How Much Does it Cost to Refelt a Roof in the UK?

Quick Cost Breakdown

• A shed roof refelt typically costs £250-£450, making it one of the most affordable roofing jobs.
• A full house roof refelt under tiles can reach £6,000-£10,000 for a detached property.
• The type of felt you choose can range from basic mineral felt to a torch-on system, affecting the final cost.

Roof Refelt Cost Guide Contents

1. Roof Refelt Average UK Cost Overview
2. Felt Flat Roof Cost Per Square Metre
3. Different Roof Felting Types Cost Comparison
4. Professional Labour Costs for Roof Refelting
5. DIY vs Professional Roof Refelting
6. Hidden Costs of Replacing Roof Felt
7. Ways to Save on Roof Refelting Costs
8. Find Local Roofers on MyBuilder
9. FAQ: Common Questions About Roof Refelting Costs

Roof Refelt Average UK Cost Overview

Refelting a roof can protect your home from water ingress, especially during the UK’s rainy seasons.

The final cost varies significantly depending on what you’re having refelted. A simple shed is a day's work for one roofer. A full house roof involves stripping tiles, replacing the felt underlay across the entire structure, and relaying everything, a job that can take a week or more.

Here's a breakdown of typical costs by roof type:

Roof Type	Average Cost
Shed	£250-£450
Small outbuilding	£500-£800
Single garage	£700-£1,500
Porch or bay window	£350-£700
House flat roof	£1,500-£4,500
Entire roof under tiles	£6,000-£10,000

These figures cover materials and labour for a straightforward refelt on a sound structure, which is the case for most jobs. The main wildcard is the timber beneath the felt.

Once a roofer strips the old felt back, they may find sections of boarding or rafters that need replacing before anything new goes down. It's not always the case, but it's worth budgeting a contingency of around 10-15% just in case.

Thinking about a full roof replacement rather than a refelt? Our new roof cost guide covers what to expect.

Felt Flat Roof Cost Per Square Metre

For flat roofs, most roofers price by the square metre. The system you choose, from basic mineral felt to torch-on felt, makes a meaningful difference to both the upfront cost and how long the roof will last before it needs attention again.

If you're not sure which system is right for your roof, a local roofer can assess the deck condition and recommend the best option for your budget, but the table below gives a useful starting point.

Here's how the main flat roof felt systems compare:

Felt System	Cost per m²
Basic mineral felt (single layer)	£50-£70
Torch-on felt (3-layer system)	£60-£80
High-performance felt (e.g. SBS modified)	£80-£120

Torch-on felt is the most commonly specified system for flat roofs in the UK because it bonds fully to the deck and performs significantly better than a basic layered felt in wet conditions.

The extra cost over standard felt is usually worth it for longevity, a properly installed torch-on system will last 15-20 years, compared to 10-15 for basic mineral felt. Post your job on MyBuilder today to connect with available roofers in your area and get a clear picture of what your flat roof refelt should cost.

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Different Roof Felting Types Cost Comparison

Felt isn't the only option for a flat roof, and if your existing felt is coming to the end of its life, it's worth knowing how it compares to alternative systems before committing to a like-for-like replacement. The upfront cost difference can be significant, but so can the lifespan.

If you're not sure which system is right for your roof, a local roofer can assess the deck condition and recommend the best option for your budget, but the breakdown below gives a useful starting point.

Basic Mineral Felt: £50-£70 per m²

The most affordable option and widely available. Suitable for sheds, small outbuildings, and garages where longevity is less of a priority. It's a single-layer system that does the job but is more susceptible to UV degradation and ponding water over time.

Torch-on Felt: £60-£80 per m²

The most commonly specified system for residential flat roofs in the UK. It bonds fully to the deck using a gas torch, which gives it significantly better performance in wet conditions than a loose-laid or nailed felt system. The extra cost over basic felt is usually worth it for anything beyond a small outbuilding.

High-performance felt (e.g. SBS modified bitumen): £80-£120 per m²

A reinforced, polymer-modified system that outperforms standard torch-on felt in temperature extremes and high-traffic situations. Often specified for house flat roofs or commercial applications where durability is the priority.

EPDM Rubber Roofing: £70-£100 per m²

A single-ply rubber membrane that's increasingly popular for residential flat roofs. Lightweight, flexible, and largely maintenance-free once installed. Higher upfront cost than felt but lower long-term maintenance expenses.

GRP fibreglass roofing: £80-£120 per m²

One of the most durable flat roof systems available. A seamless, rigid surface that's completely waterproof and resistant to foot traffic. Popular for roofs that double as terraces or balconies. Requires a specialist installer to get right.

Not sure which system suits your roof? A local roofer can assess the condition of your existing deck and advise on the right specification for your budget and the building's use.

If you're combining a refelt with other repair work, our roof repair cost guide covers what additional jobs are likely to cost.

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Professional Labour Costs for Roof Refelting

Labour is typically the largest single cost on a refelt job. Most roofers charge a day rate of £200-£350 per person, and the number of days required depends on the size and complexity of the roof.

A shed can often be done in half a day by one roofer. A garage flat roof usually takes a full day for a two-person crew.

A house roof refelt under tiles is a multi-day job. Stripping, checking the deck, replacing any damaged timber, relaying the felt, and relaying tiles is typically 3-5 days of work.

Here's a breakdown of typical labour charges by task:

Task	Average Cost
Basic flat roof refelting (labour only)	£150-£250 per day
Torch-on system application	£200-£350 per day
Full roof inspection	£100-£150
Flashing replacement	£200-£400
Gutter repair and cleaning	£80-£150
Scaffolding setup (if required)	£500-£1,500
Waste removal post-refelting	£100-£200

Always ask for a breakdown of materials and labour separately when getting quotes, this makes it much easier to compare between roofers and understand what you're actually paying for.

A detailed breakdown also protects you if unexpected work crops up mid-job, giving you a clear basis to agree a fair price for any extras rather than accepting a figure on the spot.

Note: Checking for membership with the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) is one of the most reliable ways to verify a roofer's credentials, members are vetted for competence and must adhere to a code of conduct.

DIY vs Professional Roof Refelting: Is It Worth It?

Refelting a small shed is well within reach for a DIY task and felt kits are available from builders' merchants for under £100. But for anything larger or higher, the calculation can change quickly.

The risks with DIY on a garage or house roof go beyond the obvious safety concerns. Felt laid without sufficient overlap, improperly sealed at the edges or around penetrations, or applied to a damp surface will fail prematurely, often within a year or two. A failed DIY refelt means paying a roofer to strip it off and start again, which typically ends up costing more than getting it done professionally in the first place.

For house roofs, working at height without the right access equipment or training carries serious risk. Most roofers are also able to spot underlying issues, damaged timber, blocked drainage, or deteriorating flashings, that aren't visible from the ground and that a DIYer would likely miss.

The honest answer: DIY works for sheds and very small outbuildings. For garages and anything larger, the money saved rarely justifies the risk.

Hidden Costs of Replacing Roof Felt

The quote you receive for a refelt is typically based on a visual assessment or the description you give over the phone, which means it may not account for everything the job involves once work starts.

This is normal for roofing work and doesn't necessarily mean the final bill will be higher. But it does mean it's worth having a conversation upfront about how any additional work will be priced, so there are no surprises if something unexpected turns up once the old felt comes off.

Rotten timber: Flat roof decks and the timber boarding beneath felt on older houses are often in worse shape than they look from below. Replacing sections of boarding runs £20-£40 per m² on top of the felt itself.

• Scaffolding overruns: If the job takes longer than expected - common if hidden rot is found - scaffold hire extends with it. Get a fixed scaffold price where possible rather than a daily rate.

• Flashing and upstand repairs: Where the felt meets walls, parapets, or chimney stacks, the lead or code flashing often needs renewing at the same time. Roofers will flag this once they're on the roof. Budget £200-£400 per run of flashing.

• Planning and building regulations: Most straightforward refelt jobs don't need planning permission, but if you're on a listed building or in a conservation area, it's worth checking with your local authority before work starts.

• Skip hire or waste removal: Old felt, damaged boarding, and general roofing debris all need disposing of. This is sometimes included in a roofer's quote and sometimes not, so it’s good to confirm this upfront.

The best way to manage these costs is a detailed written quote that separates materials and labour, and a clear agreement on how any additional work discovered during the job will be priced.

Ways to Save on Roof Refelting Costs

There's more room to manage the cost of a roof refelt than most people realise, not by cutting corners, but by making a few smart decisions about timing, specification, and how you approach getting quotes.

Cost-saving tips:

Combine jobs where you can. If you need a garage roof refelted and have a few minor repairs on the main house roof, getting both looked at in the same visit saves on call-out costs and keeps a roofer on site rather than paying for a second mobilisation.

Choose the right system for the job. A high-performance modified bitumen system is overkill for a small outbuilding you use as a storage shed. Matching the felt specification to the building's actual use and expected lifespan avoids spending money on longevity you don't need.

Get at least three quotes. Pricing for roofing work varies considerably between contractors, particularly for flat roof jobs where the specification can differ. Three quotes gives you a realistic sense of market rate and a basis for comparison.

Time it right. Roofers are typically busier in spring and summer. Booking in autumn or winter, as long as the weather window allows, can sometimes get you a better price, and there's no quality trade-off if the job is done in dry conditions above around 5°C.

Sort the concrete first if needed. If your flat roof deck has damp issues or structural problems, addressing those before the felt goes down is always cheaper than a failed refelt. Our damp proofing cost guide covers what to expect.

Find Local Roofers on MyBuilder

MyBuilder makes it straightforward to find roofers in your area. Post your job for free, receive interest from available local roofers, and compare profiles, reviews, and photos of previous work before deciding who to contact.

You can browse images of completed roof refelting projects on MyBuilder to get a sense of the standard of work and see how similar jobs have been approached. This is useful if you're deciding between felt systems or aren't sure what condition your existing roof deck is in.

All tradespeople on MyBuilder undergo checks at registration - such as ID documents, company details, certifications for regulated jobs and skill assessments - allowing you to hire with confidence.

Find roofers on MyBuilder

FAQ: Common Questions About Roof Refelting Costs

How Often Should a Felt Roof Be Replaced?

A well-installed torch-on felt roof typically lasts 15-20 years before it needs replacing. Basic mineral felt systems have a shorter lifespan of around 10-15 years, particularly in areas exposed to standing water or UV degradation.

Regular inspections, ideally every two to three years, help catch issues like blistering or edge lifting before they lead to water ingress.

What Are the Signs That a Roof Needs Refelting?

Visible bubbling, blistering, or cracking on the felt surface are the clearest indicators. Inside the property, damp patches on ceilings directly below the roof, particularly after rain, suggest the felt is no longer waterproof.

If the felt has pulled away from flashings or upstands, or if there are obvious splits at seams, refelting is usually the right call rather than a patch repair.

Is It Possible to Lay New Felt Over Old Felt?

Generally not recommended. Laying new felt over old traps moisture between the layers, which can accelerate rot in the timber deck beneath and lead to the new layer failing prematurely.

Most roofers will strip back to the boarding first, which also gives them the chance to check the structural condition underneath before anything new goes down.

Does Roof Refelting Require Planning Permission?

In most cases, no. Routine maintenance like refelting is covered under permitted development rights. The exceptions are listed buildings and properties in conservation areas, where even like-for-like repairs may require consent.

If you're unsure, your local planning authority can confirm in writing before work starts, it's a quick check that avoids complications later.

How Long Does a Roof Refelt Take?

A shed roof typically takes a few hours. A single garage flat roof is usually a full day for a two-person crew, including stripping the old felt and any minor deck repairs. A house roof refelt under tiles, where tiles have to come off, felt replaced across the entire structure, and tiles relaid, is a 3-5 day job depending on size.

If you want a clearer idea of timelines for your specific roof, posting your job on MyBuilder lets you ask available roofers directly before committing to anyone.

Can You Refelt Just Part of a Roof?

Yes. If the damage is localised, a patch repair is often all that's needed. A small repair covering around 4m² typically starts from around £200, making it a much more cost-effective option than a full refelt if the rest of the felt is in reasonable condition.

A roofer will be able to assess whether a patch repair is viable or whether the extent of the deterioration means a full replacement is the more practical choice.

Does New Roof Felt Improve Energy Efficiency?

To some extent, yes. Modern roofing felt provides an additional layer of insulation that helps reduce heat loss through the roof.

It's not a substitute for proper loft insulation, but replacing old, degraded felt with a high-performance modern underlay can make a noticeable difference to draughts and thermal performance - particularly on older properties where the original felt has become brittle and is no longer sitting flush against the deck.

Is It Worth Removing and Reusing Existing Roof Tiles During a Refelt?

It depends on the condition of the tiles. Reusing existing tiles is generally more labour-intensive than fitting new ones, which means the labour cost is higher, but if the tiles are in good condition, the material saving usually outweighs that. Your roofer should assess the tiles before work starts and give you a clear recommendation. If tiles are old, brittle, or a significant number are broken, replacing them at the same time as the refelt often works out more cost-effective in the long run.