Any homeowner would like to keep their home warm, dry, and comfortable. The condition of the roof can be large contributor to this as if something is wrong with the roof, then you are likely to face issues one after another. So the issues related to its current, and even major repairs, one way or another, cannot be avoided. However, most homeowners are unaware of roof replacement cost and this article hopes to address it.
Timely repairs can extend the life of a roof in a private house, but sooner or later, repairs cease to have a positive effect. It becomes necessary to completely replace the old roof.
What is roof replacement?
Roof replacement is carried out when a building requires an entirely new roof. If previous repair work didn’t fix structural damage or water leaks, you might have to consider roof replacement for you.
On the other hand, if your roof isn’t damaged beyond repair, then roof repair could be a more viable and cost-effective solution for protecting the roof.
Different types of roof replacements
Broadly, there are two types of roof replacements that you could choose from: flat roof and pitched roof replacement.
Flat roof replacement
More recently, flat roofs have gained more popularity given its low cost. This has led to more homeowners opting for flat roof replacement compared to pitched roof. Given that the materials required is less and comparatively easier to install, flat roof has been a strong contender for pitched roofs. This has been particularly a more popular option among homeowners who need a quick fix and are on a tight budget whereby the roof replacement cost is a significant factor to consider.
Pitched roof replacement
On the other hand, a pitched roof, whether it is a warm attic or with a cold attic, requires a variety of materials such as rafters, counter-lattice, lathing, various films, insulation, OSB substrates, sometimes cladding, and shingles. All of these materials can amount to a significant sum making it a more costly alternative to roof replacement compared to flat roofs.
When should a roof be replaced?
How to understand in time that you need to replace the roof? This requires a high-quality inspection and maintenance of the roof. It needs to be done annually, even for owners of new roofs. This process of inspection will highlight any problems, which will indicate the scale of the necessary repairs. Some instances when a roof should be replaced:
- Small cracks are found on the roof covering, and it has lost its aesthetic appearance.
- Traces of moisture on the walls of the attic or attic room. This generally occurs when house is very humid and thereby indicates that the roof is leaking or accumulating excessive moisture. As a result, it will be necessary to replace the coating and the frame.
- Severe damage to the rafter system, thermal insulation layer, and holes in the roof covering are found. A complete renovation of the entire roof will be required. This is a severe case of roof damage and generally roof replacement cost for this quite high.
The homeowner needs to be aware that the cost of replacing a roof of this magnitude will be significant. If expenses are inevitable, you should think about whether it makes sense to increase the area of the house by building an attic.
Is roof replacement necessary?
This would largely depend on the extend of the damage. We looked at how we could determine if a roof need replacing. Below is a snapshot of the main points covered:
- If we are considering only cracks in the roofing, and the damage did not affect the rafter system, it will be enough to change the coating to a new one; for example, replace the soft roof with a corrugated board.
- If rot or fungus is found on the crate under the roof covering, then the frame will also need to be repaired.
- And, finally, in case of serious damage to the rafter system, thermal insulation, or holes in the flooring, this may require closer attention. In such an instance, a complete reconstruction may be necessary since, unlike the previous case of damage to the thermal insulation layer, it is sufficient to justify the replacement of the roof insulation.
What are the benefits of roof replacement?
Practice shows that minor repairs that are carried out regularly do not solve the problem. The worn-out structural elements continue to crack with an increased swell, frequency, causing serious inconvenience to residents.
At the same time, the work carried out to replace the roof is a more logical and rational option. When the old coating is completely dismantled, and new higher quality, more beautiful, modern, and durable is put in its place. So roof replacement is more beneficial than roof repair.
What determines the price of a roof replacement?
How much does it cost to cover the roof in a domestic property? Most clients tend to eventually ask our team this question. It is almost impossible to determine the final prices for work without conducting an initial inspection. However, the approximate price depends on several factors:
- Roof type;
- Total area;
- Wear rate of materials;
- Site location ;
- The speed of work;
- Selected materials;
- Additional accessories used (if necessary).
How much does a roof replacement cost?
As noted above, there are various determinants that goes into making a quotation for roof replacements. For example, the per m2 cost of replacement across different materials is detailed in the table below:
| ROOF MATERIAL | AVERAGE COST |
|---|---|
| Felt roof replacement cost | £2 to £10 per m2 |
| Rubber EPDM roof replacement cost | £8 to £12 per m2 |
| Fibreglass roof replacement cost | £2 to £5 per m2 |
Getting a complete roof replacement will vary a great deal depending on the roof type and location. The average cost in the UK to replace a flat roof is anywhere from £1,000 to £5,500. In addition, roof installation from scratch costs ranges from £250 – £390 per square metre depending on the materials and roof size. To remove your current roof before installing a replacement, you have to spend approximately £1,000 to £2,500.
Similarly, the cost for pitched roofing may be higher with the starting price being £5,000.
These are indicative prices and will be subject to change. Our roofers at LD Roofing can provide you with a custom quotation based on your requirements.
How much does a roof repair cost?
Roof repairs are cheaper alternative compared to replacing the roof altogether. In general, on average the roofing repair cost can range anywhere between £300 to £12,000 depending on the extent of the damage.
For instance, if you only want to replace the cement or re-using existing valley flashing, the repair costs start at approximately £365. Additionally, one roof valley repair will take half a day and cost around £340. If you had two valleys to repair, it could take one day and cost about £500.
In some instances, it may be worthwhile considering replacing a roof altogether as the cost differences in some incurred may be insignificant. Another point to note would be the extension of its useful life. Depending on the condition of the roof, carrying out additional repairs may not necessarily extend its useful life significantly and as such, it may justify the roof replacement cost instead.
Are there any extra costs with having my roof replaced?
There are several additional costs that are associated with roof replacements. This cost might not always be included in the quote. Most contractors will expect the existing roof covering to be removed before they’ll start work. On the other hand, many roofing contractors will expect reasonable access to the roof. Some tradespeople might turn down the project or look for an additional fee. Moreover, VAT won’t be included in the quote, so remember to add that on too.
At LD Roofing Services, we like to keep the prices very transparent right from the beginning with no hidden charges.
Conclusion
Replacing the roof in a timely manner will save the owner from unnecessary expenses and worries. However, good roofing work can be a great investment though it may not be cheap. It’s always best to contact a professional roofing company to carefully assess your requirements or carry out installation or repairs on the roof.
Although roof replacement is an expensive undertaking, you should not try to go for the cheapest option. After all, a well-laid roof protects against leaks, prevents costly internal damage and ensures comfortable living in the house. Only a competent specialist from a well established contractor can correctly assess the final amount into which the work will result, along with the purchase of the necessary materials.
If you need any help with figuring out how much your roof replacement cost is or undergo re-roofing services then please feel more than welcome to contact us today for a free quote and consultation.
