​How Much Does a New Roof Cost?

Roof Care & Maintenance
product guide
​How Much Does a New Roof Cost?

Installing a new roof is a big project, and possibly one of the biggest projects you can carry out on your home. There are many things to bear in mind, from the type of roof structure you have to the roofing materials you choose. With so many options available to choose from, it can be hard to keep track of things and work out exactly how much a new roof costs.

There are many reasons why you may be considering a new roof. You may be looking to add additional value to your home, or perhaps replace a roof that has been heavily damaged. You may have realised that your current roof is not fit for purpose, or you’d simply like to add impressive aesthetics and curb appeal to your property.

Whatever your reason, it’s vital to understand and plan for all the factors that contribute to the cost of a new roof. Not only will this help your project stay on time and on budget, but it will also reduce the chance of unforeseen expenses, giving you peace of mind. This guide will explore all elements that make up the price of a new roof and will give helpful tips for how to calculate the cost of a new roof as well as how to keep overall costs down.

Table of Contents

What is the Average Price of a New Roof?

It’s difficult to give an average price for a new roof, as it is dependent upon so many different factors. These include the roofing materials used, the size of your roof, and even your location. Traditional roofing materials such as concrete roof tiles are often cheaper than modern alternatives, and living in an area such as London may increase labour costs compared to the national average.

Other factors that can influence the cost of your new roof include the size of your property as a whole and the condition of your current roof. Some homeowners may only need to have their roof tiles replaced, whereas others could also require the installation of breathable membranes, or even to have portions of the timber frame treated.

Taking the average size of a UK home into account, (around 83 square metres, however many new builds are smaller according to a 2011 study), along with the fact that most houses in Britain have tiled roofs, you can expect the cost of a new roof to be around £5,000 - £6,000. This estimation includes the cost of materials and labour for a two-bedroom terraced house, with the project lasting between 5 and 7 days. However, as previously mentioned, this cost can vary massively, which is why we’ve broken the cost of a new roof down into its components below.

How to Estimate the Cost of a New Roof

Building a new roof can be an incredibly stressful process, because large costs can seemingly appear from nowhere, greatly adding to the overall expense. This is usually the result of poor planning, for example overlooking elements that enter late into a roofing project such as guttering. This is because adding a guttering system, while vital, is one of the final steps in completing a new roof.

With this in mind, here are all of the most important components that must be accounted for when building a new roof:

Frame

A roof simply cannot be built without the appropriate timber frame. This includes rafters, trusses, purlins and more. Most roof frames are built almost entirely from timber, which makes it quite easy to source everything you need from one place. Roof frames can vary in cost, but a basic frame including labour costs will amount to around £1,500 - £2,000.

Membranes

Breathable membranes are a vital part of any new roof, as they aid with roof ventilation and help to keep moisture at bay. Often applied early on in the process, these are rarely overlooked. Once again, prices can vary by brand, with a 100m roll costing between £100 - £150. 100m should cover most properties’ roofs, but larger structures may require more.

Roofing Materials

The roofing materials you choose have perhaps the greatest effect on the cost of your new roof. This is because roofing materials can vary massively in price. For a flat roof, an EPDM membrane could cost as little as £1,500 to install, including all necessary components and accessories. On the other hand, a thatched roof can cost a staggering £25,000! An average UK home with an apex roof could be covered with slate roof tiles for around £3,000. See the ‘Cost of Roofing Materials’ section further on for more info.

Fixings and Accessories

In addition to the larger components needed to build a new roof, the cost of fixings and accessories also needs to be taken into account. Whatever roofing material you choose, you’ll also need fixings to bond it to your roof battens. Most tiled roofs today are dry-fixed, which means they’re secured with nails or screws. This is because doing so is far cheaper, quicker, and easier than wet fixing using cement or mortar. Other accessories to consider include end caps, finials, roof vents, and more.

Chimneys

Chimneys are becoming a less frequent sight on newer builds, due to how few feature fireplaces. However, it’s true to say that most homes in Britain possess a chimney, and they’re still a popular addition, even if they’re mostly aesthetic. Chimneys can be expensive to construct from scratch, particularly once you consider the brickwork, flashing, and accessories. The average cost of lead flashing for a chimney is around £800.

Tools and Equipment

Building a new roof requires a large variety of tools and equipment. From hammers to scaffolding, ladders to PPE, there are many things to consider when thinking about what you’ll need to do the project, and what you’ll need to stay safe on-site. Much of this equipment can be rented if necessary, which will save you a considerable amount compared to buying it outright. Alternatively, if you’re employing professionals, they will often bring their own tools and equipment, but this could be factored into your bill at the end.

Labour Costs

Most UK homeowners will definitely benefit from enlisting the help of qualified professionals when building a brand-new roof. Their experience and knowledge will prove invaluable in making sure the job is done correctly. Whilst this will of course greatly increase project costs, it will be a big step in preventing future costs due to unforeseen issues or mishaps.

Again, it is difficult to estimate the cost of a new roof, as so many of these elements can vary for a number of reasons. However, working through the above categories is a necessary part of calculating the cost of your new roof.

Does the Type of Roof Affect the Cost?

In short, one of the factors that will influence the cost of your new roof the most is the type of roof you have. The larger the roof, the more it will cost. The same is true for roofs with more extravagant designs or unusual pitches.

Flat roofs are generally the cheapest, not only due to their simple design but also the fact that flat roofing materials are far more cost-effective. However, pitched roofs can still prove reasonable. Gable and dormer roofs, the most common types of pitched roofs in the UK, generally use basic designs that won’t add too much to the cost. This is largely because non-standard roof designs will require more custom-made components such as trusses, rafters and battens which will also be more time-consuming and difficult to install.

Whilst size is perhaps the greatest determining factor in the cost of a new roof, complexity is certainly another. Highly complicated roof designs such as those with multiple hip and valley sections will almost certainly cost more, due to how challenging they will be to cover effectively. This will drive up the cost of roofing materials and labour, no matter how large or small your property is.

The best way to keep the cost of your new roof low is to keep the structure as simple as possible. This means having few extensions and expansions beyond the basic ‘box’ shape most houses feature. For those with more complex roof shapes, other ways to minimise project costs include using simpler roofing materials and deciding whether or not you really need those roof windows.

Cost of Roofing Materials

As the price of roofing materials can vary so much, it’s important to make the right choice for your new roof project. The initial cost isn’t the only thing to consider, as some more expensive materials can actually be quite simple and quick to install. What’s more, cheaper materials may save you money today, but need to be replaced decades sooner than costlier alternatives.

Below are some of the most popular roofing materials for pitched roofs, along with the cost if they were applied to an average UK home:

Concrete Roof Tiles

Concrete tiles are some of the most widely used roofing materials in Britain. Originally created as a sturdier alternative to clay tiles, these are a fantastic option that comes in a wide range of profiles, colours and finishes. Due to their added strength, you may save money during installation as these are less likely to break than clay. £3,500 - £5,600

Clay Roof Tiles

Clay tiles are the traditional choice for residential properties, and are generally seen as more visually appealing than concrete. Still amongst the most popular roofing materials in Britain today, clay roof tiles can be seen on refurbished properties and new builds alike. Most are dry fixed nowadays, which makes their installation far quicker, cheaper, and easier than in decades past. £3,500 - £5,600

Slate Roof Tiles

Of all roofing materials, there are few that have the distinct, luxurious appeal of slate. Although they are notably more expensive than either concrete or clay roof tiles, they have a far longer lifespan – often 70 years or more. Roof slates are also far more sustainably produced, making them excellent for environmentally conscious projects. Slates come in a variety of designs, finishes, and prices. £3,800 - £5,900

Metal Roof Tiles

Metal roof tiles are more expensive than any of the previous options, but feature more modern designs that offer a unique visual appeal, and allow for quicker installation. Metal tiles are also highly durable and come in a very wide variety of styles, colours, and finishes. £4,000 - £6,000

Plastic Roof Tiles

Similarly priced to their metal counterparts, plastic roof tiles are designed with ease of installation in mind. What’s more, they’re also sustainable, highly durable, weatherproof, and guaranteed to last for decades with minimal maintenance. £4,000 - £6,000

Roof Shingles

Roofing shingles can vary greatly in price, due to the fact that they are made from many different materials in a number of unique designs. Roof shingles are an excellent all-rounder, with moderate lifespans and durability, but with fairly simple installation. Shingles are also available in many different colours and designs, making them ideal for more creative roofs. £4,000 - £6,000

Any of the above roof tiles would be an excellent choice for a new roof. The right one for you depends entirely on your budget, time available for maintenance, and style. If you’re ever unsure of which to choose, consult a professional or call our experienced customer service team. For more information, check out our guide to the cost of roof tiles.

Roofing Calculators – Estimating Made Easy

One of the easiest ways to work out the cost of materials for a new roof is by using a roofing calculator. Here at Roofing Megastore, we’ve designed a number of roof tile calculators that will let you know exactly how many tiles, fixings, and accessories you’ll need for your project. All you’ll need to enter is the length, width, and pitch of your roof, and the calculator will do the rest. Look out for the grey ‘Roofing Calculator’ button on our product pages to get started.

Hiring Professionals – Worth the Cost?

To some, the cost of hiring a professional may seem excessive. However, when you consider the cost of all of the materials, equipment, and everything else, hiring a tradesperson could be a wise investment. It’s very important to make the right choice, as a cowboy could do far more harm than good. If mistakes are made, these can be incredibly expensive to fix, so we’d always recommend triple checking any roofer you hire.

For more information on finding a good roofer, check out our handy guide. You could also consider consulting organisations such as the NFRC and CompetentRoofers, but we’d also recommend personal recommendations from friends, family, or neighbours. Always remember to get a breakdown of costs (materials, equipment, labour, etc) before any work begins, and never pay in full prior to completion.

What About Licence Costs?

Most local authorities will require you to have a licence when using equipment such as scaffolding and hoarding. Whilst any roofers you hire will typically apply for this on your behalf, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the requirements and cost. Failure to comply can result in fines between £200 and £500 in many areas of the UK.

The below will generally incur either a daily or a monthly cost, which will depend upon where you live. Be sure to discuss the below with your roofer. For more information on the laws and regulations in your area, we’d always recommend speaking to your local council.

  • Scaffolding
  • Hoarding
  • Tower Scaffolding
  • Cherry Picker
  • Scissor Lift
  • Crane

Remember that even if your roofer is arranging the licences, it’s always prudent to request to see the necessary paperwork. This is because you are the property owner, the responsibility will ultimately fall to you and you will be liable for any applicable fines for non-compliance.

Conclusion

You should now be well-versed in the cost of a new roof! We’d recommend planning the whole process thoroughly from start to finish, as this gives you the best chance of undertaking a project that will happen on time and within budget. It can be easy to overlook a few things, but if you want to avoid any nasty surprises, proper planning is the way.

We stock an enormous range of roofing materials and accessories at trade prices for everyone. Slash the cost of your new roof by shopping at Roofing Megastore today. Our range includes roof tiles, roof windows, soffit boards, lead flashing and more. With over 40,000 products in a huge variety of styles, the perfect products to create a new roof that is visually stunning, long-lasting, and cost-effective are all right here at Roofing Megastore.

Please note: This article has been written for information purposes and we therefore take no responsibility for any purchasing decisions you make or installation processes you follow as a result of reading this article. Whilst we act as a retailer, we are not experts nor qualified in the installation of roofing materials. We therefore recommend that you refer to your manufacturer's guide and, if appropriate, consult a qualified professional.
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