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Property / Roof Type Terraced house (~50 m²) 3-bed semi-detached (~65 m²) Detached (~85 m²) Bungalow (~90 m²) Single garage roof (~15 m²) Extension / flat roof (~25 m²) Enter my own m²

Material Concrete Tiles Clay Tiles Natural Slate Synthetic Slate EPDM Rubber (Flat) GRP Fibreglass (Flat) 3-Layer Felt (Flat)

Tile Type Standard interlocking Plain / small format Handmade / heritage Lightweight synthetic N/A — flat roof system

Roof Complexity Simple (gable, no chimneys/dormers) Standard (hip roof, 1 chimney) Complex (dormers, valleys, 2+ chimneys)

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1.  [Home](/)
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3.  What Affects the Cost of a New Roof? 

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20 February 2026  6 min read 

# What Affects the Cost of a New Roof?

If you've been getting quotes for a new roof and wondering why prices vary so much, it comes down to several key factors. Understanding these will help you compare quotes fairly and budget accurately.

## 1\. Roof Size (The Biggest Factor)

The total area of your roof in square metres is the primary cost driver. A 40 m² terraced house roof costs roughly half that of an 80 m² detached house roof. Always compare quotes on a cost-per-m² basis for accuracy.

## 2\. Roofing Materials

Your material choice can double or triple the cost. Concrete tiles start at £25/m² whilst natural slate can reach £80/m². Each material has different aesthetic, longevity, and cost implications.

## 3\. Roof Complexity

Simple gable roofs are the cheapest to replace. Every additional feature adds cost:

-   Hip roofs: +10–15%
-   Dormers: +£500–£1,500 each
-   Valleys: +£200–£500 each
-   Chimneys: +£300–£800 for flashing work
-   Skylights: +£500–£1,000 each

## 4\. Your Location

Regional price differences are significant. London and the South East are 15–25% above the national average, whilst the North of England and Wales can be 10–15% below.

## 5\. Scaffolding Requirements

Scaffolding is essential for virtually all roof replacements. Costs range from £500 for a simple terraced setup to £2,000+ for large detached properties. Difficult access can increase this further.

## 6\. Structural Condition

If the existing roof structure has rot, woodworm, or sagging, repairs will be needed before the new roof can be installed. This can add £500–£3,000+ to the total cost and may not be apparent until the old roof is stripped.

## 7\. Time of Year

Summer months see higher demand and potentially higher prices. Booking during the quieter autumn/winter period can sometimes yield better rates, though weather delays are more likely.

## 8\. Waste Disposal

The old roof needs to go somewhere. Skip hire typically costs £200–£400, but larger roofs or heavier materials (concrete tiles vs. slate) may require multiple skips.

### Instant Roof Cost Calculator

Complete every field to reveal your 2026 estimate

Property / Roof Type Terraced house (~50 m²) 3-bed semi-detached (~65 m²) Detached (~85 m²) Bungalow (~90 m²) Single garage roof (~15 m²) Extension / flat roof (~25 m²) Enter my own m²

Material Concrete Tiles Clay Tiles Natural Slate Synthetic Slate EPDM Rubber (Flat) GRP Fibreglass (Flat) 3-Layer Felt (Flat)

Tile Type Standard interlocking Plain / small format Handmade / heritage Lightweight synthetic N/A — flat roof system

Roof Complexity Simple (gable, no chimneys/dormers) Standard (hip roof, 1 chimney) Complex (dormers, valleys, 2+ chimneys)

Location (UK Region) London South East South West East of England East Midlands West Midlands Yorkshire & Humber North West North East Wales Scotland Northern Ireland

📱 Enter your first name, phone number and postcode so we can send your estimate by SMS. Only these details are required.

I agree to the [Privacy Policy](/privacy-policy) and [Terms](/terms-and-conditions), and consent to being contacted by relevant roofing companies about my quote, including by SMS. Reveal My Roof Cost Estimate →

🔒 We only need your first name, phone number and postcode to send your estimate by SMS.

## Frequently Asked Questions

Why do roofing quotes vary so much?

How can I compare roofing quotes fairly?

## Explore Our Roofing Cost Guides

[

### New Roof Cost UK

Complete guide to UK roofing prices in 2026

](/new-roof-cost-uk)[

### Roof Cost Per m²

Price breakdowns by square metre

](/roof-cost-per-m2)[

### 3-Bedroom House Roof

What to expect for a typical 3-bed home

](/new-roof-cost-3-bedroom-house)[

### Flat Roof Replacement

Costs for flat roof materials and installation

](/flat-roof-replacement-cost)[

### Pitched Roof Cost

Pitched roof pricing and considerations

](/pitched-roof-cost-uk)[

### Repair vs Replacement

When to repair and when to replace

](/roof-replacement-vs-repair-cost)[

### Roof Labour Costs

What roofers charge across the UK

](/roof-labour-cost-uk)[

### Garage Roof Cost

Garage roof replacement pricing guide

](/garage-roof-replacement-cost)[

### Roof Cost Calculator

Get an instant estimate for your roof

](/roof-cost-calculator)

## Get Your Free Roof Cost Estimate

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### Instant Roof Cost Calculator

Complete every field to reveal your 2026 estimate

Property / Roof Type Terraced house (~50 m²) 3-bed semi-detached (~65 m²) Detached (~85 m²) Bungalow (~90 m²) Single garage roof (~15 m²) Extension / flat roof (~25 m²) Enter my own m²

Material Concrete Tiles Clay Tiles Natural Slate Synthetic Slate EPDM Rubber (Flat) GRP Fibreglass (Flat) 3-Layer Felt (Flat)

Tile Type Standard interlocking Plain / small format Handmade / heritage Lightweight synthetic N/A — flat roof system

Roof Complexity Simple (gable, no chimneys/dormers) Standard (hip roof, 1 chimney) Complex (dormers, valleys, 2+ chimneys)

Location (UK Region) London South East South West East of England East Midlands West Midlands Yorkshire & Humber North West North East Wales Scotland Northern Ireland

📱 Enter your first name, phone number and postcode so we can send your estimate by SMS. Only these details are required.

I agree to the [Privacy Policy](/privacy-policy) and [Terms](/terms-and-conditions), and consent to being contacted by relevant roofing companies about my quote, including by SMS. Reveal My Roof Cost Estimate →

🔒 We only need your first name, phone number and postcode to send your estimate by SMS.

### RoofCost UK

The UK's most comprehensive roofing cost guide. Updated pricing for 2026 to help homeowners make informed decisions.

#### Cost Guides

-   [New Roof Cost UK](/new-roof-cost-uk)
-   [Roof Cost Per m²](/roof-cost-per-m2)
-   [3-Bed House Roof Cost](/new-roof-cost-3-bedroom-house)
-   [Flat Roof Replacement](/flat-roof-replacement-cost)
-   [Pitched Roof Cost](/pitched-roof-cost-uk)

#### More Guides

-   [Repair vs Replacement](/roof-replacement-vs-repair-cost)
-   [Labour Costs](/roof-labour-cost-uk)
-   [Garage Roof Cost](/garage-roof-replacement-cost)
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-   [Blog](/blog)

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