The type of roofing solution you require should be one of your considerations if you plan to have your roof replaced or a new one installed. One of the most popular roofing systems today is a fibreglass flat roof, and in this guide, we will explore in more depth the fibreglass roof cost and various other factors that affect it.
Due to its popularity, low cost, ease of maintenance, and durability, GRP and fibreglass roofing is ideal for the unpredictable weather in the UK.
In this guide we’re going to cover:
- Cost of installing a fibreglass roof
- What factors into the price of installing a fibreglass roof
- How to find a trustworthy roofer to install it, how to cut costs, and more
Let’s get to it.
How much does a fibreglass roof cost?
The price will vary depending on a few factors, such as the type of roof being installed, just like with many roofing systems and products. The table that follows shows that prices can range from £35 to £130 per square metre.
| TYPE OF ROOF | ESTIMATED COST | TIME REQUIRED |
| Insulated Fibreglass Roof | £75 to £130 per m2 | 1 to 3 days |
| Fibreglass Roof Covering | £35 per m2 | 1 to 3 days |
You should expect to pay, on average, £35 per m2 for a straightforward fibreglass roof covering. Installing this typically takes one to three days.
A full, insulated fibreglass roof cost will typically be between £75 and £130 per square metre, take one to three days to install, and cost between these ranges.
When searching for your new roofing system, keep in mind that some fibreglass roofs will have longer guarantees; this can push up the final price by £7 to £20 per m2.
If there are no additional repairs or upgrades to the roof structure, no insulation, and only a basic fibreglass roof, a good average to work with would be between £70 and £90 per square metre. On the other end of the spectrum, a warm deck roof will cost about double that, or £140 per square metre.
What factors affect the cost of fibreglass roofing?
Looking at products to renovate or replace an existing flat roof, GRP is at the higher end of the price spectrum.
However, in terms of weather resistance and longevity, it has one of the longest lifespans of all the products on this market and requires essentially no maintenance. It also has a lovely laminated finish, so it looks the part as well.
The new fibreglass roof cost will depend on a number of variables, including:
- Need for repairs: do you also need to consider the cost of repairing your roof and making any necessary structural repairs to the roof frame?
- Rainwater equipment: Do you require any repairs or even replacement of the rainwater equipment, including the gutters and downpipes?
Some other significant factors that affect fibreglass roof cost are as follows
The size of the roof
Like most building materials, the price is likely to increase with the size of the area being worked on. Before you hire anyone or start any work, it’s crucial to consider the size of your roof and how this will affect your budget.
The Roof Finishes
Like other roofing systems, fibreglass roofs are available in a variety of finishes, and these will affect the final price you pay. For instance, adding a top coat finish is one of the most crucial steps in making sure a fibreglass roof will withstand the humid UK climate.
This is a very effective way to ensure that the roof is weatherproof, and even though the initial investment is expensive, it is worthwhile because it can greatly reduce the need for repairs in the future.
This top coat can be found in a wide range of hues and shades, and because it doesn’t have a rubbery texture or appearance, it is very aesthetically pleasing and ideal for matching the architectural style of the building.
The Complexity of the Installation
The complexity of the installation will be a significant cost-determining factor. For instance, the final cost will go up if the roof area you have has an awkward shape or is difficult to access. This is because installing the roof will require more labour and may call for multiple professionals, which will add to the overall labour cost.
How to reduce the fibreglass roof cost?
Fibreglass roofs are regarded as being at the top of the price range for brand-new flat roofs. It might be worthwhile to take other materials into consideration that fit your needs and budget if you’re looking to start saving money right away.
However, it’s also important to note that purchasing fibreglass can be a wise decision because it’s simple to install, offers a nice, long-lasting finish, has a very long lifespan, and requires little to no maintenance. Although initially more expensive, you’ll typically end up saving money in the long run.
In order to calculate the amount of catalyst you need to ensure that the resin cures properly, you should also take into account the precise measurements of your roof as well as the predicted temperature of your roof when you plan to install the fibreglass. This will in turn help reduce the material cost.
What’s involved in installing a fibreglass roof?
The following section gives a brief overview of what goes into installing a fibreglass roof for you, whether you’re thinking about doing this job yourself or wondering what to expect from a professional roof installer.
Once you’ve chosen the expert roofing company you’ll be working with for this project, they’ll typically make arrangements for the order and delivery of the necessary materials before scheduling a time to perform the actual work.
The preparation of the roof deck on the day of installation will begin with the removal of the old one, if applicable.
The edge and fixing trims will be installed after the decking has been installed, securely fastened, and sealed to guard it against moisture damage.
In addition to completing the look of the roof, these trims will act as an additional layer of defence against the elements, particularly rain and wind. Normally, these are attached to the main decking boards with nails or bonded with a commercial, waterproof adhesive.
The expert roofer will then prepare the roof for laminating by applying a special resin, which will then need to cure for about 30 minutes or so.
The final step, the top coating, is then prepared for after the laminate and catalyst layers have been properly laid out and secured.
The new fibreglass roof will be finished with a top coating, which also offers excellent defence against things like water damage, wind, and other weather elements. The top coating is applied to all of the trims and edging to protect every part of the roof while also giving the structure a uniform, seamless appearance.
Is Fibreglass roofing the right choice?
Apart from the high fibreglass roof cost, it is one of the roofing materials for flat roofs with one of the most impressive lifespans. Compared to a conventional felt system, it is stronger and unlike some other roofing materials that require working with an open flame, it is simpler and safer to install. It can also last for up to 30 years.
However, it can be expensive compared to other types of roofs and could take quite a while to install a fibreglass roof. It can be sensitive to sunlight, as was previously mentioned, which could eventually result in the top-coating fading. Finally, it needs dry conditions for the installation
Choosing the right professional to install fibreglass roof
A major decision, hiring a professional to perform any type of work on your home requires careful consideration to ensure that you select the best candidate. This is particularly valid when discussing issues like your roof.
For any major project around the house, you must always get quotes in writing. It’s one of the best ways to get a complete breakdown of everything that’s included in the cost and it also helps to clear up any price-related misunderstandings.
Get in touch with our team at LD Roofing if you have a need for installing fibreglass. Hopefully, our fibreglass roof cost guide gave you a better understanding on what to look for.
