New Roof Cost
A roof is an integral part of a home as it keeps your home protected against the elements. With the winter months soon upon us, it is best to check to see if you need any repairs as a roof can be easily damaged due to the weather. Although most roofs may only need the odd tile replacement or repair, extensive damage may result in a full roof replacement.
When choosing a new roof, you will need to consider three important aspects: the type of roof, the material of your roof and most importantly, the cost of installing a new roof.
The following guide will cover every aspect of installing a new roof, including costs, types of tiles, and additional factors.
How much does it cost to install a new roof?
Although the average costs of installing a new roof can start at as little as £1000 and up £10000, the type and size of your roof can impact the total cost of installing a new roof. Each roof type has their own costs due to the complexity and style of each type of roof. The average costs for each type of roof have been broken down in the table below:
| TYPE OF ROOF | AVERAGE COSTS |
| Lean-to Roof | £850 to £2000 |
| Hip Roof | £1250 to £7250 |
| Flat Roof | £1500 to £3000 |
| Gable Roof | £2000 to £4500 |
If you are looking to install a roof on a garage, you will be looking to pay between £1000 to £2000 for a new roof.
Labour Costs and Timescales
Labour costs for installing a new roof can vary depending on your location. If a roofer works within your local area, their hourly rates may be less expensive than a roofer who may have to travel from outside of your area. Additional factors that could impact labour costs are the number of tradespeople needed to install the roof or if your roof installation requires a specialised skillset in order to be installed.
Although labour costs can vary due to the individual experience of a roofer, the average labour costs for installing a new roof generally ranges between £150 to £300 per square metre.
Installing a new roof is no easy task and the type of roof, materials, skillset of the roofer you hire, and any additional jobs can impact how long it takes to install a new roof. Most new roofs tend to be installed within 1 to 3 days however, for commercial properties or buildings with larger roofs, this timeframe can be extended to up to a week to install.
Additional Jobs
There are many additional jobs that can be done when installing a new roof. Types of jobs can include external rendering, removal of old roof, and roof decking. Each additional job comes with additional costs which need to be factored into the total cost. Additional jobs that can be completed alongside installing a new roof include:
Skylights
One additional job that can be done when installing a new roof is installing skylights. Not only do skylights provide extra lighting to help bring natural light into internal rooms, but they also provide ventilation. To provide light without letting in extra heat, the best materials for a skylight are glass and other transparent materials.
On average, skylights cost between £1000 to £2000 which includes the cost of materials and labour.
Loft Conversion
Lofts are small living areas located at the roof of a home; they are not the same size as standard rooms, but they can provide the same amount of comfort and open views into the outdoors when properly designed. A loft conversion can be quite a complex and time-consuming job as it requires strategic planning and designing to be installed. Therefore, the average cost for a loft conversion ranges between £15000 to £30000. Features included in the price of a loft conversion generally include insulation, electrical installation, heating, staircases, and skylights.
Removing an Old Roof
Before installing a new roof, you will have to remove the old one. Usually, this cost can be factored into the total cost of installing a new roof. The average costs for removing a roof are between £2000 and £7000 but can increase up to £16000 for larger roofs.
Cost Factors
The costs of installing a new roof can vary depending on a number of factors. These include:
Size of Roof
The general rule is the larger the roof, the more expensive the roof will be. Not only does the size of the roof determine the cost but the height of the building can affect the cost as taller buildings will require more scaffolding which will increase the costs significantly.
Flat Roofs
Some buildings such as garages, extensions and sheds require a flat roof. It is generally cheaper to replace or repair flat roofs, but they are more vulnerable to water damage. The general cost of installing a new flat roof will depend on the materials you choose and the size, however the average cost of a flat roof ranges between £1000 to £2000 which includes both labour and material costs.
Accessibility
Some properties may require scaffolding, especially those that are larger and taller in height. This is to make sure your roofer will be able to access all parts of the home safely and securely. Hiring scaffolding can cost up to £1000 depending on the size of the property.
Guttering, Soffits and Fascias
A roofer may also need to replace guttering, soffits, and facias, which are usually charged separately but are a cost to keep in mind.
Type of Material
With many types of roofing materials available on the market, it can be hard to choose which material is right for your property. Each material has their own unique properties as well as costs. The most popular types of roofing materials are:
| TYPE OF MATERIAL | AVERAGE COST (PER SQUARE METRE) |
|
Asphalt |
£70 to £160 |
| Metal | £120 to £900 |
| Concrete Tile | £150 to £250 |
| Clay Tile | £300 to £600 |
| Plastic Polymer | £400 to £1200 |
| Slate Tile | £500 to £1700 |
Clay Tiles
One of the most popular choices for roof tiles are clay tiles. Clay tiles are durable, easy to maintain and are aesthetically pleasing making them a great choice for your roof. The main downside to clay tiles is that they are quite expensive, costing between £300 to £600 per m2, and can be quite difficult to install.
Concrete Tiles
Concrete tiles are another popular roofing material as they are durable, versatile and have fire resistant properties. However, this type of tile is heavier than other options and they can be worn out over time due to the weather.
Metal Tiles
If you are looking to save on costs, then metal tiles are the ones to choose from. Not only are they one of the cheaper options at £120 to £900 per m2, but they are easy and cheap to maintain and can also reduce your energy bills as they keep the heat inside your home.
Slate Tiles
With their striking appearance and hard-wearing properties, slate tiles are a great choice for homes looking to improve their value. However, they are pricier than other tiles, but they are a great choice as they are both fire and water resistant.
Choosing the right roof for your home
Although the main function of a roof is to protect your home from the elements, choosing the right roof can impact both the look and use of your home. Different types of roofs have different looks and styles which can change the look of your home as well as creating more space in the form of a loft conversion.
We have saved you the trouble and compiled a list of the advantages and disadvantages of each roof type to help you choose the right roof for your home.
Gable Roof
One of the most popular roof types is a gable roof also known as a peaked or pitched roof. This type of roof is easily recognisable as it has a pronounced triangular shape. Gable roofs generally cost between £2000 to £4500.
Advantages:
- The pitched area of a gable roof can create added space for a loft or extra storage.
- The triangular shape is perfect for getting rid of fallen snow and rain as it will run/ melt off of the sides of the roof.
- Its sleek, and classic design is an attractive roofing option for many different homes.
- This type of roof is both cheap to maintain and repair and quite easy to install.
Disadvantages:
- Although gable roofs are mostly weather resistant in regard to rain, snow and wind, extreme weather conditions, for example hurricanes and windstorms, can cause problems to gable roofs. If the structure of a gable roof is not supported or constructed correctly, the roof may collapse.
Hip Roof
Another popular roofing option is a hip roof. This roof has four sloping sides of equal length that join at the top to create a ridge. If this roof is supported and constructed correctly, then they are durable and will most likely not experience any major problems. Including labour and material costs, hip roofs cost between £3000 to £6000.
Advantages
- Due to their sloping sides, hip roofs are perfect for locations with heavy snow and winds as water and snow will run straight off of the roofs instead of remaining on the roof.
- Hip roofs are more stable than gable roofs as they are built with inward slopes to reinforce its structure making it both durable and stable.
- If you are looking to add extra space to your home, hip roofs are the best option. Extra living space that can be built under a hip roof can include a crow’s nest or a dormer.
Disadvantages
- The main disadvantage of a hip roof is the cost as they cost significantly more than gable roofs. The high costs are mainly due to their complex design which uses more materials.
- If you are looking to add a dormer, your home will be more susceptible to water damage. Therefore, it is best to find a high skilled individual to install a hip roof correctly.
Flat Roof
Although flat roofs can be used on homes and commercial properties, they are mainly used on garages, dormers, and outbuildings. As one of the cheaper options, these roofs can be made using cheaper materials such as timber, asphalt and felt. The cost of installing a flat roof typically ranges between £1500 to £3000.
Advantages
- If you are looking to turn to more renewable energy sources, then flat roofs are perfect for solar panels. Due to the design of a flat roof, the solar panels are in direct view of sunlight allowing your home to run on renewable energy.
- It is quite cheap to install as flat roofs have a straightforward design that is easy to install. It also does not use as many materials as other roofing options do.
Disadvantages
- Although flat roofs have a slight slope to allow water to run off, they can still be susceptible to water build up and leakage. If you live in an area with frequent rainfall and heavy snow, then roofers do not recommend installing a flat roof.
- Although the initial cost of a flat roof is relatively cheap in comparison to other types of roofs, they can cost more in the long run due to maintenance and repair costs.
Lean-to Roofs
One of the more unique roof options is a lean-to roof. This type of roof is traditionally used on extensions and conservatories as they connect to an existing roof. A lean-to roof usually slopes on one side and leans against a building. Lean-to roofs typically cost between £850 to £2000.
Advantages
- Lean-to roofs are a more affordable type of roof, and they are quite easy to install.
- They are a relatively low-cost option as they don’t require a lot or maintenance or repairs.
Disadvantages
- If the connection between the lean-to roof and the building it connects to are not properly fitted it can lead to water leakages.
- Due to its design, a lean-to roof does not great any additional living space unlike gable roofs.
