windows with a remote, allowing you to control your home’s ventilation easily.
Between £1,100 – £1,400
These costs reflect the price of materials and skilled labour, but exclude VAT.
Roof repair costs
You might find that your roof doesn’t need a replacement just yet. It could, however, be due for a repair.
There are several kinds of roof problems that could need a roof repair. These include:
Necessary repairs
| Repair Type | Details | Cost | Time-frame |
| Leaking Roof Valley | Rain water travels down the roof valley, towards the gutter. It’s therefore prone to water damage, and can sometimes start leaking over time. | Around £350 | Half a day |
| Leaking Flat Roof | Flat roofs are more likely to get damaged and begin leaking than pitched roofs. They also suffer damage from heat and moss growth. | Around £100 per m2 | Depends on cause of leak, can vary |
| Replacing damaged tiles | Broken or missing tiles can lead to leaking and structural damage, and need to be replaced as soon as possible. | To replace 1 tile ridge: around £95
To replace 6 missing ridge tiles: around £175 To repair or replace up to 6 damaged tiles: around £150 |
A few hours |
| Flashing repair | Lead flashing is the stuff around the edge of your roof that connects brickwork and tiles. This can become damaged, leading to leaks. | Around £200 – £250 per m2 | 3-5 days, depending on size of the roof |
| Sagging roof | When the timber frame fails to properly hold up the weight of the roof material, this can cause your roof to sag. | Additional joists cost between £1,000 and £2,000.
If the issue is to do with the internal structures of your roof becoming waterlogged, then you might need to replace the roof entirely, though individual beams can be replaced for £250 – £500 |
Can take up to 1-2 weeks, depending on extent of damage |
| Gutter cleaning | Your gutter can become clogged with dirt and debris, causing a failure of proper drainage from the roof. This can cause leakage, and other damage, to your home. | Between £35 and £85 | 2-4 hours |
| Fitting a vent on the roof | Roof vents regulate temperature levels, and can prevent condensation from building up, causing damage to your home. They also lower your energy bill, so they are definitely worth having. | Around £240 pounds | A day |
| Replacing soffits and fascia | Wood soffit and fascia are susceptible to moisture damage, rot, cracking and warping. This can cause damage to your gutters and roof ventilation. | For a 3 bed bungalow, around £1,900 (that is, between £1,250 and £2,280) | 1-2 days of work |
| Roof Repointing | Repointing is what keeps your tiles in place. Over time, it will need replacing. | Roof repointing cost can range between £500 and £2,000, depending on the size of your roof | 2-3 days (entire roof) |
You may also need to add the cost of hiring scaffolding and skips to this as well.
If your roof is failing to keep water out, and leaks continuously, then a simple roof leak repair cost won’t be enough. The longer you wait, the more damage you will cause to your home, raising the prices further down the line.
How much does roof cleaning cost?
Roof cleaning can cost anywhere between £9 and £15 per m2.
It’s really important that you keep your roof clean, as neglecting it can cause structural damage and block the drainage system. The main thing a roof cleaning does is get rid of moss, which grows on many roofs, especially north-facing ones.
It’s one of the many ways you can look after your property, and you should always make sure your roof and gutters are clear of rubbish and plant growth.
One of the main things that impact the cost of roof cleaning is how accessible it is for the cleaning crew. You will usually be charged per m2. Additional costs, such as the cost of hiring scaffolding, is not included in the below prices.
Roof moss removal cost
Soft washing – around £15 per m2
Steam cleaning – around £12 per m2
Pressure washing – around £9 per m2
Hand-removal and biocide treatment – around £12.50 per m2
You could pay anywhere between £500 and £1,000 to get your roof cleaned. It will usually be completed within a day.
Steam cleaning is sometimes favoured over pressure washing, as there is a small risk that your tiles could get damaged due to high water pressure. If you’re unsure, consult a professional about what kind of cleaning your roof needs.
Is it worth getting your roof cleaned?
Getting your roof cleaned is definitely a good idea. Moss can grow in between tiles, dislodging and damaging them. Moss also causes a build up of water retention, which can lead to roof leaks. Not to mention that moss is unattractive, and can make your home look untidy from the outside.
Considering how many problems moss can cause to your home, it’s definitely a good idea to clean it regularly, in order to prevent moss from covering your tiles.
Keep in mind that you might also want to hire a post construction cleaning specialist to come and clean the site around your house after you have it replaced. They won’t clean the roof itself, but will deal with the effects of construction to your property.
Conclusions
Whether or not you’ll need a roof repair or replacement will depend on your roof’s condition, and how damaged it is. It’s important that you look after your roof, carrying out maintenance work and cleaning periodically to avoid your gutters getting clogged up, or dislodged tiles causing a leak.
How much you end up spending will depend largely on where you live in the UK, how large your roof is, and your choice of materials. The higher up your roof is from ground level, the more additional costs you will have to factor in.
Some of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when it comes to their roof include:
- Delaying on getting their roof inspected when they notice damage
- Trying to cut corners to reduce costs
- Not doing research before hiring tradespeople
- Not doing research on what a roof replacement involves before getting their roof done
If your roof needs work, don’t postpone a replacement. This will only lead to you having to pay more down the line, when your roof problems cause more damage. There are definitely ways you can save money, but cutting corners can actually cost you in the long run, and it’s always better to invest in good quality products and skilled labour.
If your roof is damaged, prioritise getting a consultation on your roof as soon as possible.
You can do so here:
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