How much does a new roof cost?
Owning your own home or property comes with many factors to think about, with elements outside of your control often affecting its cost and maintenance.
One important aspect of a property is the roof. A malfunctioning roof not only allows the weather to threaten the entire structure of the building but can also allow things like pests to enter the property and can cause serious damage to its thermal factor, therefore causing your energy bills to increase.
How much do new roofs cost?
An article by Household Quotes estimates that a new roof can cost you anything between £3,000 and £7,500. However, the exact price of your roof replacement will come down to many different factors, including size, design, and the materials you want to use.
For that reason, rather than being discouraged by what you read online, you should always reach out to your local specialised roofing contractor to get a personalised quote. The case may be that you don’t need an entire roof replacement and that only a certain area of your roof needs attention. You won’t know this without some insight from a trusted expert.
Why are new roofs expensive?
Even if you have the money at hand, paying thousands for a new roof isn’t something you should take lightly. It’s always helpful to understand why roofers charge this much. Typical price factors include labour costs, scaffolding fees, waste collection and disposal fees, and extras like insulation, skylights and chimney work. The more complex the work, the higher the price.
The roofing material you choose can also affect how much you pay for a new roof. For example, if you’re opting to upgrade your flat roof, the price of felt vs EPDM rubber vs GRP fibreglass is going to differ. Chat through the pros and cons of each with your roofing contractor to understand the best value for money option to suit your goals.
Has Aunt Sally in Scotland replaced a roof much cheaper than your neighbour in Surrey? Roofing replacement prices also vary across the UK, as there are regional differences between aspects such as labour rates, availability of materials and transportation expenses.
Can you claim a new roof on insurance?
Whether you can claim for new roofing on your insurance will depend on the cause of the damage and the specific terms of your policy. Most policies will cover sudden and unexpected events like fallen trees, fires and storm damage, but they won’t usually include general wear and tear.
If your roof is simply old and in need of replacement, it’s unlikely to be covered. Always check your policy wording and contact your insurer directly.
For more information, head to our blog on: Roof repair claims and insurance companies
Should you repair or replace your roof?
It’s always wise to get a price comparison for repairing and replacing a roof, especially if your budget is tight. However, always consider the current age of your roof and when it will likely need a total replacement.
All roofing materials degrade over time, so if your old roof is experiencing issues like recurring water leaks, it could be time for something more permanent than short-term fixes. Roof repair costs add up over time, so they could work out more expensive in the long run.
How is a house re-roofed?
The re-roofing process begins with the removal of the existing roof, and from here the process differs depending on the extent of the work that needs to be completed and what materials you have chosen for your roof replacement.
It’s imperative to always opt for a trusted, reputable contractor recognised by the National Confederation of Roofing Contractors. This is to avoid being scammed out of your money by a rogue trader, or left with an unsafe roof that isn’t up to standard and may mean that you run into problems when it comes to selling your property.
How long do roof replacements take?
Again, each project will vary due to differences in roofing complexities. Your roofer will be able to break down the stages for you so you have a ballpark timeline to set your expectations accordingly.
For example, it can take around 1 to 2 days to completely remove the original roof, then several days or over a week to install the new roof, depending on the project size and weather conditions.
Longer roofing projects will cost more, so factor that into your budget.
How can I tell if my house needs a new roof?
As a home or property owner, it’s useful to be aware of the signs that could mean your roof needs replacing. Regardless of the style, age, or materials used on your roof, the following signs are definitely not worth ignoring:
- Water damage and leaks
- Daylight visible in the attic
- Missing roof tiles or shingles
- Pieces of tile or shingle in your guttering
- Old, outdated flashing made from tar or cement
- Sagging or bowed rooflines
- Wind damage caused by shallow roof pitches
- Blockages in guttering caused by ice
Your roofer will let you know if an urgent roof replacement is required. Every sign and symptom matters. For example, a sagging roofline could indicate there’s structural damage to the internal timber, which is expensive to fix.
What else should you consider when buying a new roof?
Always think long-term when buying a new roof. When looking at different materials, check their expected lifespan, warranties and maintenance costs per decade. Investing in a higher-quality roof now could reduce costs later on, especially if you’re planning on living at your property for a few more decades.
Find your reliable roofing company in South London
Whether you need a trustworthy, reliable roofer in Weybridge or you’d like to get a quote for a roof refurbishment in Clapham, South Thames Roofing is on hand to provide expert advice across all of our roofing services.
Approved by Trading Standards, backed by the TrustMark scheme, and accredited by the Federation of Master Builders, you’ll enjoy complete peace of mind in our competency and the quality of our work. For a free, no-obligation quote, call us on 0208 397 2900 or email [email protected].
