A new roof is one of the bigger jobs a home will ever need, so it is fair to want a sensible figure before you ring anyone. Costs vary a lot depending on size, materials and the state of what is underneath, but this guide gives you honest UK ranges and explains what actually drives the price here in west Wales.
For a standard semi-detached or terraced house, a full re-roof in the UK usually lands somewhere between £5,500 and £12,000. A larger detached property, or one with a steep or complicated roof, can run from £12,000 to £20,000 or more once scaffolding and labour are included.
These are full replacement figures, meaning old coverings stripped off, battens and felt renewed, and new tiles or slates laid. A simple repair or partial patch will obviously cost far less, often a few hundred pounds.
The headline rate per square metre only tells part of the story. Two houses the same size can be quoted very differently, and it is usually for good reasons rather than padding.
Older properties around Carmarthen and Pembrokeshire often have natural slate roofs, and matching reclaimed Welsh slate or sourcing a close equivalent costs more than swapping to concrete tiles. Exposure matters too: coastal and hilltop homes take a battering, so upgraded fixings and breathable membranes are money well spent.
Not every roof needs replacing. If you have a handful of slipped slates or a leak around the chimney, a targeted repair is the honest answer and a fraction of the cost. A reputable roofer should tell you when that is the case rather than pushing a full job.
Be cautious of anyone offering to lay new tiles straight over the old ones. It can look cheap up front, but it adds weight, hides problems underneath and rarely meets current standards. A proper strip and re-roof gives you a fresh membrane, sound battens and a guarantee that means something.
Always get the roof inspected in person and ask for a written, itemised quote. It should separate materials, labour, scaffolding, waste removal and VAT so you can compare like with like. Vague one-line figures are where unpleasant surprises hide.
Ask what membrane and fixings are being used, how long the workmanship guarantee runs, and whether the firm is local enough to come back if something needs attention. In our experience around Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire, the cheapest quote and the best value are rarely the same thing.
A typical house re-roof takes around three to seven working days, depending on size, weather and any timber repairs found once the old covering is removed. Larger or more complex roofs can take a fortnight.
Concrete and clay tiles commonly last 40 to 60 years, while good natural slate can last well over a century if maintained. Flat roofs using modern EPDM or GRP typically give 20 to 30 years.
Yes, scaffolding is needed for almost all re-roofing work for safety and to meet regulations, and it usually adds several hundred to a couple of thousand pounds. It is normally included in a proper itemised quote rather than charged as a surprise.
Tell Antonio about your roof. A quick call or a photo on WhatsApp is usually all it takes to get you a price.