No matter how well your flat roof was installed, there will inevitably come a time when it needs replacing. As with other roofing systems, the older they get, the more susceptible flat roofs are to leaks and wear and tear. If repairs just won’t cut it any longer, it is probably best to replace the entire roof as this will provide a longer-lasting solution to your problem.
If you are currently in the market for a new flat roof, you may be wondering about the average flat roof replacement cost in the UK. To help you come to an informed decision, our team at Kingsley Roofing Services have put together a quick guide to enable you to calculate the cost of installing a new flat roof on your property.
How Much Do You Need to Spend on a New Flat Roof?
There is no definitive answer to this question because there are several factors that can affect the total cost of replacing a roof. Nevertheless, to give you a rough idea, you should expect to spend between £1,000 and £5,000.
Factors That Can Affect the Cost of Your Roof Replacement
There are numerous factors that will influence the size of your final bill.
1. Materials
The roofing material is a crucial consideration as this can have a significant effect on the cost of your roofing project. When it comes to the construction and installation of flat roofing systems, the following materials are the most commonly used:
- Felt – £40 to £70 per sqm
- Rubber – £80 to £100 per sqm
- Fibreglass – £80 to £110 per sqm
- Lead – £90 to £110 per sqm
2. Labour costs
When calculating the cost of your roof replacement, you will naturally have to consider labour charges. Installing a new roof is a large-scale enterprise so it is advisable to employ professionals who have expertise in this area. All roofing companies have their own prices so it is always wise to ask for estimates and then compare the difference. This will enable you to identify which roofers are offering the best deal.
However, it is important to remember that you shouldn’t make a decision based on price alone. You must ensure you hire roofers who possess the necessary skills and experience, like our team here at Kingsley Roofing Services. This will help ensure that you obtain maximum satisfaction and excellent value for your money.
3. Scaffolding costs
It is a legal requirement to use scaffolding for jobs performed over a certain height. It therefore goes without saying that your roofer might need to erect a scaffold to work on your roof. If you do need scaffolding for your project, expect to add approximately £900 to £1,000 to your total flat roof replacement cost.
You may have heard of DIY scaffolding kits. However, although it is indeed cheaper to build your own scaffold, they are not as safe, sturdy or versatile as those erected by professionals. As a result, we would always recommend leaving it to the experts.
4. Size
You also need to consider the size of your roof when calculating the cost of your project. Size is important because the bigger the roof, the more materials and supplies you will need. Bear in mind that it will usually take longer to install a flat roof on an entire property than a porch or home extension.
5. Waste removal
Replacing your old flat roof will almost certainly yield a lot of waste. For this reason, you also need to take account of the cost of waste disposal. Fortunately, most roofing companies offer waste removal as part of their services. However, if you happen to hire a roofer who doesn’t do this, you may have to pay for it separately.
When Should You Replace Your Flat Roof?
Some flat roof types last longer than others. For instance, a flat roof made of felt can last for up to 15 years, while a fibreglass flat roof has an expected lifespan of 20 years. Rubber is even more durable still and can last for up to 40 years. However, of the four materials mentioned above, lead is the most durable, having an expected lifespan of 60 years.
However, no matter how durable your flat roof is, you need to replace it as soon as possible if it starts showing signs of severe wear and tear. This will help you prevent leaks that could cause serious water damage or rot to your property. By acting quickly, you can minimise the overall flat roof replacement cost.
Get a New Flat Roof Today
You should consider replacing your flat roof if it is already in an advanced stage of deterioration or if it has been repaired multiple times. This approach will provide you with a more cost-effective and longer-lasting solution to your problem. But, before you go ahead with a roof replacement, make sure you conduct some research and ask for an estimate to determine how much you will need to budget for the project.
Need a new flat roof? At Kingsley Roofing Services, we are always happy to help. With over 15 years of experience, we have an excellent track record of providing commercial and residential roofing solutions in Northampton and the surrounding area. Contact us today with your enquiries.