Roof Leak Repair Cost

How Much to Fix a Leaking Roof?

Roof leak fixes in the UK will set you back anywhere from £220 to £550, though some jobs creep higher than that.

What you'll actually pay depends on quite a few things. How bad is the leak? A couple of slipped tiles might only cost £150 to £300 to fix. But if you're dealing with serious flashing problems or the leak has caused structural damage, you could be looking at £800 to £1,000 or more.

The type of roof you've got makes a big difference, too. Standard pitched roofs with normal tiles are fairly straightforward to work on. Flat roofs can be trickier because water just sits there instead of running off properly. And if you've got slate? Well, that's specialist territory with specialist prices to match.

Getting to your roof affects the price as well. If it's easy to reach with a ladder, costs stay sensible. But if it's steep, really high, or tucked away behind extensions, you're looking at scaffolding and safety equipment - all of which costs extra.

Need someone out urgently? That'll cost you. Emergency callouts during storms or antisocial hours typically add £100 - £300 to the bill, sometimes more if it's a bank holiday.

Roof Leak Repair Prices

Here's a breakdown of how much different repairs actually cost:

These prices cover labour and basic materials. If you need fancy tiles or there's extensive damage, expect higher costs. Plus, any internal repairs from water damage come on top of the roof work.

It's worth checking your home insurance, as leaks caused by sudden damage, such as from storms, fallen trees, or other unexpected events, are often covered. While wear and tear, poor maintenance, or simply old age typically isn’t.

Supply Cost of Leaky Roof Repairs

For most roof leak repairs, the materials alone are usually a relatively small part of the total cost. On average, you can expect to spend around £50 to £150 on materials for small repairs like replacing a few tiles or fixing flashing.

Larger jobs—such as patching flat roofs or fixing chimney and valley problems—might use £150 to £400 worth of materials. Labour typically accounts for the majority of the cost, often 70-80% of the total bill.

See our price table below for a breakdown of typical roofing material costs.

Flat roof materials are relatively cheap. Old-style felt costs £3 to £8 per square metre. Modern rubber membrane is £8 to £15 per square metre. The materials might be affordable, but getting them fitted properly is where your money goes.

Bits and pieces like nails, screws, and clips add maybe £20 to £50 to smaller jobs.

Materials usually work out at about 20-30% of your total bill. The rest goes on paying someone who actually knows how to stop water from getting in.

Additional Leaking Roof Repair Costs

A few extra costs that might catch you out:

Emergency Callouts

Emergency callouts cost extra - usually £100 to £300 on top of normal prices. Storm damage often needs this kind of service, though your insurance might help with the extra costs.

Scaffolding

Scaffolding is often needed for anything more complex than basic tile work. That's usually £300 to £800 for a house. Some roofers include it in their quote, others spring it on you later.

Skip Hire

Skips for all the old materials cost £150 - £400, depending on size. Small repairs might not need one, but bigger jobs definitely will.

Internal Repairs

If water has got inside and damaged your ceiling, that's extra money. Replastering costs £200 to £500, depending on how much area needs doing. Redecorating on top adds another £150 to £400. Any electrical work to fix damaged lights or wiring starts around £100 to £300.

Gutter Cleaning

Gutters often need attention when you're doing roof work. Blocked gutters can cause leaks in the first place. Cleaning or minor repairs cost £80 to £200.

Labour Cost to Repair a Leaking Roof

Most roofers charge £35 - £45 per hour or £280 to £360 per day for one person. Bigger jobs need more people, so daily costs can double or triple.

Where you live matters. London and the south cost more - maybe 20-30% extra compared to the north. Country areas might have fewer roofers available, which can push prices up despite lower running costs.

How Long Do Leaking Roof Repairs Take?

How long repairs take depends on what's wrong. Simple tile swaps might only take a few hours. Flashing work usually needs half a day to a full day. Major flat roof repairs can take 2-3 days if there's damage underneath.

The weather messes with roof work constantly. Can't work safely in rain, on icy roofs, or when it's really windy. Most contractors plan for delays, but you never know what weather you'll get.

Winter work takes longer because of shorter days and worse conditions. If it's not urgent, spring or summer is usually better timing.

Factors That Impact Leaking Roof Repair Costs

As well as the additional costs highlighted above, several other factors that can push up the cost to repair a leaking roof.

• Type of Roof – The size and steepness of your roof both matter. Steep roofs are more dangerous and take longer to work on.
• Accessibility / Roof Height – High or awkward roofs take longer to work on, especially steep pitches or roofs with limited access.
• Roofing Material – What your roof is made of makes a huge difference. Concrete and clay tiles are fairly standard to work with, while slate requires specialist knowledge and more expensive materials. Flat roofs need completely different skills.
• Extent of Damage – How long the leak has been going on affects costs. Water-damaged timber or structural problems may require more than just a surface patch, potentially needing new roof beams or joists. The location of the leak also matters; edges are usually easier to reach, whereas valleys or areas around chimneys are more awkward and time-consuming.
• Timing of the Work – Emergency repairs are more expensive than planned work. If you can wait for normal hours and decent weather, you’ll save money. But if water is actively causing damage, paying extra for urgent work is usually worth it.
• Suspected Asbestos — Older roofs which may contain asbestos may need testing and special disposal. This can significantly delay leaking roof repairs and increase quotes. Asbestos removal costs typically range between £500 to £1,500.
• Local Labour Availability – In some areas, specialist roofing tradespeople are harder to find, which can increase labour rates.

Building Regulations Related to Roof Leak Repair

Most smaller roof leak repairs don’t need formal planning permission or building regs, but there are some situations where building regulations or permissions do apply:

• Large-scale repairs – Replacing more than 25% of your roof may involve building control, especially after storm damage or on older properties.
• Listed buildings and conservation areas – These may require specific materials or traditional methods. Always check with your local council first.
• Structural work – Replacing beams, joists, or other structural elements will need building regulations approval. Your contractor should know if this is the case.

Decent roofing contractors have proper insurance and qualifications to make sure their work meets standards, even when formal approval isn't required.

Types of Roof Leak Repairs

There are several different ways a roof can develop leaks, and the repair method depends on the type of damage and where it’s located.

Below, we’ve outlined the most common roof leak repairs and what each involves, and provided typical costs to help you budget.

Tiled Roof Repairs

Broken tiles are usually the easiest fix — take off the damaged ones, check what's underneath, put new ones back.

Leaking roof repair costs for tiled roofs are usually between £150 to £400.

Flat Roof Repairs

Flat roof repairs mean patching holes in felt or rubber. Modern materials like EPDM last much longer than old felt.

Expect to pay £200 to £600 for most flat roof work.

Flashing Roof Repairs

Flashing repairs are common around chimneys and where different roof sections meet. Lead can corrode, modern alternatives can split or come loose. Need someone who knows how to make it properly watertight.

This usually costs between £200 and £500.

Chimney Repairs

Chimney work often involves repointing the mortar and fixing the flashing. These spots get hammered because they handle lots of water.

Repairs usually cost between £300 and £800 (depending on how bad it is).

Ridge Tile Repairs

Ridge tiles along the top of your roof can come loose in high winds or when the mortar gives up.

This costs between £250 and £600 to fix, but it's essential to stop water getting in.

What are the Signs You Need a Roof Repair?

In some cases, patching or small repairs won’t solve the problem for long. Here are the main signs that a roof replacement or major upgrade may be the smarter option:

• Frequent leaks – If you’re calling out roofers every few months, ongoing repair bills can soon exceed the cost of a replacement.
• Widespread damage – When broken tiles, cracked flashing, or perished felt cover large areas of the roof, patching is rarely cost-effective.
• Aging materials – Most flat roofs last 20–30 years, while tile and slate can last far longer. If your roof is near the end of its lifespan, replacement is usually the best option.
• Structural issues – Rotting timbers, sagging sections, or damaged joists go beyond surface repairs and typically require partial or full replacement.
• Energy efficiency – Older roofs often lack modern insulation or waterproofing. Upgrading during replacement can reduce heat loss and future bills.
• Failed inspections – A professional roof inspection highlighting major weaknesses, unsafe structures, or extensive wear is a clear sign repairs won’t be enough.

If you notice several of these signs, it’s usually worth getting multiple quotes from qualified roofers to compare costs and options before deciding on a roof replacement.

Hiring Contractors Checklist for Roof Leak Repair

Consider these key points before hiring a tradesperson to repair your leaking roof:

• Are they qualified? – Look for roofers with recognised credentials such as Competent Roofer certification or NFRC membership to ensure professional standards, and experience repairing leaky roofs.
• Are they insured? – A contractor should hold public liability cover (at least £2 million). This covers you in case something goes wrong during the job.
• Is waste removal included? – Most contractors will handle this on behalf of the homeowner, but, you should confirm that the removal of the existing roof and all waste disposal is included in the total cost quoted.
• Do they have positive reviews? – Check their MyJobQuote profile to find all the feedback they've received from other homeowners.
• Can you check their past work? – Ask to see recent jobs or view completed projects if possible. Take a look at photos they've uploaded to their MyJobQuote profile. This will give you an idea of what they're capable of.
• What are the payment terms? – Agree on terms before work begins. Avoid paying large sums upfront. A typical arrangement is a 10–20% deposit, with the balance paid on completion.
• Do they offer any guarantee? – Good installers won't have any issue standing behind their work and providing some type of warranty (independently or via a scheme).

Aim to get at least 3 quotes from roof installers near you. This'll give you a clearer picture of the going rate and help you find someone who's a good fit for the job.

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