Roof repair cost guide

Your roof plays a vital part in keeping you warm, safe and dry. But all roofs will inevitably need to be repaired – or even replaced – from time to time.

We’ve broken down the typical roof repair cost so you can give your roof some all-important TLC. Plus, we’ll look at when it’s worth replacing your roof; some common roof issues to watch out for; and what to look for in a roofer.

How much does roof repair cost in the UK?

Your roof repair cost will vary based on lots of different factors. These include:

• The issue with your roof
• The extent of the damage
• Whether scaffolding is required
• The style of your roof
• What it’s made of

However, here are some ballpark estimated costs for roof repair in the UK, based on current market research and input from our expert tradespeople.

Just remember that no two roof repair projects are the same. So, it’s always best to get at least three written quotes from roofers near you.

This way, you’ll be able to make sure you’re getting a fair price for the work. Plus, each roofer will be able to identify what they think the issue is and suggest a solution. So, it’s a great way to make sure you’re choosing the best company and approach for your needs.

Simply enter your postcode into the search box below to get started.

Common roof problems

Wondering how to know if you have a problem with your roof? In an ideal world, it’s best to regularly schedule in roof inspections so you can spot small issues before they cause any damage to your home.

However, often, the first sign of an issue will be a leak.

Sometimes it can take a while to spot a leak as water will be absorbed by any boards you’ve put down in your loft space. However, eventually, you’ll most likely notice brown staining on your ceiling. If you leave it unattended, it will create a bubble in the ceiling plasterboard.

There are a number of common issues with your roof that will lead to a leak, including:

A hole in the felt or membrane

Often, if you have a leak, there will be a hole in the felt or membrane fitted on the roof structure below the battens and tiles. Roofing membranes can degrade over the years.

A cracked tile

The most common roof failure is a cracked tile letting in penetrating rain. This water then finds its way under the tile and finally drips onto your ceiling. Just bear in mind that the visible evidence of damage won’t always be directly under the failed roof tile itself.

Lead flashing

Lead flashing, which is used to cover the joins between vertical walls and roofs, can be secured poorly. It can be prone to slippage over time and water can then find its way through the gaps.

The rainwater management system

The rainwater management system that controls rain coming off your roof might fail. This causes gutters to get blocked and plastic downpipes to pop out of their connections.

Fascias and soffits

Fascias and soffits covering the junctions of roofs and walls may also erode over time. If they are made of timber, they can deteriorate with harsh weather and once weakened will need immediate repair.

All of these issues are very much repairable. The problem is that they are all challenging for DIYers.

Roofs are, quite obviously, incredibly dangerous places to work on. With all of the above, an experienced roofer with the correct health and safety training is essential.

How much does a roof leak repair cost in the UK?

Your leaking roof repair cost will depend largely on the severity of the leak and the issue that’s caused it. As we detailed above, there are lots of common roof problems that might lead to a leaky roof repair.

Felt roofing repair cost

If your roof felt is damaged, repairing it is a fairly straightforward job – especially if the only roofing material is felt.

However, if you have tiles on top of the roof felt then things can be a bit more tricky. Getting access to repair the felt will require removing the tiles and then replacing them once the felt has been successfully repaired.

The average cost of felt roofing repair in the UK is around £265 per m².

Tile replacement cost

A missing or loose tile is a common issue that causes a leaking roof.

If you have missing or loose tiles leaking water, you need to fix them immediately. If you leave them to continue leaking, you will be repairing a whole lot more on the inside of the roof and even in your home.

Costs for clay tile replacement start at £106 - £152 per m².

Cost to repair a roof valley

The roof valley is where two sloping roofs meet. Not only does it join up the roof, but it’s built to channel rainwater down towards the gutter.

As you would expect, your roof valley deals with a huge amount of water and is prone to leaking over time. It will take around half a day to repair one roof valley, or one day to repair two.

The costs for GRP roof valley repair will be on average £28 - £40 per metre.

Flashing repair cost

Lead flashing helps to protect the edge of your roof where the tiles meet the brickwork. As such, an issue with your lead flashing will have similar results to an issue with broken or missing roof tiles. It will allow rain into your home, which can quickly damage your interior.

If you have an issue with your lead flashing, you can expect your leaking roof repair cost to be fairly similar to the cost of replacing faulty tiles.

Repairing a metre of flashing will usually cost around £46 - £67 per metre.

Leadworks repair cost

As well as being used for lead flashing, leadwork can cover and protect gutters, joints and other parts of your roof.

When it’s working properly, it provides waterproof protection and allows water to run off down guttering channels. However, even though lead is a durable, long-lasting material, from time to time it will need repairing.

The cost of leadwork repair work will depend on lots of factors, including the size and type of your roof, the amount of leadwork that needs repairing, the ease of access, and whether scaffolding is needed.

The average cost of leadworks repair is in the region of £46 - £67 per metre.

What’s the average sagging roof repair cost?

A sagging roof is never a good sight to see! If your roof looks curved or wavy instead of straight, that’s often a sign of a sagging problem.

Sagging roof repair costs vary. Ultimately, the treatment and cost will depend on the cause of the issue.

If the issue is the weight of the roof material on the timber frame, then additional joists may be required. Depending on how many you need, this can cost anything between £25 per lm for 150 x 50mm rafter repairs.

If your roof’s sag problem is to do with the internal structure becoming waterlogged, then this can set you back anything from £30 - £40 per lm for binders or purlins with struts.

How does the type of roof I have affect my roof repair costs?

Not all roofs are the same. In fact, the type of roof you have can massively affect your roof repair costs.

Not only are some roofs more complex than others (for instance, sporting multiple chimney stacks or dormer windows). But some kinds of roofs are more prone to needing repairs.

Here, we’ll look at some common roof types and materials, along with their related roof repair costs.

Flat roof repair cost

Unfortunately, older flat roofs are more prone to leaks than pitched roofs. This is because the felt-and-gravel style roofs on many suburban extensions are totally flat – giving rainwater no natural place to escape to.

However, the quality of flat roof construction has improved enormously over the past couple of decades. Modern flat roofs are now built up with firrings, giving a 2-3˚ slope to allow water to run off.

So, it’s both good and bad news. Yes, your old (pre-1990s) flat roof is likely to be at risk. But eventually, you’ll end up replacing it with something far superior that should last you long into the future.

The repair cost of a bitumen flat roof is around £94 - £135 per m².

Slate roof repair cost

When it comes to the cost of repairing your slate roof, the price you pay will depend on the size and complexity of the job. But it will also depend on the exact type and colour of slate your roof is made of.

Repairing or replacing a few slates will be cheaper than repairing an entire slate roof.

As a general guide, you can expect to spend roughly £150 - £218 per m² on slate roof repair costs.

Polycarbonate roofing repair cost

Typically used for garages, sheds, greenhouses and conservatories, polycarbonate roofing is lightweight and extremely hard-wearing, verging on unbreakable.

However, polycarbonate sheets aren’t scratch-resistant. So, some surface denting or scratching may occur if the roof isn’t properly maintained.

Found yourself with a polycarbonate roof that needs some TLC?

The average cost of polycarbonate roofing repair is around £145 per m².

Fibreglass roofing repair cost

Fibreglass is otherwise known as Glass Reinforced Polyester (GRP). It has become a popular roofing material thanks to its low cost, durability, and easy maintenance.

The average fibreglass roofing repair cost is around £85 - £123 per m².

Other types of roof repair costs

Let’s be honest, there are so many different types of roofing materials nowadays that it’s hard to count them all! Here are the average roof repair costs for some other popular roof types.

• Tiled conservatory roof repair – £83 - £120 per m² (concrete), £106 - £152 per m² (clay) 
• Liquid plastic roofing repair – £123 - £177 per m²
• Single ply membrane roof repair – £116 - £167 per m²
• Dry ridge repair – £48 - £70 per metre
• Pitched roofing repair – £83 - £120 per m² (concrete), £150 - £218 per m² (natural Spanish slate 510mm x 225mm)
• Glass roof repair – £85 - £145 per m² (6mm plain glass), £190 - £316 per m² (6.4mm laminated glass)
• Roof lights repair – Starting at around £1,000 for a Velux rooflight replacement
• Chimney cowlings repair – £85 - £145 per m²
• Balcony roofing repair – £94 - £135 per m²
• Ridged tiles repair – £48 - £70 per metre

Extra potential costs for your roof repair

Saving up for your roof repair? Don’t forget to budget for the extras you might need.

On top of the cost to repair your roof, here are some other figures to account for:

• Scaffolding. If you need it, there’s likely to be an additional cost for scaffolding. The cost for a single scaffold up to 10m high is around £625 per week
• Roof window repairs. If you need to repair or replace your roof window system (such as a Velux window), you could pay £800 - £1,100, if not more. Find out more about skylight costs
• A skip. You may also need to pay for a skip. Skip hire prices for a 2-3 yard skip are usually between £60 - £150, while a builder 6-8 yard skip will be £230 - £295

When should I replace my roof altogether?

If you have a severe underlying issue with your roof, a patch repair to stop the odd leak will not be good enough. The relatively high costs of continually repairing problems may mean that a comprehensive re-roofing is required.

Re-roofing can take one of two forms.

1. If the existing rafters are found to be dry, stable, not rotting, and structurally sound, then the felt, battens and tiles can be replaced
2. Otherwise, a much more invasive full rebuild of the roof structure will be required

In most cases, a full rebuild won’t be needed. It’s usually only an issue for properties that are many decades old. In fact, in properties that need a full rebuild, it’s often evident just by looking at the bows and curves in the shape of the ridge or pitch!

Read our roof replacement cost guide for a more in-depth look at replacing the whole roof, and what you can expect to pay for it.

If you think that your roof may need replacing, it’s always best to contact at least three professional roofers in your area. They’ll be able to look at the condition of your roof and advise you on whether a repair or a replacement will be more worthwhile.

What to look for when hiring a roofer near you

Roofing is not recommended for a DIY project. Working at height is dangerous, and without the proper safety equipment, scaffolding and procedures, you could seriously hurt yourself and others. We always recommend getting a professional roofer in to make repairs to your roof or replace it entirely.

Take a look at some of our top tips for hiring a reputable roofer near you.

Choose roofing specialists

Look for roofing contractors that specialise in the type of work you require.

So, if you have a flat roof, look for contractors who have experience with flat roof repairs. Similarly, if you’re looking to fix the roof of your business premises, find an experienced commercial roofer.

For specific work, such as heritage roof repairs, find out what credentials the roofing company has in these areas before making your decision.

Make sure you check the quality and date of feedback from customers

Always check reviews to see what other homeowners have to say about local roofing companies you’re considering. That way, you can choose somebody who has been recommended by others.

On Checkatrade, you can easily pick out a checked local roofer with high average feedback scores.

Pick someone who has pictures of their previous roofing projects available for you to look at, or ask if you can see some. These are all examples that demonstrate someone is likely to do a high-quality job for you.

High standard of professionalism

A quality roofer will provide a free consultation and quote, so you should never be charged for these. A good roofing company will also discuss all the different options for your roof with you without putting you under any pressure to make a decision.

Importantly, if the roofer turns up on time, answers and returns your calls, and does what they say they’re going to do, this is a good indication that they are reliable and trustworthy.

Don’t go for the cheapest quote

Getting value for money from any roofing company is essential, but a cheap quote alone shouldn’t be the determining factor. The important thing is the quality of workmanship and materials used. After all, a cheap job poorly done using shoddy materials will prove a false economy in the long run!

Our guide to hiring a roofer has lots more tips and tricks.

Select a local roofing company

Choose a roofing company local to your area. This means if you need any further assistance at a later date they will be easy to get hold of.

Avoid roofers that come cold calling at your door. They may just be passing through and could easily vanish once the job is done.

To find checked quality roofers on Checkatrade, simply enter your postcode below.

Brush up on your roof repair jargon

The humble roof has a language all of its own. A good roofing professional should be experienced at helping you to understand the work they are suggesting without using jargon. However, it can help to have an idea of the key terms so you can quiz them in more detail and make sure you’re on the same page.

Ridge

The highest part of the roof where two different slopes meet on a flat plane is called the ridge. Special tiles called ridge tiles provide a form of capping – curved or angled – to stop rain from entering.

Hips

A hip is the same as a ridge, but on a lower, sloping part of the roof. Again, special hip tiles provide a capping between the two angled tiles.

Valley

A valley is the V-shape at the bottom of where two roof slopes meet.

Pitch

The pitch is the angle of the roof slope. The taller the roof, the bigger the pitch. Most roofs tend to have a pitch between 30-45˚ – even modern ‘flat’ roofs tend to have a pitch of around 3˚.

The steeper the pitch, the quicker the rain falls off. In snow-bound countries, shallower pitches require more support because of the heavier load accumulated snow brings.

Flashing

The (usually) lead cover that overlaps the junction of a vertical wall, chimney or dormer with the roof itself. Flashing prevents water from getting in the gap.

Gable

The solid bit of wall that is on the same level as the pitched roof is called the gable, or gable end.

Verges

A verge describes the edge of a sloping roof as it means a gable end.

Eaves

The eaves are the underhanging element where the roof meets the walls.

Soffits

Soffits bridge the gap between the top of the wall and the underside of the roof.

Fascias

Otherwise known as a bargeboard, fascias provide a decorative solution for covering the point at which the wall and roof intersect – they also have a practical function in carrying the guttering.

Ready to find a professional for your roof repair?

Simply enter your postcode into the search box below to find an expert roofer near you.

You’ll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass our quality checks on Checkatrade

Plus, when you contact and book a trade on Checkatrade, our guarantee could cover their work for up to 12 months. So in the unlikely event something goes wrong, you can claim up to £1,000. Exclusions and T&Cs apply.

FAQs

Will I need planning permission for a roof repair?

As long as there isn’t any evidence of protected species, you can normally repair or replace your roof without planning permission. This is because it falls under your permitted development rights. That said, any alterations project must be no more than 150mm from the original plane.

Building regulations approval will not be necessary if you are repairing or replacing less than 25% of your existing roof. If, however, your project is more significant, you will require building control approval.

Who should repair or replace my roof?

Working at heights is dangerous, and repairing or replacing roofs is a skilled job. With that in mind, it’s essential to employ an experienced roofing contractor so you know the work will last.

Use Checkatrade to find an expert in your area who can give you professional advice.