A roof is unmistakably one of the most important parts of any property. Unfortunately, they’re also the one area of a building most susceptible to damage from the elements.
You must maintain your roof as repairs and re-roofing costs can be expensive, time-consuming – and most of all, stressful.
In this article, we’ll cover the following aspects how much it costs to repair or replace a roof, what affects the cost of a new roof, how you can save money on a replacement roof, what’s involved in replacing a roof, how to know if you need to repair or replace your roof and how to find and hire a roofer.
Whether you’ve got a few loose tiles, or you suspect a bigger problem is at bay, keep reading to find out how to tackle your roofing problems head-on, and save money while doing so.
Topics
How Much Does It Cost to Repair or Replace a Roof?
Depending on the type of repair or replacement needed, the costs will differ. Some of the most common jobs are listed below, with their estimated costs and time required:
| Roofing Job | Estimated Cost | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| Replacing six ridge tiles | £135 to £260 | 5 hours |
| Replacing six broken or missing tiles | £55 to £105 | 4 to 6 hours |
| Replacing one right tile on rooftop | £70 to £100 | - |
| Gutter cleaning | £35 to £80 | 4 to 8 hours |
Replacing tiles is a great way to complete preventative work to keep the overall health of your roof in check over time. Cleaning your gutters will reduce the build-up of moss and other debris which can impact the efficiency of your drainage, which can lead to big problems further down the line.
| Roofing Job | Estimated Cost | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| Semi-detached home, hip roof | £4,250 to £4,750 | 3 to 4 days |
| Detached home, hip roof | £5,250 to £5,750 | 4 to 5 days |
| Semi-detached home, 2 valley hip roof | £5,750 to £6,250 | 5 to 6 days |
| Detached home, 2 valley hip roof | £6,750 to £7,250 | 6 to 7 days |
| Roofing Job | Estimated Cost | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| Gabled roof, standard | £3,250 to £3,750 | 2 to 3 days |
| Gabled roof, 2 valley | £4,750 to £5,250 | 4 to 5 days |
When it comes to full roof replacements, the costs jump up considerably and can be further dependent on the style of roof and whether or not your home is semi-detached or detached or requires bespoke services in the case of gabled roofs.
Click To Get QuotesWhat Affects the Cost of a New Roof?
Here are the main contenders for raising the price of your new roof:
Roof Size
The larger the roof, the higher the cost of repair or replacement. This also stands for the height of your property, as taller buildings will need more scaffolding to support roofers while they work, which will bump up your access costs considerably.
Roof Shape and Style
As shown in the table above, different shapes and styles of roof bring in different costs.
Tiled Roofs
Tiled roofs are by far the most common. It’s important to note that there are several variants in terms of size and quality which is reflected in the price you’ll pay for roof tiles.
For instance, slate is the most expensive and most durable type of tile available and can last a lot longer than cheaper variants like clay or cement.
If you only require one or two tiles replacing on your roof to prevent water from leaking in, you can expect to pay between £100 to £200 to make everything watertight again.
Flat Roofs
Garages, extensions, certain sheds and other outbuildings typically have flat roofs. Flat roofs are generally cheaper to replace or repair but are more susceptible to damage, particularly water build-up.
The cost of a flat roof replacement varies depending on which materials you decide to use for the job. Felt typically costs around £50 per square metre, whereas more high-end materials such as fibreglass usually come in at just under £100.
Depending on your location, labour costs typically cost around £150 to £250 per day per worker. If you factor in the number of hours worked, a typical flat roof garage would cost between £1,000 to £2,000.
Repair costs vary depending on the extent of any damage. Smaller jobs such as patching flat roofs including sheds and garages or repairing blisters can usually be done for around £300. If you find you’re constantly having minor repairs carried out, it may be more cost-effective to consider a full roof replacement.
Roofing Material
There are plenty of materials to choose from when considering what’s right for your roof. The most common choices are:
Clay Tiles
Durable and most widely seen, clay tiles are a popular choice. They are among some of the more expensive options and aren’t easy to fit, requiring professional assistance.
Concrete/Cement Tiles
Concrete tiles are touted for their versatility, durability and fire-resistance qualities; but they are heavy, easy to break while fitting and aren’t the best in terms of weather resistance as they can be susceptible to weathering over time.
Metal Tiles
Metal tiles are a great option to help you save on maintenance costs over the years, said to last for around 50 years. Being energy efficient, they help to keep heat inside your home, which can help to reduce your heating bills.
Slate Tiles
A sure-fire way of improving your home’s value, slate tiles are loved for their appearance and hard-wearing qualities. Being fire and water-resistant, they’re an obvious choice, but come in at a higher price point than other tiles.
Felt Shingles
Affordable in price, felt shingles are a great way of re-roofing on a budget, although they aren’t the most durable of materials, and will be prone to damages over the years.
Cedar Shingles
Cedar shingles contain natural preservatives which help to ward off the effects of the elements, making them a great roofing material. Naturally insulating, cedar can also help to improve the heat efficiency of your home, reducing the cost of your heating bills.
Fibreglass
Fibreglass roofs are growing in popularity due to their durability and lifespan of over 25 years if properly cared for. Although high in price, repairs are simple and seemingly unnoticeable, as well as being incredibly resistant to damage over the years.
Structural Changes
Your roof replacement may require structural changes, such as in the case of an old roof being pitched too low and needing to be re-established to prevent further damage from the elements. This will require scaffolding and extra skip hire, as well as more precautions to ensure everything is being completed within building regulations, which can add to the time it’ll take your contractors to complete, as well as the price you’ll have to pay to have it done.
Access
Depending on the layout of your property, a roofing contractor may require scaffolding to be erected which can cost up to £1,000 on a large family house.
Guttering
Guttering, soffits, battens, fixes and facias may also need to be replaced when completing work on your roof, which will usually be billed separately but are a cost to watch out for when trying to keep things as cheap as possible.
Waste Removal
Some roofing contractors may factor in waste disposal services into your quote, but any roof replacement job will require old materials to be disposed of. Typically, hiring a skip will add £200 to your bill.
How Can I Save Money on a Replacement Roof?
Nobody wants to spend more on the upkeep of their home than necessary, and a roof replacement is no exception. Thankfully, there are many ways to keep costs down when it comes to purchasing a new roof, or making substantial repairs to your existing one.
First and foremost, hiring a reputable contractor to carry out your roofing is essential. By avoiding the cowboy traders, your contractor will be able to accurately access the scope of the project and efficiently fulfil the job.
Although a professional’s prices will be higher than that of a rogue trader, it means no corners will be cut during the job which would inevitably lead to repairs being made further down the line, which have the potential to skyrocket your overall project costs.
As we’ve mentioned already, ensuring good routine maintenance is carried out on your property’s roof is a sure-fire way to keep extensive repair costs at bay. By scoping out potential issues early on, contractors can mitigate problems before they take root, which is why regular gutter cleaning is essential to your roof’s overall health.
Reputable traders should also be able to recommend the best materials for the job, which can help when trimming down costs. Sometimes, it’s possible to use second-hand tiles providing they’re in good condition, which will save you spending a premium on brand new materials.
Hiring a contractor who is tried and tested is also key in terms of improving the chances you’ll get someone who will complete the job in a timely and cost-effective manner. Asking a friend or family member for a referral could help save a lot of time, effort, and money when finding quotes to replace your roof.
Using HouseholdQuotes is a good way of reducing your time spent searching, as quotes are easily comparable from a range of reputable traders, helping to save you up to 40% on your labour quote.
Click To Get QuotesWhat’s Involved In Replacing a Roof?
A typical three-bedroomed house with average-sized concrete tiles takes approximately four days to be fully repaired. Extra time should be set aside if your house requires roof rafters, roofline boards, and guttering to be replaced along the tiles.
The shape and size of your roof also have a bearing on how long the job can take as well as the size of the team working on your roof replacement or restoration.
How Do I Know I Need to Repair or Replace My Roof?
Occasionally, roofs can reach a point where simple repairs or restoration work just isn’t enough to prevent serious damage. In these instances, a full roof replacement would probably be the best solution to address all of the underlying issues.
Here are the most common signs you need to look out for which might indicate you need a new roof:
Water Damage
If you spot the tell-tale signs of staining on your interior walls and ceilings, you’re likely experiencing water damage as a result of a rooftop leak.
This sign can prove costly to ignore, as water can accumulate over time and cause your internal ceiling to collapse. It’s best to get a professional in to assess the situation, and suggest some next steps to prevent any further damage to both the exterior and interior of your home.
Ageing
A well-cared-for roof can last for 20 years – so if you haven’t replaced or carried out repair work on your roof for over 25 years, then you’ll likely need a roof inspection to access if any action needs to be taken to prevent any potential damage.
Misshapen or Missing Shingles
Commonly seen after heavy rainfall, if your roof shingles are looking misshapen or are missing granules, you might require a roof replacement.
This is where a solid foundation is important when it comes to building the roof in the first place, as a bad installation can lead to shingles dislodging easily over time. Every shingle counts, and although one or two areas of dislodging aren’t likely to be cause for your entire roof to be replaced, if this problem persists over time it could lead to expensive repairs.
Chimney Flashing
Chimney flashing is in place to create a watertight seal between your chimney and roof to help prevent leaking. If this has aged over the years or is made from cement or tar, it may be worth replacing to prevent potential leakage.
Roof Valleys
Roof valleys help to direct rainfall away from pooling on your roof. If you notice missing shingles near your roof valleys, then your roof is damaged and in need of repair or replacement.
Again, this comes down to best-practice procedures when the roof is fitted in the first place. Valleys should be flashed with a water and ice shield – but if this isn’t in place, your roof will need to be re-shingled, and a shield put in place to prevent any water damage.
Shingle Granules in the Gutters
Finding shingle granules in your guttering isn’t an immediate cause for concern, as it’s a natural part of the shingle’s life cycle. It can, however, indicate that the shingle has been installed improperly, or that the material is defective if you’re experiencing a lot of fall out.
If your roof is losing a lot of shingle, and you’re noticing the signs of water damage beneath your roofing, it’s best to get in a professional contractor to assess if your roof has a problem.
Daylight
If you spot any daylight seeping in through the roof of your attic, it’s likely your roof needs replacing.
Although replacing a roof can be a costly and often time-consuming job, it’s worth remembering that in certain cases, hiring a roofing contractor to replace your roof can be less expensive than carrying out multiple smaller repair jobs over several years.
Broken Roof Tiles
Similar to missing shingle, if your roof tiles have aged and become damaged, they won’t be as effective to withstand the elements which can lead to leaks.
Ice Dams
Melting snow that refreezes on roofs can cause blockages, preventing water from being able to flow from gutters. Over time, this can cause uneven weight distribution as the gutters clog with ice, which can lead to broken drainage systems.
Broken Pipe Deterioration
Over time, the sealant used in a roof’s vent pipes can deteriorate allowing water to seep into the roof. This can lead to extensive structural issues and is something that shouldn’t be overlooked on your property.
Poor Roof Pitch
If you live in a new build property or have recently had your roof re-pitched, if the angle is too shallow it may be susceptible to wind damage. It can also mean that snow, rain and ice can sit on your roof for longer, which can lead to blockages and leaks over time.
How Do I Find and Hire a Roofer?
Choosing a reputable roofing contractor to replace or repair your roof is vital. You can use an online directory such as the National Federation of Roofing Contractors Limited (NFRC) to find approved roofing professionals in your area, to help you escape the grips of any rogue traders.
Any tradesperson who is accredited by the organisation is required to meet certain high safety and skill standards, which will help to ensure that your money is well-placed when booking them in for a job.
Depending on the age and condition of your roof, it may also be worth hiring a professional expert to inspect your roof every six months or so. The cost of roof repairs caught in good time can be significantly lower than the cost of replacing an entire roof, so it will benefit you from doing this speculative work.
If a friend, neighbour or family member has recently had their roof replaced or repaired, ask if they’d recommend their contractor. This is a great way of getting a trusted professional and allows you to sidestep any potentially fraudulent reviews for traders.
Using HouseholdQuotes is a great way of comparing online quotes quickly and easily, and in most cases can help to save you up to 40% on your project’s quote.
Click To Get QuotesEnsuring the Professional Is the Right Fit
As with any household project, obtaining a written quote is the first requirement you should seek to fulfil. Within this, find out if rubbish removal is included in your quote to save you from the hassle and unexpected expenses further down the line when your project has started.
If you have a flat roof, your repair or replacement needs will be different to those with a gabled roof. As such, your contractor requirements will be different, so it’s best to seek out those with relevant experience in your style of roof to ensure a good match in skill.
Asking for references will let you hear from people who have worked with the contractors in the past, and are happy to vouch for their services. This is especially important if your quote is coming from someone who isn’t a friend or family recommendation, as you will largely be going off the contractor’s word, and not much else.
Finally, ensuring the contractor has relevant insurance will help you to avoid cowboy traders who could leave you culpable for any physical damages during the roofing project. Sourcing traders through the National Federation of Roofing Contractors Limited (NFRC) will help you to mitigate this, as well as ensure their work ethic and practices.
Final Checklist
A roof replacement is an investment in your property and it helps you to properly protect your home for upwards of 20 years.
Here is our final checklist to make sure you know what to look for when finding a contractor to work on your roof:
- Carry out a visual check – do you have blocked gutters or watermarks inside your home? These can be tell-tale signs that something is wrong with your roof
- Enlist the help of a roofing specialist to carry out a survey to find any potential problems, and provide you with a list of options for repair through to replacement
- When searching for a trader, use HouseholdQuotes to help save you up to 40% on your quote
- Find out if there are preventative measures you can take to ensure the longevity of your roof, such as regular gutter cleaning.
Click To Get QuotesFrequently Asked Questions
Do I Need Planning Permission for a New Roof?
- The new roof must not project more than 150 millimetres from the plane of the existing roof’s slope
- Must not exceed the height of the existing roof
- Side-facing windows must be obscure-glazed; and, if opening, to be 1.7 metres above the floor of the room in which they are installed.
How Long Should a New Roof Last?
What’s the Best Time of Year to Replace My Roof?
If your roof requires immediate attention, you should look to get work booked in as soon as possible, instead of waiting for the optimum season.