Costs to Have a New Roof Fitted in London

When it comes to having a new roof fitted in London, it’s important to understand the costs involved before kickstarting your project.

There are a lot of things that influence what a roofing company will charge you, ranging from whether you need an entire roof replacement and roof removal, or if you are focusing on roof repairs.

The roof tiles that you choose will have an impact, such as whether you choose concrete tiles, clay tiles or you opt for a felt roof.

In this guide, we have taken a look at the cost of flat roofs, pitched roofs and garage roofs, and everything in between.

Average Costs for a New Roof in London

There is a lot that goes into how much a new roof costs in London. The average cost for a new roof can vary based on several factors, including the size of the property, the type of roofing material chosen and the complexity of the installation. Homeowners in London should expect to pay anywhere from £5,000 to £15,000 or more for a new roof.

However, this is an estimate, and the cost could be higher for larger homes or if high quality materials – such as slate or metal – are used. Factors such as scaffolding, the removal of an existing roof, insulation and additional features – such as fascia, soffits and gutters – will also contribute to the overall cost.

Costs for Different House Types

It’s hard to give an exact figure for the price of having a new roof fitted in London, as there are a lot of variables that impact the price. The size and type of your house are some of the most significant factors, as large houses require more work, more materials and a longer timeframe.

Detached House New Roof

You should expect to pay between £6,300 and £12,000 to have a new slate roof fitted on a detached four-bedroom house, with the majority of quotes coming in at around £8,300. Smaller detached houses are likely to be at the lower end of this price range.

Semi Detached House New Roof

To have a slate roof installed on a two-storey semi-detached house, you should expect to pay between £5,000 and £7,350. The cost in London is likely to be on the higher end of the scale, as will the cost of installing a roof on a larger property.

Terraced House New Roof

The cost of having a new roof installed on a terraced house varies hugely, depending on the size of the house and the materials being used. For a two or three-bedroom terraced house, you should expect to pay between £3,000 and £3,800 for a tiled roof. For a slate roof, the cost is likely higher, between £4,000 and £5,500.

Bungalow Loft New Roof

The average cost of having a new roof installed on a two-bedroom bungalow, using plain tiles, is between £3,800 and £7,000. This includes removing the old tiles and labour costs. The cost will be higher if you opt for a slate or metal roof.

Costs of Different Types of Roof

The cost of a new roof varies significantly depending on the type of roofing material selected. Each roofing material comes with its own price range and installation complexities and requires slightly different expertise.

Additionally, factors like the size of the property, the need for scaffolding, the removal of existing roofing, and the installation of other components will also contribute to the cost. This is why it’s important to consider all of your roofing options before budgeting for the project. There are a few main types of roof to choose from; flat, gable, hip, dormer and mansard.

Flat Roof

The cost of a flat roof varies between £1,400 and £3,400, with a cost per m2 of between £45 and £100. The exact cost will depend on the size of the roof, the size of the property and the materials used.

Gable Roof

The cost of a gable roof varies between £7,500 and £16,000, with a cost per m2 of between £117 and £255. The exact cost will depend on the size of the roof, the size of the property and the materials used.

Hip Roof

The cost of a hip roof varies between £8,500 and £17,500, with a cost per m2 of between £132 and £275. The exact cost will depend on the size of the roof, the size of the property and the materials used.

Dormer Roof

A dormer roof is typically part of a loft conversion, and it requires a lot more work than installing a simple flat or gable roof. The cost of a small dormer loft conversion varies between £2,000 and £7,000, though larger conversions can reach upwards of £10,000.

Mansard Roof

A lot of work goes into building a mansard roof and so, once again, the costs are higher than simple flat or gable roofs. On average, a mansard roof extension costs between £45,000 and £75,000, with prices higher in London and for larger projects.

Costs Breakdown

As well as knowing how much the overall project will cost, it’s helpful to have a breakdown of the individual prices. A range of things are taken into account, such as labour, materials, scaffolding, skip hire and removing the existing roof.

Labour Costs

Labour costs include everything associated with hiring skilled tradespeople whose expertise and time is needed to fit a new roof. The average cost of hiring a professional roofer in the UK is £200 per day. This cost does vary, with tradespeople in London often charging slightly more per day.

Material Costs

Material costs include all of the costs related to buying the roofing materials required for the new roof including roof tiles, underlay and any additional parts essential for the installation. The cost of material varies depending on the work that you’re having done, but you should expect to pay an additional £3,000 to £7,000 to swap from a tiled roof to a slate roof.

Scaffolding

Scaffolding costs cover the installation and rental of the structure, which gives tradespeople a secure platform which can be used to access the property during the new roof fitting, ensuring safety and efficiency. You should expect to pay upwards of £800 to hire scaffolding for the duration of your roof installation.

Removal of Existing Roof

The removal of an existing roof incurs additional costs, as it requires additional work, which covers the removal and disposal of the old roofing materials, clearing the way for the installation of the new roof. The cost of removing an existing roof can cost anywhere from £900 to £2,500 depending on the size and complexity of the task.

Skip Hire

Skip hire involves renting a skip for the removal and disposal of any waste generated during the new roof installation. It helps to maintain a tidy work environment throughout the project. The cost of hiring a small skip is between £100 and £300, whereas a larger skip usually costs between £400 and £500. The size of the skip that you need will depend on how much waste the project is likely to generate.

Insulation

Insulation costs cover the materials required to ensure thermal insulation for the new roof, which improves energy efficiency, climate control and long-term cost savings. The cost of insulation is calculated depending on the type of insulation being used and the size of the property, but prices start from £400.

Fascia and Soffits

The cost of fascias and soffits includes the materials and installation for these essential parts of having a new roof fitted. A lot of people underestimate the importance of fascias and soffits, even though they contribute to the aesthetics and functionality of the new roof, whilst also protecting your property against the elements. The cost of fascias and soffits starts at around £2,000 but the price rises depending on the size of the property, the number required and the quality of the components.

Gutters

Gutter costs cover the materials and installation expenses for the gutter system, which directs rainwater away from the new roof to prevent water damage and maintain effective drainage, keeping the overall roof structure safe. The average cost of gutter installation is £700, but this tends to be slightly higher in cities and urban areas, such as London.

Reasons to Have a New Roof

Age of Current Roof

The age of your existing roof is a key factor in determining if a new roof is needed. Over time, wear and tear can impact a roof’s integrity, making a roof replacement necessary for maintaining structural soundness and safety.

New Look

Wanting a new look for your property is one of the most popular reasons for having a new roof fitted. Upgrading to a new roof can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your entire home, providing a fresh and modern appearance that complements the overall design.

Increase House Value

Installing a new roof not only addresses any functional or structural concerns, but it can also add value to the property. It’s an attractive feature, one that many potential buyers look for, and it adds to the overall curb appeal.

Damaged Roof & Leaks

A damaged roof with leaks is a clear sign that replacement is necessary, sooner rather than later. Ignoring leaks can lead to more extensive and costly damage, which is why it’s important to replace a roof as soon as you can.

Broken Tiles

Missing or broken roof tiles can hinder a roof’s ability to protect the property. Replacing damaged tiles can be done separately, but doing so as part of a new roof installation ensures optimal weather resistance.

Mould

Seeing mould growing on your roof can be alarming. It’s a sign that moisture has reached the roof and it’s often caused by underlying issues. A new roof can help to eliminate mould problems and maintain a healthy indoor environment, as a new roof comes with added ventilation.

Rotten Underlay

Rotting underlay seriously compromises the structural integrity of a roof, and it’s a problem that needs to be solved quickly. Addressing this issue with new installation provides a solid foundation for the roofing material, preventing rotting underlay from occurring again.

Solar Panels

An increasing number of people are adding solar panels to their homes, as a way to harness renewable energy. By installing a new roof, you have the perfect opportunity to integrate solar panels, maximising energy efficiency.

How Long a Roof Should Last

The lifespan of a roof is influenced by various factors, including the type of roofing material, weather, maintenance and installation quality. Generally speaking, most roofs should last around 20 years without needing any work done to them, some even longer. For example, a metal roof can last anywhere from 50 to 100 years. Clay and concrete roofs can last between 25 and 40 years.

DIY Vs Hiring a Professional

Choosing between a DIY approach to fitting a roof and hiring a professional roofer is a decision that homeowners often struggle with, especially as there are pros and cons to both. The decision usually comes down to a variety of factors such as the complexity of the job, your skill level and the desired outcome.

DIY New Roof

• Cost Effective – One of the main reasons people consider DIY roofing is the potential to save money. By taking on the task yourself, you avoid the cost of labour. But, there is always a risk of something going wrong, and costly repairs being needed further down the line. You need to weigh up the new roof cost in London, versus how much a DIY approach would save you.
• Added Flexibility – DIY projects allow you to work on your roof in a way that works for your schedule. It provides the flexibility of completing the task when time allows. However, this often means that the project takes longer, as other commitments and responsibilities need to be taken into account.

Hiring a Professional Roofer

• Expertise – Professional roofers bring years of experience and expertise to the table, which you are unlikely to have. They can assess the roof’s condition accurately and identify any issues, before carrying out repairs or installations.
• Workmanship – When you hire a professional roofer, you know that they will adhere to industry standards. This ensures the quality and longevity of the work. Their experience allows them to deliver a flawless and durable final result, which is hard to achieve without experience.
• Safety – Roofing tasks can be dangerous, and professional roofers are trained to work safely at heights. Hiring a roofer reduces the risk of accidents.
• Efficiency – Roofing professionals can complete tasks a lot quicker than any DIY enthusiast, which saves time. This ensures that the roof is promptly repaired or installed, and delays are minimal.

Finding a Roofer

We can all agree that hiring a professional, reliable and skilled builder is key, regardless of how complicated your project is. However, many homeowners wrongly assume that this is a time-consuming and complex process when that couldn’t be further from the truth. Armed with a clear understanding of your requirements, finding a roofer is a simple process.

The Page

The Page is a helpful tool in your search for a roofer, offering a straightforward and simple process, all of which is based on your individual roofing requirements.

When you require the services of a skilled roofer, submit an inquiry to The Page outlining your specific needs. The Page will consider what you are looking for, before connecting you with carefully selected tradesmen, chosen for their specific expertise and suitability for your project.

Each tradesman featured on The Page is personally met and they undergo a vetting process, including a comprehensive assessment of their previous work.

This process guarantees that you are linked with a professional whose skills, reliability and quality of work align with the demands of your roofing project. This personalised approach provides you with confidence and assurance in the selection process, whilst creating a positive matchmaking process for both you and your chosen tradesman.

Online Search

When you need a roofer, it’s a good idea to conduct an online search. Using search engines and directories, such as Google and The Page, has become the norm as technology has revolutionised the way we look for tradespeople. Online searches have quickly become the ‘go-to’ way of connecting with experts in the local area.

You have the choice to use search engines and The Page, both of which provide you with curated lists of roofers close by, giving you a diverse range of options. You can also look at the experiences of past clients through reviews and testimonials, which will give you an insight into the quality of a roofer’s work, costs, professionalism and efficiency.

Ask Around

In the bid to find a builder, word of mouth proves to be an invaluable tool, offering valuable insights into recommended and reliable builders in your local area.

It’s a traditional way of finding a tradesman, but it’s also a straightforward approach, one that brings peace of mind and simplicity to finding a builder.

All you need to do is ask friends, family neighbours and colleagues, and see if they have had a good builder experience recently. Someone you know can likely recommend a professional, experienced and skilled builder.