Flat Roof Replacement Cost Calculator

Though a flat roof is designed to last a long time, eventually it will need replacing. This means organising a flat roof replacement, which involves removing the existing roofing material and replacing it with a new, durable alternative to provide improved protection to your home.

Whether you're dealing with leaks or visible wear and tear, replacing a flat roof is key if you want to prevent water damage, heat loss and structural issues.

There is a range of materials and installation methods to choose from when it comes to replacing a flat roof, and the cost can vary hugely. That’s why budgeting is so important, and a flat roof replacement cost calculator is there to help.

By inputting a few key details - such as the roof size, material type and your location - you’ll receive a bespoke flat roof cost estimate based on average prices in your local area.

We can also help you find local roofers today!

Flat Roof Replacement Cost Calculator

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Average Cost of Flat Roof Replacement

The average cost of a flat roof replacement is approximately £75 per square metre. This equates to between £2,800 and £7,500 for a standard flat roof replacement, depending on the size of the property. The total cost will vary depending on materials and labour rates.

Cost Breakdown

The cost of a flat roof is linked to the material you choose. The cost of a felt roof is £65 per square metre, which is more affordable than EPDM, which comes in at around £90 per square metre. For fibreglass and asphalt, you can expect to pay £107 and £60 per square metre, respectively.

Labour and time also need to be factored into the cost of a flat roof. On average, roofers cost between £280 and £360 per day. In London, you should expect to pay between £40 and £60 per hour for a roofer. This cost is lower elsewhere, dropping to between £30 and £50 in the South East, and even lower at £20 to £35 in the North.

If you need scaffolding, you should budget around £900 to £1,000 for the duration of the project. The cost of removing an existing roof can also vary, costing between £1,000 and £2,500 depending on the size of the roof and complexity of the task.

Factors Affecting the Cost

There’s no one-size-fits-all for the cost of replacing a roof, and flat roof replacement costs can vary hugely depending on several key factors. Everything from roof size and shape to ease of access and location has an impact.

Roof Size and Shape

Unsurprisingly, the larger the roof, the higher the cost of replacement. This isn’t just because more materials are needed; it’s also due to the increase in manual labour. Unique-shaped roofs or those with multiple complex sections tend to require more time and expertise, which increases the final price.

Type of Material Chosen

There are different flat roofing materials to choose from, all of which have slightly different price points and lifespans. Your roof material choice will impact both the immediate cost of the replacement and the long-term value, depending on how durable it is.

Ease of Access and Location

If a roof is difficult to reach, it’s probably going to cost more to replace. This includes flat roofs on tall buildings and those with limited surrounding space, as scaffolding could be required, and this comes at an additional cost. Flat roof costs also vary depending on where you live in the UK, with busy cities like London having higher prices than more rural areas.

Removal of Old Roofing

If your old roof needs to be taken away before the new one can be installed, this adds time and labour to the job, which will increase the flat roof cost. The condition of the existing structure may also affect the cost, depending on whether additional repairs or preparation work are needed.

Urgency of the Job

Of course, not all flat roof replacements are planned. If you find yourself needing an emergency replacement or repair, you'll likely be charged more for the speedy service. This could be the case if you’re dealing with an active leak or major storm damage. You should expect to pay more for urgent and out-of-hours work.

How to Use the Flat Roof Replacement Calculator

To ensure your budgeting is correct, it’s a good idea to use a flat roof calculator to estimate the cost of your project.

All you need to do is enter the size of your roof, choose the material you’re leaning towards - for example, EPDM, felt or fibreglass - and your location, and the flat roof replacement cost calculator will create an estimate based on average flat roof replacement costs in the UK.

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How to Save Money on Flat Roof Replacement

There’s nothing cheap about replacing a flat roof, and it's a significant investment to make. But, there are things you can do to keep the cost down, without having to compromise on quality.

Get Multiple Quotes

It’s a good idea to get a handful of quotes from local roofing experts to give yourself a good idea of what people are charging. This not only helps you to find the best price for a roof replacement, but it also gives you an insight into average rates for the local area.

Choose the Right Timing

You don’t always have the luxury to choose when to replace a flat roof, especially if it’s in need of urgent repairs. But if you do, try to avoid scheduling work during peak times when roofers are in high demand. Not only do off-peak periods offer better availability and flexibility, but you might even benefit from slightly lower labour rates.

Organise Similar Jobs Together

You might find your flat roof needs replacing at the same time as other jobs, such as gutter replacement or insulation upgrades. You might be able to combine these tasks into one larger project, which can result in a lower overall cost compared to booking them separately.

Select Durable and Cost-Effective Materials

Though premium materials - such as fibreglass - have a higher upfront cost, they often require less maintenance and last longer than cheaper alternatives, making them a cost-effective investment in the years to come. It’s important to find a balance between choosing a cost-effective roof material and one that’s going to last as long as possible.

When to Replace Your Flat Roof

Knowing when to replace your flat roof is important, as you don’t want to leave it too long and let the problem worsen, nor do you want to replace a perfectly good roof too early.

Signs of Wear or Damage

One of the most obvious signs that a flat roof needs replacing is signs of wear and damage. Visible cracks, sagging and frequent leaks are all signs that your flat roof may need to be replaced. Water pooling and not draining is another sign, as it can lead to structural damage over time. If repairs are becoming a regular occurrence, full replacement may be a more cost-effective option.

Lifespan of Common Flat Roofing Materials

Every roof material has a typical lifespan. For example, traditional felt roofs usually last around 10 to 15 years, whereas EPDM can last for much longer, up to 50 years if well maintained. If your roof is nearing the end of its expected life, and it’s showing signs of wear, it might be time to start planning a replacement.

Why Proactive Replacement is More Cost-Effective

Waiting until your flat roof fails completely often results in emergency repairs, water damage and interior issues, all of which are likely to be more expensive than planned roof replacement. By being proactive, you have more time to choose materials, compare flat roof costs and schedule work at a convenient time.

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The WA flat roof replacement cost calculator offers a fast way for you to estimate the cost of your project based on average prices in your local area. Once you’ve used the flat roof calculator, get quotes from local roofing professionals to compare services and find the best deal.

All you need to do is submit a few basic details about what you’re after, and we’ll handle the rest.