What are the Costs of Flat Roof Replacement?
A flat roof is not only long-lasting and easy on the pocket but also requires minimal maintenance and allows you to create an additional living space like a garden or patio. However, you might need to replace it if you notice problems like significant leakage, water pooling, moss growth, or cracking. In such a scenario, it is natural to wonder about the cost of flat roof replacement and check how it fits into your budget. Usually, in the UK, replacing a flat roof can cost anywhere between £1000 and £7000, but the exact amount depends on multiple factors.
Through this write-up, let’s examine these factors closely and get an idea of the cost of flat roof replacement per square foot based on the material used.
Roof Size
The larger a flat roof, the greater the cost of replacing it, as more material and labour will be required. It will also take more time to finish the project. For instance, simply replacing the flat roof over your garage will cost way less than replacing the flat roof over your entire property.
Property Location
For instance, if you live in the heart of London, the average cost of flat roof replacement will be generally higher than what you will need to pay for a property in the outskirts. This is because a higher cost of living in the first case means high labour charges. Also, if the roofers need to travel a long distance to reach your property, you will need to pay them more overall.
Expertise and Timeline
The cost of flat roof replacement in the UK also depends on the kind of professional you hire. An experienced and reputed roofer might charge you between £200 and £500 in labour fees. This depends on how many hands they need to employ for the job and how long it will take. For instance, if the roof material is easy to work with, the replacement can be done quickly, or average workers can take care of it, you will have to pay less.
Access Ease
There is a difference between accessing a single-storey roof and a 10-storey roof. In the latter case, the roofer needs more labour, equipment, and planning, which means the overall cost of flat roof replacement will shoot up. Even if the roof size is the same for a single-storey property and a tall building, difficulty of access will inflate the price in the second scenario.
Need for Scaffolding
Replacing a flat roof comes with a certain amount of risk for both professionals and customers, depending on the height of the building. Scaffolding is hence necessary for safety in most projects, and the associated cost goes up with the increase in property height or complexity.
Current Structural Condition
The average cost of flat roof replacement in the UK also depends on the condition of the underlying structure. If it’s in good shape and without damage, replacing the roof will cost less. However, if there is structural damage, costs will most likely increase based on the number of joists to be repaired.
Removal of Waste
It is important to consider waste management when estimating the cost of flat roof replacement. The old roof and any associated material that is no longer needed must be disposed of properly by someone, ideally the roofers. The professionals will also have to put in time and resources to clear away the dust and debris after the job is done.
Roof Material
Fibreglass, felt, and rubber are the materials most often used for flat roof replacement. Here is a rough range of the cost per square metre for each. However, remember that the actual quote can vary across properties and increase based on factors like insulation, waterproofing, type of application, etc.
Felt: £30 - £50
Rubber: £50 - £80
Fibreglass: £80 - £100
Now, let’s understand the pros and cons of each material type.
Felt: Roofs made of this material are easy to install and lightweight. They are also easy to work with and need basic maintenance. Most importantly, the average cost of flat roof replacement using felt is pocket-friendly. For instance, you might have to shell out only £600 to £1,000 for scaffolding, depending on the project’s size. The total project cost might be upwards of £800.
However, felt roofs might not last for many years and are not very resistant to harsh weather conditions. Even if they are repaired, they might not look very pleasing to the eye.
Rubber: Rubber roofs are eco-friendly and easy to work with, dispose of, and install. The material can also effectively withstand thermal shocks and is extremely durable. You can expect rubber roofs to survive snow, rain, and sleet. Moreover, water-repellent membranes are available in varied sizes for such roofs. On average, the cost of flat roof replacement in the UK with rubber might exceed £3000.
However, the material might fade over time, impacting the aesthetics of your roof.
Fibreglass: Though the cost of flat roof replacement using fibreglass is usually more than rubber or felt (close to £7000), the material offers several benefits. It lasts long, often over 25 years, and doesn’t require frequent replacement. Fibreglass also minimises water ingress by reducing the pressure points on the roof's surface. Plus, the lack of seams makes it almost impossible for water to get in and cause leaks. The material is also light, aesthetically pleasing, and versatile.
However, some work might be required to cut the sheets into the desired size and shape. You might need professionals for periodic maintenance, and the material can be tricky to handle.
Conclusion
In the UK, the flat roof replacement process broadly involves inspecting the roof, removing the old roof, measuring the space, and installing the new roof. Depending on a particular project, there might be additional steps here and there. So, to ensure that everything goes smoothly, hire experienced roofers with the proper credentials, certifications, and licenses. When it comes to the average cost of flat roof replacement in the UK, be wary of excessively low quotes, as it might indicate a quality issue. Also, the roofing company London must ensure that permits are taken care of if required. Research and compare multiple professionals before making a choice, or simply get in touch with FastRoofing for peace of mind.