Saving Money On Your Roof

How To Save Money on Your New Roof or Replacement

Looking for the cheapest roof option might mean spending more money on repairing and replacing it throughout your lifetime, which is not very cost-effective. And while it might seem easier to keep costs low now, you don’t want to keep having to fork out every time there’s a problem when you can better invest your money to save money. Plus, there are other ways to save money on your new roof, repair or replacement; just follow our tips below…

Opt for lower-costing alternatives

Reliable man-made alternatives like concrete slate or slate made from fibre cement are good options to keep costs low. Plus, the materials are easy to work with, thanks to their size and shape. Purchasing Spanish or Chinese slate, alternatively to Welsh slate, can also keep costs down. However, ensure you request samples before ordering a pallet, and remember to inspect the quality certificate always.

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Opt for rubber or one-sheet membranes where you can

Rubber roofs are easy to work with, durable and inexpensive. And whilst they typically can’t be used for the property’s main roof, if it’s pitched, then you can use it on extensions, sheds and outhouses, which are flat, which will save you from wasting money on other inexpensive materials that weather and tear more easily. Browse one-piece membranes.

Shop around for quotes

Don’t just settle with one roofing company or supplier; shop and get multiple estimates. We recommend obtaining at least three quotes from different contractors to help you understand the market rate and avoid overpaying. Also, check that your quotes include the materials, labour, and additional costs like skips and scaffolding you might not otherwise know about.

Also, don’t be afraid to ask for discounts or negotiate the price, especially if you’ve received a lower quote from another contractor. You can even discuss payment terms with the contractor, as some companies might be able to offer financing or spread out the payments.

Consider your timing

Roofers are busier at certain times of the year, so in less busy periods like late autumn and winter, you might get discounts on the work or a quicker job completion.

You might be able to get a grant if you have no money in the UK

Did you know that there are roof grants in the UK?

These government-funded schemes are designed specifically to help homeowners with no money to repair and replace their rows to improve the energy efficiency and safety of their homes.

To discover if you’re eligible for such a grant, then it’s best to contact your local council and speak with the housing department, which can provide more information on the current grants available and, at the same time, help you navigate the application process.

Going Green With Your Roof

How Can I Go Green For My Roof Replacement?

Thinking of a roof replacement? Well, if you’re thinking of going green, you’re like the thousands of homeowners currently seeking eco-friendly options to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to sustainable living. And even if you weren’t necessarily thinking of going green but need a new roof, you might want to consider these greener alternatives, which are cheaper, more cost-effective and better lasting (not to mention they improve the air quality around you).

Here’s how you can make your roof replacement more environmentally friendly:

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Go flat, go green

Flat roofs are all the rage, especially for extensions, conversions, garages, sheds, and outhouses throughout the UK.

While flat roofs have been successful commercially in schools and other public spaces for some time, they’re now becoming popular in modern residential developments.

In contemporary designs, architects are designing green roofs on top of flat structures (supported by a waterproof EPDM one-piece membrane) to enhance the urban infrastructure and improve quality of life (and air).

Green roofs purify the air, reduce the ambient temperature, regulate indoor temperature, save energy, and encourage biodiversity. Read our guide to green roofs here.

Plus, these types of roofs normally do not require planning permission because they are considered small-scale household alterations.

Other ways to make your roof more environmentally friendly:

Improve insulation: Enhancing the insulation properties of your roof can make your property more sustainable. For example, a well-insulated roof can help regulate the temperature inside your home and reduce the need for artificial heating and cooling. In turn, you can decrease your carbon emissions and energy bills at the same time. Proper insulation can prevent heat loss in the winter and heat build-up in the summer, making your home more comfortable.
Add solar panels: One impactful way to make your home more sustainable is to install solar panels, which can reduce your dependency on non-renewable energy sources. Harnessing the sun’s power means generating electricity and reducing a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, which benefits the environment and saves you money in the long run. The UK can also allow for independence from the energy grid and up to £1,0005 in annual savings.
Implement ventilation: Proper roof ventilation is another way to improve your home’s energy efficiency. For example, proper roof ventilation can prevent heat build-up in the summer, leading to increased energy consumption for cooling. Plus, it prevents ice dams in the winter, which could damage your roof.
Stormwater management: Excessive stormwater runoff caused by ineffective drainage systems and impermeable roofing materials can strain neighbourhood sewage systems, leading to water pollution. Households can collect and manage rainfall by installing rainwater harvesting systems, a green roof, or an enhanced gutter system to support better aquatic ecology.

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Choosing the Right Roof For a Property

A Guide to Choosing the Right Style of Roof

Building a new roof or re-roofing a damaged roof? Considering a new material or tile? Then you’ll need to consider several factors, for example, the home or building style (as well as the style of roofs on your street), the purpose of the building, the application of roofing materials and their longevity, not to mention the cost.

If your property is terraced or semi-detached, you might want to consider matching your roof to the streets, and there might even be local restrictions on what type of roof you can install.

However, if you have a detached house or your own bit of land, you’ll have a bit more freedom to be as creative and modern as your budget allows. So, follow the rules below, and you’ll be able to choose the right roof for any type of property.

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1. Low-pitch roofs or flat roofs (less than 14° / less than 4:12)

Low-pitched roofs have a gentle slope and are favoured in modern, minimalist aesthetics. However, this shallow slope requires specific roofing materials that can effectively manage water runoff. The lower the roof pitch, the slower the speed of water runoff, so bear this in mind when choosing a material or tile, as it will need a low level of absorbency.

Suitable materials include:

Single-Ply Membranes *Our recommendation: EPDM can be installed on roofs with a pitch as low as 1/12 (5 degrees) and is generally not recommended for pitches above 3/12 (14 degrees). It can last up to 50 years, is made from recycled synthetic membranes, and is perfect for withstanding the elements. It is easy to install and affordable. EPDM can be used under green roofs and vegetation as a waterproof membrane. Shop.
Built-Up Roofing (BUR): Composed of multiple bitumen and reinforced fabric layers. It is good for waterproofing but is more vulnerable to water damage. Wind is slower to install and requires a bit more maintenance.
Modified Bitumen Roofing: Asphalt-based roofing material that’s durable (around 20 years) and is installed in layers with adhesives. However, the drawback is that the material is prone to ponding, which means water can accumulate on the roof’s surface, causing the roof to deteriorate over time.
Metal roofs: Most metal roofs, like zinc and copper, have a recommended pitch of five degrees for a standing seam, with an absolute minimum of 3 degrees. Metal roofs are durable, modern, and aesthetically pleasing but are also one of the most expensive options.

2. Medium-pitched roofs and steep-pitch roofs (20° to 45° / 4:12 to 9:12)

Medium-pitched roofs can balance aesthetics and practicality, offering more design versatility and compatibility with various materials.

The options below will also be suitable for pitches greater than 9:12; however, most roofing structures tend not to be steeper than this.

The higher your roof pitch, the higher the cost of building materials, which is why many modern homes have a lower pitch. However, most tiles can be used on pitches of 35°.

Recommended options:

Slate tiles: One of the UK’s most common roof tiles, slates are durable, versatile and suitable for 17.5° to 20° minimum pitches. The material can withstand harsh weather and lasts up to 200 years.
Concrete or clay: Concrete and clay tiles have a minimum pitch of 17.5°. However, plain clay roof tiles are heavy and can be used for pitches as low as 35°, whereas clay pantiles, as they're lighter, can be used on pitches of 25°. Clay and concrete are good tile choices for many UK roofs as they are durable and can withstand the elements.
Metal roofing: Metal roofing is a dependable material with no maximum roof pitch. Snap-lock metal roofing systems are better recommended for pitches ranging from 3/12 to 7/12.

How a Pitched Roof Has Evolved

The Changing Styles of Pitched Roofs

Since man ventured out of caves, roofs became the first structures to be installed – and it’s incredible to think, then even in primitive times, that humans knew they needed protection from harsh elements, whether it be wind, rain, sun or snow. Back in primate times, archaeologists discovered that earliest roofs included wood, clay, and animal hides, but how has the pitched roof of today evolved?

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Tiled roofs

After thatching, clay-tiled roofs became the norm after several hundred years, and clay tiles are still the norm today and are commonly used. Many heritage buildings still use these materials for their roofs due to their long durability and resilience, as many can last between 100 and 200 years.

Plus, clay is very recyclable, so 50% of the tiles can be reused.

Slate roofs

On top of clay tiles, slate roofs also have a long history, especially in the UK during the Victorian era due to the invention of steam engines, which could transport the material throughout the country far more effectively, making slate roofs a common site in Victorian Britain.

However, today, slate tiles are mostly exported out of Spain in Europe, with Brazil being the second largest slate producer in the world.

That said, Welsh slate is recognised as the best quality roofing slate in the world, giving owners a roof that will last more than a lifetime. But it comes at an expense, which means Spanish slate is more commonly used.

In the UK, slate is a preferred tile choice due to its long-lasting properties and ability to withstand challenging weather conditions.

In its earlier applications, roofs, verges, and abutments would be completed with cement to stop the elements and birds from getting in, with the wealthier clients having lead installed instead (another long-lasting product that’s expensive), which is still much the case today (unless using alternatives like this one to avoid this high rates of toxicity).

The modern roofs of today

While many professionals will agree that clay and slate roofs have their place, new, modern materials with greater aesthetic appeal are also emerging.

Metal roofs

Metal roofs, for example, are growing in popularity.

Corrugated box profiles and tile form sheets come in various choices that are the leading choices for architects when designing contemporary homes, and they are often seen in barn conversions.

Metal roof options like zinc, copper, and steel offer great insulation and protection properties, good aesthetics, and high durability, but the trend comes at a cost.

For example, zinc roofing can cost £15-£20 per square metre before installation, labour and fixing costs.

Flat roofs

In addition, flat roofs are becoming increasingly popular, especially when paired with a green or solar roof, as the population becomes more environmentally conscious.

Green roofs, for example, installed on top of EPDM to waterproof the roof, can be adorned with vegetation, which offers natural insulation and enhances air quality.

If you were not opting for a green roof, you would likely have encountered a regular flat roof.

This type of roof used to be more commonly applied in commercial spaces but has now become a staple for many residential homes.

Homeowners integrating traditional aspects with modernity are now choosing flat roofs for their extensions, sheds, and outbuildings, not just because they look good but also because they are waterproof, long-lasting, and cheap.

Flat roofs can provide carbon sequestration, biodiversity enhancement, storm-water attenuation and renewable energy generation, making the flat roof design the net zero future. EPDM (a flat roof rubber membrane) was developed in the 1950s and brought to market in the 1960s, only beginning to grow in popularity throughout the 70s and 80s (but not in the UK).

Since then, many improvements and enhancements have been made to improve its overall performance, such as the fact that it can be installed in one piece, eliminating the need for seams, improved flashing, and becoming puncture – and tear-resistant. Shop one piece membranes.

Can I Sell My Home If It Has a Damaged Roof?

Selling a House With A Bad Roof 2024

53% of UK homeowners believe that damage negatively impacts the salability of their homes.
78% of buyers considered a sound roof as a top priority when searching for a new home.

First things first, it’s not impossible to sell a house with a bad roof, but it is difficult. Today’s buyers, looking to keep costs low, are looking to buy homes ready-to-move-in. The market’s current climate of rising costs of materials and skilled workers like roofers means that buyers want to buy homes that do not need any work, which might mean you’ll have to replace your roof before selling your home or have the home’s value impacted. Let’s dive deeper into the problem.

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Is it worth replacing the roof?

The answer to this question is always going to boil down to cost. Depending on the extent of damage to your roof, and the type of material you use to re-roof your property, then you might be able to save your profit. But if your roof is about to cave in, it might not be worth repairing as there’s no guarantee you can recoup your investment if you need a full refurbishment. So, you might want to price up the job first or consider the cost of replacing a roof here.

The cost to reroof a house in the UK

A watertight property will appeal to any buyer, making it mortgageable and easier to sell. Typically, replacing a roof can take up to one week, but this will depend on the damage and the extent of the damage caused by your problematic roof. Costs will also typically include:

The hiring and installation of scaffolding at the property could cost £1,000 or more for larger homes.
New roof tiles that match the existing roof tiles. See types here.
New joists if existing joists are rotten.
New treated timber roof battens.
Breathable roof membrane sheets for the roofing underlay.
Labour costs to remove and dispose of the old roof tiles.
A skip for any rubbish or builder’s waste, including a permit.

The typical 3-bed property that’s semi-detached could cost around £10,000 for a new roof. However, costs will depend on your roof material, the roof’s condition, damage extent, and location. Costs can extend up to £18,000 or more. However, remember that the average roof replacement cost is between £3,700 and £12,000. The bigger the problem, the more expensive the fix. New roof costs.

You’ll have to disclose problems

UK laws and regulations dictate that sellers must disclose as much information as possible about their property to prospective buyers, which means telling them about a bad roof.

You should never hide a bad roof from a buyer because they will inevitably find out anyway, which could result in a court case against you for not disclosing the fact.

Sadly, we understand that disclosing this information can cause prospective buyers to lose interest in buying your home, making it difficult to sell.

Evaluating the impact on sale price

Minor repairs required = 5-10% decrease
Major repairs required = 15-30% decrease
Structural damage/extensive leaks = 30-50% decrease

Selling a home with a leaking roof

Assess the extent of the roof’s damage by hiring a professional roofer.
Obtain multiple quotes from roofing companies to compare prices and services.
Consider the cost of repairs vs selling the property as-is
Be transparent and disclose the roof damage.
Implement effective marketing strategies that highlight the property’s unique selling points despite the roof’s damage.
Negotiate the sale price, knowing the true value of the property and the cost of necessary repairs.

Click here to learn how to identify damage to your roof after storms.

Houses can sell with a leaking roof, but a building survey will quickly highlight the problem and recommend a damp or dry rot survey as a follow-up. If this is the case, you likely won’t be able to achieve full market value for the property. So, instead of wasting time and paying holding costs for mortgages, council tax and insurance, you might consider selling the home for cash as a workaround. Learn how to fix a leaking roof.

The solution

When coming to sell your home, you’ll have to decide whether to invest in repairing or replacing the bad roof or to sell “as is”, which means that you’ll take no action to fix the issue and instead seek a buyer for the property in its current state. To understand which direction will be the right move, you’ll need to draw up a budget for the sale of your property, which includes how much time and money you have available to repair or replace the roof, as well as how quickly you want to sell the home and the amount of profit you want to make on the sale. Can you replace only half a roof?

So, calculate whether fixing the bad roof is within your budget, and in the meantime, do not pursue such work if it means you have to sell the house or are at a loss once you have deducted the costs for addressing the bad roof problem.

Fixing the problem could be helpful because you could attract buyers again and increase the value of the home because of the work you’ve done. It’s not a requirement to sell your home. Still, if you ignore the problem, then you should prepare to sell your home at a reduced asking price because prospective buyers will realise that it’s a cost they’ll have to encounter once they own your home and will naturally want to discount this cost from the total property of the purchase.

A Guide to Using Lead in Roofing

Everything You Need To Know About Lead In Roofing

Lead is used in many roofing projects, both commercial and domestic, from whole roof coverings to porches, turrets, and waterproofing details like flashings, valleys, and gutters. Typically used to cover the gaps and joins in your roof, lead roof flashing provides sealant qualities that ensure your home is watertight. A durable and long-lasting choice, lead roof flashing can last up to three times longer than other materials. Let’s explore together how it is used in typical roofing projects and in conjunction with EPDM.

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Applications of lead in roofing

Lead flashing: Used to seal joints and protect the roof from water ingress, typically installed in common areas like chimneys, skylights, valleys, dormers, vent pipes and roof edges.
Lead valleys: These are used when two roof slopes meet to direct water away from the roof. Lead sheets are laid in the valley area, shaped, and secured with nails or clips. The edges are then dressed in the adjoining roof material to ensure seamless integration.
Lead gutters and downpipes: Lead sheets are used to form gutters and downpipes, especially in historic buildings. They are shaped into gutter profiles, soldered, and welded to create long, watertight sections.
Lead capping and flashings for parapet walls: Protect the top of parapet walls and other exposed edges from water ingress.

Maintenance requirements for lead:

Lead in roofing will require:

Regular inspections: To check for any signs of damage, corrosion or wear.
Cleaning: To remove debris and dirt and prevent staining and corrosion.
Re-sealing: Reapplying sealant to joints and seams to maintain a watertight seal.
Preventing contact: Prevent galvanic corrosion by ensuring that lead does not come into contact with other metals, such as zinc or aluminum.

Materials needed

When working with lead, you’ll typically need the following tools:

Lead sheet rolls
Lead welding equipment
Lead sealant
Fixings like lead clips or nails
Underlay or lead-lining paper
Other tools include hammers, snips, measuring tape, roller, soft mallet, gloves, and safety glasses.

EPDM and lead

When working with lead and EPDM

EPDM membrane
Lead flashing
EPDM adhesive or primer
Sealant (compatible with EPDM and lead)
Scissors and utility knife
Wire brush or sandpaper
Clean cloth
Measuring tape
Roller or brush for applying adhesive
Protective gloves

Visit our shop to find all the materials and tools you’ll need to work with EPDM and lead.

Planning restrictions

You’ll also need to be aware of any restrictions the local authority implements that could restrict your tile choice. For example, planning requirements and restrictions might require you to pick a type of tile that blends in with the aesthetics of your neighbourhood. In some instances, other modern types might require specific approval based on environmental concerns.

Your budget

When replacing a roof, the costs are not always cheap. So, whether you’re ready to spend without limits or to work affordably as possible, this is another easy way to narrow down your search for the best roof tile. When finding a roof tile best suited to your price range, you’ll also have to bear in mind the additional costs, which include installation, transportation, maintenance and the upfront cost for the tiles.

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Is there an alternative for using lead altogether?

While there are advantages to using lead in roofing, like durability and weather resistance, the limitations and disadvantages of lead are starting to make it unpopular in common roofing projects.

For example, other durable, strong, and malleable materials can boast even better benefits than lead and do not have disadvantages like toxicity.

Lead is a toxic metal; prolonged exposure can pose serious health risks and environmental impacts. If not properly managed, it can contaminate soil and water. Additionally, lead has a higher initial cost compared to alternatives.

You don’t always need to use lead when working with EPDM rubber flat roofs.

For example, one product, Rooftec Flex, is an EPDM-based lead replacement that acts the same way as traditional lead and can be treated as such.

Boasting incredible additional advantages like UV and ozone resistance, Rooftec Flex is super lightweight, non-toxic, incredibly malleable, and quicker and easier to install.

Explore it here.

Which Roof Tiles Are The Best?

Guide to Finding the Best Roofing Tiles

Which roof tiles are best in the UK

The roofing market is saturated with choice, and with so many types of roof tiles available, it can be difficult to decide which type will be best for your project. Whether you’d like to opt for traditional tiles like classic concrete or clay, or something more innovative like metal or slate, it’s important to understand each system inside and out to know which one will work best for you.

Types of Roof Tiles

It’s important to note that no two kinds of roof tiles are the same, and each variety will offer its own strengths, advantages, durability, aesthetics, ease of installation and limitations. So, to help you with your new roofing project or re-roof construction, our experts have sat down to weigh up the pros and cons of each option below…

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Choosing the right UK tile

Before deciding which roof tiles you’ll need, consider your property and how to choose the right ones. For example, to narrow down your search and pick the right tile for your project, consider several factors.

Roof design and structure

The pitch and design of your roof structure will impact the number of roof tile options you have. For example, you’ll need to consider the pitch of your roof; if it’s low or flat, then certain types of tiles won’t be suitable for installation. Perhaps in this scenario, you don’t want to search for tiles but rather flexible rubber membranes like EPDM.

Aesthetics and appearance

No homeowner wants an ugly roof, so when choosing between tiles, you’ll want to consider the kind of finish it will create for your property. So, if your residential home has period features, a sleek, modern slate, lightweight roof tile likely won’t be the right fit. You’ll also need to select a shade that coordinates with the property’s external colour scheme and does not clash against the brick. On top of this, you’ll need to consider neighbouring homes and properties to see how your new tiled roof will fit into the natural flow of the street you live on.

Geography and climate

Another important factor is where in the country you live, as a variety of tile profiles are distinctively used across certain UK regions. So, you might want to research the significant profiles in your region, which might completely influence your choice. Considering how your property will be affected by the local climate is a no-brainer for ensuring your roof’s longevity. Do you live in a windy area with regular rain, storms or hail? Is your home close to the sea? Do you experience hot summers and frequent lightning storms? These are all the questions you’ll need to answer to find the right tile with the correct durability and resilience to withstand the typical weather conditions in your area.

Planning restrictions

Your budget

Which roof tiles last the longest?

Concrete tiles: Typically budget-friendly, beginning at £0.50p per tile, and are the ideal choice for a practice roofing material that can also help save money on energy bills. Concrete tiles can be used on roofs with a lower pitch but are heavier than clay, so the roof structure needs to be suitably strong to bear the weight. On top of this, concrete roof tiles, while typically 20% cheaper, do not weather as well as other tiles like clay.
Fibre cement tiles: An affordable alternative to slate, fibre cement tiles mimic the aesthetics and characteristics of slate but at a lower price. They’re lightweight and durable, plus easy to install and maintain. They must be installed on pitches greater than 15˚ and less than 75˚.

If you have a low-pitched or flat roof, EPDM is affordable and cost-effective.

Best for contemporary style properties

Slate tiles offer a luxurious yet natural style appearance that’s modern and ideal for contemporary property styles.
If you want an alternative to slate or a more affordable option, you can research lightweight roof tiles, which will look great for modern houses as they are versatile in design and available in a wide range of styles and colours.
Metal roofs are also emerging as a popular roof material. For example, standing steam metal roofs are unique and modern, improving any contemporary home's aesthetics.

Best for traditional style properties

Clay tiles are a classic choice for traditional-style properties, as they add charm and character to a building. There’s a huge selection of clay tile profiles available, which will give you the freedom to create a roof finish that’s unique to you while still maintaining the timeless feel of your home. On top of this, metal roofs can mimic the aesthetics of clay and concrete while offering an easier installation and ageless aesthetics.

Best for sheds, conservatories, garages and outbuildings

While we’ve discussed the tiles that suit various property requirements, let’s explore typical roofing projects and other practical options. For the options below, we recommend EPDM as a cheap, long-lasting material that will complement any contemporary or traditional home. EPDM is flexible, long-lasting, cost-effective, and easy to install and maintain. It should be your leading choice against any other type of tile or material.

How to Minimise Your Roof Repair Costs

Saving Money on Roof Repairs & Replacements

For any responsible homeowner, budgeting is a huge factor. So, when it comes to repairing your roof (one of the most expensive areas of your home), certain steps must be taken to help keep costs low and minimal. If you’ve replaced or heavily repaired a roof in the past, you’ll understand just how quickly these costs can creep up.

Inspect & Assess For Yourself

If you’re looking to save money on roof repairs or a new roof, the best effort you can make is to conduct thorough roof inspections periodically—and more specifically, after every season (especially in spring and fall).

By inspecting your roof and looking out for problems like vegetation growth, leaks and other damages, you can make successful claims on your home insurance and even stay on top of the damage from getting out of control and costing you even more money. Click here for signs to look out for in the home for roof damage.

Ignoring roof problems could lead to severe structural issues that can cost you a lot of money later.

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The Average Roof Repair Cost

If the cost of repairing your roof worries you, don’t worry—there are a few simple ways to keep the cost of repairs low and manageable.

While the cost of each roof repair will depend on the roof size and extent of the damage, the average cost to repair flat roofs in the UK, for example, is £100 per sqm. Explore more costs for other roof types.

It’s also important to note that the repair work required to fix the roof will affect the final bill. For example, repairing a roof valley can start from £350, whereas repairing roof leaks costs £250.

Simple Strategies You Can Execute To Keep Roof Repair Costs Low

Inspect your roof regularly, and check this list to understand what you’ll need to look out for.
Take good care of the gutters and roof. Failure to clean can cause the build-up of dirt and debris, which results in blockages that might cause rainwater to pool on your roof, causing leaks, premature gutter and roof deterioration.
Switching to rubber membranes like FlexiProof, which is waterproof for flat and shed roofs, would be smart, as repair costs are very low. Plus, the material is one of the cheapest in the UK.
Always assess your roof after a spell of bad weather, like heavy rain or hail storms, even if you live in an area affected by strong winds (how to check your roof after storm damage).
Invest in preventive maintenance with regular, professional inspections and cleanings. This is a cost-effective way to prevent repairs and maximise your roof’s lifespan.
Regularly clean your roof (especially if flat or green) to keep it free from debris like leaves, branches and moss, which can trap moisture and promote the growth of mould and algae that can damage your roof’s materials.
Trim nearby overhanging branches, as trees that hang over the roof pose a risk of falling leaves, branches, and sap, which can damage your roof.
When repairing or replacing your roof, ensure that you get multiple quotes, check the roofing company’s reputation and experience, and consider the licensing, insurance, and warranties offered by each contractor. Also, consider the longevity and benefits of the roof material you choose.
Consider your homeowner’s insurance policy and warranties, which might help you cover the cost of roof repairs.

Factors That Influence The Cost of Your Roof Repair in The UK

Cost Considerations of a New Roof

No homeowner ever wants to deal with a roof repair, but the inevitable happens to us all at some stage or another. So, if you’ve noticed signs of leaks, sagging or common roof problems, acting quickly is in your best interest. But you’ve landed here because you’re exploring the cost of a roof repair in the UK and want some tips on keeping budgets at a minimum.

Roof Repairs Costs Will Vary

The cost of any roof repair will depend on the size of the roof, the extent and complexity of the damage, and the type of material. In the UK, roof repairs can cost from £150 to £1100. Some materials are easier to repair than others, making them cheaper. For example, rubber membranes like EPDM are among the sturdiest and least expensive, so we would always recommend considering this material for any flat roof replacement to save you costs in the future.

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Keeping the overall cost of your roofing project low

Alongside the material and type of damage, several other factors can affect the overall cost of your roofing project. Here are just a few…

Roof material

The material you choose for your roof will significantly affect the total repair cost, as every material is priced differently. You can dive deeper into the costs of every material here, or for a quick overview, here are the average prices of common roof materials based on the average family, semi-detached home with a gable roof in the UK:

Typical roof repairs costs

Clay tiles – £125
Thatch – £100
Slate – £75
Felt – £40
Concrete – £35

Roof size

Undoubtedly, the size of the roof will also affect the overall cost. For example, if a large section or portion of the roof requires repair, you’ll have to consider the cost of more supplies and materials. On the other hand, if you’re replacing just a handful of tiles or patching up a few holes, labour and materials will be cheaper.

The cost of scaffolding

In most cases, scaffolding will be required to access your roof, which might cost up to £500 to repair a few times, which will cover the additional labour and time required to erect the scaffolding.

The type of repair required

The price can vary dramatically, depending on the type of repair you need.

For example, if your roof is tiled, replacing missing or damaged tiles will be the simplest repair work. It only takes a few hours and costs around £200, as roofers only require slates and cement.

Flat roof repairs are notoriously inexpensive (view products), too.

However, more expensive repairs will be required when the roof is sagging, as replacing the entire roof might be necessary, or when you need to repair the flashing around your chimney or skylight. Up to £200 for a metre of damaged flashing can be required.

Cost of labour

In most cases, roofers charge homeowners per project rather than by the hour, which means you can get multiple quotes and estimates for the overall cost of their services.

The time of the repair

Roof repairs in the UK tend to cost less in autumn and winter months as roofers are not typically busy this time of year. However, the risk of bad weather could cause delays and increase the time it takes to finish the repair, ultimately resulting in higher costs.

Other Repair cost factors

Besides the usual suspects, other factors can also affect how much the cost of your roof repair will accumulate, for example:

The accessibility of your roof
How difficult it is to source replacement materials
Whether tiles are cemented into position
The type of property, for example, if it’s listed

Can You Replace Only Half a Roof?

Replacing Half A Roof: Good Or Bad Idea?

Wondering if you can replace a portion of a roof? Or just one side of a roof at a time? For example, if only one side of a roof is damaged and needs replacing, you might save on costs by not replacing the whole roof. Replacing just half a roof is possible. But you do run the risk that the other side can begin to leak and cause decay (especially if you're sharing half of a roof with your neighbour). So, in some cases, it might be better to replace the whole roof, but this will depend on the condition of your neighbours' side. Let's explore the issue more in detail.

The Right or Wrong Thing To Do?

Replacing only half a roof is doable, but it's not always the best idea. Sometimes, you might not need to replace the entire structure, especially if only one part has become damaged or decayed over time. And in this instance, it's up to you to decide whether to replace the entire thing, only half or just repair the damaged area. However, in our experience and professional roofing opinion, replacing half of the home's roof is not the best idea, and we'll discuss why below to help determine your choice.

THE GENERAL TAKE

Roofers will most likely recommend replacing the entire roof instead of a portion. As this might seem like the cheaper way to approach the situation, many experts agree that replacing only sections of the roof can do more harm than good, causing you more expenses in the long-run.

Well, that is, if you're working with traditional materials.

For example, if you're looking to replace part of a rubber roof, it's easier to remove in sections, allowing for adequate repairs of damaged sections without replacing the whole roof.

So, for flat roof customers, if there's damage in one small section, you can repair that area as a much more cost-effective solution.

Calculate how much membrane you'll need.

The downsides to only replacing half a roof

Understand the drawbacks before spending money and valuable time on paying for a professional to do this service.

Different longevity: Replacing just half a roof means you'll have two different lifespans forever. By only replacing half a roof, you'll always have different replacement timelines, which can cost you more money.
Costs more: Although replacing two halves might initially seem to save you money, you'll effectively have to pay for two hefty replacements instead of one. You'll also likely lose a free inspection, as most companies won't offer you a free inspection for a few shingles.
Loss of warranty: A partial roof fix or replacement means you will not have full warranty protection for the tree structure. Instead, you'll have two warranties, which means you won't be eligible for longer-term warranties that protect your roof from bad weather.
It doesn't look as good: A partial roof replacement is often less aesthetic than replacing the entire thing, which is a drawback if you're concerned with how your home looks or if you're thinking of putting your home on the market in the future. It results in less curb appeal and lower asking prices.