Blog>Cost Guides>Roof repair: Cost breakdown 2025

Last updated: 1 July 2025

Roof repair: Cost breakdown 2025

Having a roof over your head isn't something you should take for granted. Like any other part of your home, there'll be a time when you need to repair or replace your roof. In this guide we will look at roof repair costs so you know what to expect.

Roof repair cost guide
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Fast Facts

  • Roof repair costs range from around £110 - £160 per m² for a pitched clay tile roof

  • A leak is often the first sign that you need a roof repair

  • Your total roof repair cost will depend on the issue, the extent of the problem and the type of roof you have

Your roof is vital in keeping you warm, safe, and dry. But all roofs will inevitably need some TLC from time to time. So, how much does roof repair cost in the UK?

On average, roof repair costs range from around £110 - £160 per m² for a pitched clay tile roof.

However, calculating the total cost will depend on several variables, covered in this article. We'll also look at when it's worth replacing your roof, some common roof issues to watch out for, and the key things to look for if you are considering hiring tradespeople for your project.

How much does roof repair cost in 2025?

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

Type of roofUnit of measureRepair cost low - high
Flat roofs
Bitumen£100 - £140
Glass Re-inforced plastic (GRP)£130 - £180
EPDM (Rubber)£120 - £170
Pitched roofs
Plain tile (clay)£110 - £160
Plain tile (concrete)£90 - £120
Natural slate 510mm x 225mm (Spanish)£150 - £220
Fibre cement tiles 500mm x 250mm£90 - £130
Sundry costs
Dry ridgem£50 - £70
Dry hipm£70 - £100
GRP valleym£30 - £40
Cutting against valley, hip or velux windowsm£10 - £20
Remove defective lead flashing and fix new; wedge into groove; Code 5; not exceeding 150mmm£50 - £70
Remove defective stepped lead flashing and fix new; wedge into groove; Code 5; not exceeding 150mmm£80 - £120
Notes
Doesn't include access equipment costs
Rates are based on a m² rate up to a maximum of 3m², costs will go down the bigger the repair
Full take off and replace projects will be a different rate than shown above
All costs are exclusive of VAT and will need to be added
Removal of damaged roof coverings need to be added
Last updated: February 2025
Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now
  • Repairing a bitumen flat roof typically costs in the region of £120 per m²

  • Repairs to a pitched, clay tile roof tend to cost between £110 - £160 per m²

  • Whereas repairs to a natural slate roof could cost around £190 per m²

No two roof repair projects are the same. So, it's always best to get at least three written quotes from checked tradespeople offering roof repair services. This will help to make sure you get:

  • Several assessments of the problem and solution

  • A fair and competitive price for the repair work

Roof repair cost: Job estimator tool

Use our job estimator tool below to help calculate how much roof repair costs in your local area.

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Cost of roofing repairs in the UK

The type of roof you have can significantly 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 completely 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 firings, giving a 2-3˚ slope to allow water to run off.

  • The repair cost of a bitumen flat roof is around £100 - £140 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.

As a general guide, you can expect to spend roughly £150 - £220 per m² on slate roof repair costs

Polycarbonate roofing repair cost

Typically used for garages, sheds, greenhouses, and conservatories, polycarbonate roofing is known for its lightweight and extremely hard-wearing characteristics.

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

  • The average cost of polycarbonate roofing repair is around £120 - £170 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 £90 - £130 per m²

Typical roof repair costs in the UK

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: £90 - £120 per m² (concrete); £110 - £160 per m² (clay)

  • Liquid plastic roofing repair: £130 - £180 per m²

  • Single ply membrane roof repair: £120 - £170 per m²

  • Dry ridge repair: £50 - £70 per metre

  • Pitched roofing repair: £90 - £120 per m² (concrete); £150 - £220 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: £100 - £140 per m²

  • Ridge tile repair: £50 - £70 per metre

Get an initial quote for the cost of your roof repair

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Roof repair costs in the UK

Calculating the cost to repair a roof

Two common roof issues are leaks and sagging. In this section, you'll find average project costs for roof leak repair and sagging roof repair.

Leaking roof repair costs

Leaking roof repair costs will depend largely on the severity of the leak and the issue that's causing it. Several common issues that can lead to a leaky roof include:

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 trickier. 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, water can penetrate your roof. This should be fixed immediately to prevent further damage.

  • Costs for clay tile replacement start at £110 - £160 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 a full day to repair two.

  • The costs for GRP roof valley repair will be on average £30 - £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 £50 - £70 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 the 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 several 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 leadwork repair is in the region of £50 - £70 per metre

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Sagging roof repair costs

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 issue.

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 around £25 per lm for 150 x 50mm rafter repairs

If your roof's sag problem is due to the internal structure becoming waterlogged, it will need to be repaired with binders or purlins with struts.

  • This can set you back around £30 - £40 per lm

Roof repairs being undertaken

Factors affecting the cost of roof repair

As we've touched upon, your roof repair cost will vary based on many factors, including:

  • The issue with your roof

  • The extent of the damage

  • Whether scaffolding is required

  • The style of your roof

  • What it's made of

When should I replace my roof altogether?

It's also worth mentioning that if you have a severe underlying issue with your roof, patch repairs will not be good enough.

The relatively high costs of continually repairing problems may mean that 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.

Concerned your roof may need replacing?

A good place to start is to contact at least three checked roofing contractors in your area. They'll inspect the condition of your roof and give tips on whether a repair or a replacement may be needed.

See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job

Hidden costs to watch out for

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

  • Waste disposal: 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

Do you need building regulations to re-tile a pitched roof?

Cost of hiring a professional roofer vs DIY

It’s generally not a good idea to DIY your roofing project. Speak to a contact through Checkatrade to find out more about the risks that DIY roofing may pose.

It’s a good idea to hire a checked company with reviews from real people for your next project.

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On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.

What to look for when hiring a roofer

Our roofing contractor hiring guide contains loads of helpful information to guide your decision-making process. Here's a handy summary:

Firstly, do your homework

Finding the right tradesperson is about more than just price, it’s about trust, so a little digging now can go a long way. Here’s how to check if they’re the right fit:

  • Look online – Check their website and social media to see examples of their work and what their customers are saying

  • Read reviews – Look at ratings on social media, Trustpilot, and Checkatrade, of course! – to see how others rate their work

  • Ask for references – A great tradesperson will have satisfied customers who are happy to recommend them

  • See their work – If possible, visit a recent project to get a feel for what they can do

  • Meet in person – A quick chat can tell you a lot about who you're hiring

Take your time and speak to a few tradespeople before making a decision. It’s worth the effort.

Then, use Checkatrade for extra peace of mind

Even if you find a tradesperson elsewhere, running a quick Checkatrade search can boost that ‘yep, I’ve nailed it’ feeling. Our tradespeople must pass up to 12 checks before we list them, and score an average of 9/10 based on reliability, workmanship, and tidiness. Plus, if you contact or pay a tradesperson through Checkatrade and meet our eligibility requirements, you’re covered by our 12-month guarantee of up to £1,000 (T&Cs apply). That’s extra protection you can rely on.

See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job

Roofer day rates

Depending on the roof repairs needed, it's more likely your roofer, or contact through Checkatrade, will charge for the job rather than an hourly or day rate.

However, as a guide, roofers in the UK tend to charge around £35 - £45 per hour or £280 - £360 per day.

Pitched roof repair cost

Roofing repair cost checklist

Use this quick checklist to stay on top of the key costs when budgeting for roof repairs:

  • Type of roof material: Clay, slate, felt, fibreglass, and other materials vary significantly in repair cost per m²

  • Extent of damage: Small fixes (like replacing a few tiles) cost much less than repairing valleys, flashing, or widespread leaks

  • Special features: Elements like chimneys, roof windows, and complex roof shapes (hips, valleys, dormers) can increase labour and time

  • Additional services: Don’t forget potential extras such as waste disposal, scaffolding, or skylight repairs

  • Get several quotes: Use our request a quote form to gather multiple quotes - this can help to ensure you get a fair and competitive price for the work

Find checked tradespeople for your roof repair

Simply enter your postcode into the search box below to find Checkatrade tradespeople covering your local area.

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Roofing repair cost: FAQs

What are some of the most common causes of roof damage?

Here are a few of the most common (and repairable) roof issues:

  • Leaks: Often due to cracked tiles, degraded membranes, or slipped flashing

  • Water stains or ceiling bubbles: A tell-tale sign of moisture getting through

  • Blocked or broken gutters: Can lead to overflow and roof edge damage

  • Rotting fascias/soffits: Especially common with older timber installations

  • General wear and tear: Ageing materials or storm damage can require patch repairs or replacements

In an ideal world, it's a good idea to regularly schedule roof inspections to spot small issues before they cause any damage to your home.

Terminology for parts of a roof in the UK

Confused by all the roof jargon? Our handy glossary of roofing terms will help you get on the same page!

  • Ridge: The highest point where two roof slopes meet, capped with either curved or angled ridge tiles

  • Valley: The V-shaped trough where two slopes meet (often prone to leaks)

  • Pitch: The angle or steepness of your roof, typically between 30-45˚ (or around 3˚ for a modern ‘flat’ roof). The taller the roof, the bigger the pitch. It affects drainage and structural load

  • Flashing: Usually lead, these protective strips seal the roof where it meets walls or chimneys

  • Fascias (bargeboard): The part where your roof meets the walls. They are decorative but also practical, carrying the guttering

  • Soffits: They bridge the gap between the top of the wall and the underside of the roof helping to ventilate the loft space

  • Eaves: The underhanging element where the roof meets the walls

  • Gable: The solid bit of wall that's on the same level as the pitched roof is called the gable, or gable end

  • Verges: The edge of a sloping roof as it meets a gable end

Dry ridge system installation cost guide

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, as it falls under your permitted development rights. That said, any alteration projects 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.

Is a leaking roof covered by insurance in the UK?

It depends. Home buildings insurance usually covers roof leaks if they’re caused by sudden and unforeseen events, such as storm damage, fallen trees, etc.

However, if your leaking roof is caused by wear and tear, poor maintenance, or general age deterioration, it’s unlikely to be covered by your insurance.

Review your home insurance policy documents and contact your provider to be sure.

Why are roof repairs so expensive?

Several factors come into play to fix a roof. Firstly, the materials needed to withstand the UK climate aren’t cheap. Secondly, you’re paying for skilled labour to install them. Roofing contractors have to cover the cost of insurance, scaffolding, and waste disposal, to name just a few, which all add up.

How much does it cost to repair a sagging roof UK?

Sagging roof repair costs vary depending 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 around £25 per lm for 150 x 50mm rafter repairs

If your roof's sag problem is due to the internal structure becoming waterlogged, it will need to be repaired with binders or purlins with struts.

This can set you back around £30 - £40 per lm

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. Contact a reviewed tradesperson through Checkatrade.

See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job

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