Depending on what material your roof is made from, it can last anywhere from 20 years up to 100 years before it needs replacing.

You won't need planning permission to replace your home or conservatory roof, but you will need to inform your Local Authority Building Control.

Your roof will probably need some repairs during its lifetime. Depending on the severity of the damage, repairs can cost from £100 to over £2,000.

What's in This Guide to Roof Replacement and Repairs?

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Types of Roofing Materials

Tiles made from cement, clay and slate, or asphalt shingles, are the best option for sloped roofs. Tiled roofs are long-lasting, great at controlling the internal temperature of your home, and can enhance the appearance of your property. The downside is that they can be quite expensive and are also pretty heavy, meaning you’ll need a strong roof to support them.

Roofing Materials for Sloped Roofs

• Clay tiles: clay tiled roofs have long been used on Mediterranean villas due to their suitability for hot climates, but they’re becoming more popular in the UK. Their rich terracotta colour doesn't fade over time, which complements their traditional aesthetic.




• Slate tiles: slate has been relied on for roofing for centuries thanks to its attractive grey colour and detailed texture. They’re most commonly found on traditional or period properties. Slate tiles are built to last, but need a strong roof to carry their weight.




• Cement tiles: cement is a more modern roofing material. It’s just as good as clay and slate at insulating your home, but it doesn’t last quite as long. Cement tiles are available in a range of colours, from light grey to dark brown and golden red.




• Asphalt shingles: asphalt shingles are the most affordable roofing material on the market, making them a popular choice among homeowners. They’re pretty easy to install and are relatively lightweight, which makes them suitable for most roofs. Asphalt shingles are available in a range of different styles, colours and shapes.

Roofing Materials for Flat Roofs

For flat roofs, more modern materials such as fibreglass, PVC and rubber are a popular choice. These materials have a shorter lifespan compared to tiles, but they’re much easier to install and are lightweight and versatile.

• Fibreglass: fibreglass is a composite material made from plastic and reinforced by thin strands of glass. It’s lightweight and durable, and is available in lots of colours, meaning you can customise the appearance of your roof. One of the downsides is that fibreglass is less malleable than PVC or rubber, so it’s not the best material for large flat roofs.




• PVC: PVC - also referred to as polyvinyl chloride - is a type of plastic that’s made from 2 layers of PVC material reinforced by a layer of polyester or glass fibre. Like fibreglass, it’s lightweight but is much more flexible, making it suitable for large flat roofs.




• EPDM rubber: also known as ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (what a mouthful!), EPDM rubber is made from recycled rubber that is cut into strips and glued together to cover your roof. It’s long-lasting and durable, and like PVC is very flexible, making it ideal for covering larger flat roofs.

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How Much Is a New Roof?

How much you’ll need to spend on a new roof will depend on the size of your property and the surface area of its roof, the roofing material you install, and whether scaffolding will need to be erected to complete the work.

How Much to Re-Roof a Sloped Roof?

This table shows you the estimated cost of re-roofing 1m² of a sloped roof using the different roofing materials mentioned:

How Much to Re-Roof a Flat Roof?

This comparison table shows the estimated cost of re-roofing 1m² of a flat roof using the roofing materials mentioned:

For more information on how much it costs to re-roof your home, visit our guide on the price of a new roof.

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Conservatory Roof Types

The most common materials used to roof a conservatory are glass or polycarbonate plastic, which let plenty of natural light into your home all year round. Alternatively, you could install a solid or tiled roof which provides better temperature control, but allows in much less light. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular conservatory roofing options:

Glass Conservatory Roof

Glass conservatory roofs are a great way to allow lots of light into the room, and there are several different types to choose from. There’s energy efficient glass which reduces the amount of heat escaping the room, tinted glass which reduces the intensity of the sun’s glare, and even self-cleaning glass that breaks down dirt when exposed to sunlight.

Polycarbonate Conservatory Roof

If you want plenty of natural light to enter your conservatory but are looking for a cheaper alternative to glass, a polycarbonate roof is a great option. It’s worth mentioning that polycarbonate plastic is not as good an insulator as glass, however, so your conservatory will feel colder in winter and hotter in summer.

Solid or Tiled Conservatory Roof

A solid or tiled roof conservatory roof is much better at controlling the internal temperature of your room than glass or polycarbonate, meaning your conservatory will feel warmer in winter and cooler in summer. The compromise is that a solid roof lets in much less light compared to glass or polycarbonate, but installing some roof windows will overcome this problem.

To find out more about glass, polycarbonate and solid roofs, visit our page on the best conservatory roofing materials.

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New Conservatory Roof Cost

Like with a sloped or flat roof, how much you’ll pay for a conservatory roof will depend on the size of your conservatory and roof space, what roofing material you choose, and whether scaffolding needs to be put up.

This table shows the estimated cost of re-roofing a 4m x 4m conservatory using the roofing materials mentioned:

For a more detailed explanation on the cost of a new conservatory roof, visit our guide on conservatory roofing prices.

Select the type of conservatory you currently have to get a bespoke quote for a new conservatory roof.

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How Long Do Roofs Last?

Depending on the type of roofing material you install, you could find it lasts anywhere from 20 years to over 100 years before it needs replacing. To give your roof the best chances of longevity, make sure to check it regularly and keep on top of any maintenance (e.g. cleaning off any moss, and keeping gutters clear). The table below shows you the average lifespan of different roof materials:

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When Should You Replace Your Roof?

Deciding when to replace your roof will depend on how extensive the damage to it is. Some issues, such as the odd broken tile, will only require a repair job. However, if your roof is showing signs of age or serious damage such as leaks, a complete replacement may be necessary.

10 Reasons to Replace Your House or Conservatory Roof

1. Age of the roof: if your roof is old and nearing the end of its life, replacing it completely with a new roof will be much more cost-effective than paying for frequent repairs. Signs that your roof is old include damp or mould in your loft or ceiling, and worn-looking roofing material (e.g. lots of broken tiles or badly cracked PVC). If you live on a development and your neighbours are having their roof replaced, it could mean that it’s time to replace yours also.




2. Leaking roof: a leaking roof can be a major tell-tale sign that it needs replacing. If severe, water damage can weaken the structural integrity of your home, and cause mould which can threaten the health of you and your family. If you find a leak in your roof, it’s likely there’ll be more in other places. While small leaks could be fixed by repairs, a full replacement of your roof will prevent more from occurring in the future.




3. Sagging roof: a roof that droops or sags is often an indication of structural damage. It could be that water has found its way in and has started to rot your roof frame, or that your current roofing material is simply too heavy. Leaving a sagging roof puts it at serious risk of collapsing, so it’s best to have it replaced as soon as possible.




4. Peeling paint or wallpaper in your home: if the paint or wallpaper on your ceilings or walls is starting to peel, this can be a sign of a leaking roof which needs attention. It might be possible to fix with a simple repair if it’s only a small area of water damage but if the issue is extensive, you could be looking at replacing your roof.




5. Moss, mould or fungi on the roof: the presence of mould, moss or fungi on your roof is caused by a build-up of unwanted moisture. Moss is less of a concern and can be treated with a deep clean, but mould or fungi are more worrying signs which could indicate the need for a full roof replacement.




6. Mould or fungi in your home: as with mould or fungi on your roof, its presence in your home is also a likely sign of water damage. Aside from being unpleasant to look at, it can also have a serious impact on your health. To stop it from growing, you’ll need to replace your roof if that’s where the water is entering your home from.




7. Water stains: water stains on your ceiling or walls of the upper floors of your house can be a sign that your roof is leaking and might need replacing, especially if the staining is over a large area. It’s worth acting on this quickly and calling a professional as water stains can progress into mould or fungi issues pretty quickly.




8. Damage to chimney flashing: if your chimney flashing is damaged (the protective layer of metal around your chimney that ensures its connection to your roof is watertight), water can get into your chimney and surrounding roof area causing rot and mould. If the damage is substantial and a threat to the stability of your chimney, there’s a chance you may need to replace your roof.




9. Obstruction to your drains: your gutters need to be kept clear to do their job of draining water off your roof. If your gutters get blocked with leaves, twigs or detritus, the water flow will become obstructed. This can cause damage to your gutters and possibly even your roof if water is unable to drain away. This can sometimes be fixed by a deep-clean, but any serious problems might call for your roof being replaced.




10. Poor energy efficiency: if your roof has cold spots or draughts, heat will be able to escape from your home, making it feel cold. If you’re finding that you’re constantly turning your heating on, it might be best to replace your roof so it's completely airtight. This will probably save you a lot on your energy bills too.

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Will You Need Planning Permission to Replace Your Roof?

You won’t need to apply for planning permission to re-roof your house or conservatory, as long as any alteration you do make is a) not taller than the highest part of your roof, and b) projects no more than 150mm from the existing roof plane.

You will need to adhere to building regulations if the work carried out affects more than 25% of your roof’s surface. This includes any changes to your roof’s internal structure or the replacement of your roofing material. You’ll need to submit a Building Regulations Application to your Local Authority Building Control (LABC).

It’s important to retain your LABC certificate, as you’ll need to present it if you ever sell your house to prove that your roof was installed in accordance with the building regulations at that time.

Always be mindful of the presence of bats in your roof as these are a protected species. If you do have bats living or breeding in your roof, you’ll need to apply for a mitigation license from Natural England to be able to carry out the work on your roof.

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Roofing Companies

When it comes to work on your roof, you have a choice between a national brand, or a local firm or builder. Who you choose will come down to your own personal preference, whether it be the notoriety or experience of a bigger brand, or the more personalised service from a local firm or builder.

If the work that’s needed to your roof is quite complex, or your roof is particularly large or an unusual shape, we’d recommend choosing a specialist roofing company rather than a general builder or home improvement company. This is because a specialist company is likely to have more expertise and experience, ensuring that any work completed to your roof is done properly.

Whatever roofing company you do choose, make sure that they’re a member of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), and the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) or FENSA if you’re having glass installed (e.g. a glass conservatory roof).

If you’re looking for a bespoke quote from a trusted roof installer in your area, fill in the form at the top of the page with some basic details about yourself and your home.

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Roof Repair Costs

Like all things in life, roofs need a little care and attention sometimes. Whether it be broken or loose tiles, damaged soffits and fascias, or leaking roof valleys, your roof will need to have some repairs during its lifetime.

The cost of a roof repair will depend on things like the extent of the damage, the size of your roof, and whether it’s necessary to put up scaffolding. As a guideline, the table below details the estimated cost of common roof repairs:

When you ask a company for a quote, you should find out what it includes. Aside from the repair itself, you’ll often be charged extra for things such as scaffolding erection, cement work and waste clearance. Make sure to check if these are included in your quote as you don’t want any nasty surprises when you’re given the final bill.

If you’d like to get an accurate quote for how much roof repairs or replacement could cost you, hit the button below to fill in a short form with some details about you and your property.

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