New Roof Cost Breakdown: Labour, Materials & Extras Explained

Getting a new roof is a big investment. Whether you’re replacing an old roof or upgrading for better performance, one of the first questions people ask is, “How much will it cost?”

At Roofing Newcastle, we believe it’s important to be clear about where your money goes. A detailed cost breakdown helps you plan better, compare quotes properly, and avoid hidden charges.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the main elements that make up the cost of a new roof in the UK. From labour and materials to scaffolding and extras, here’s what you need to know.

Average Cost of a New Roof in the UK

The total cost of a new roof can vary depending on your house type, roof size, materials, and location.

As a rough guide:

• Small terraced house: £3,000 to £5,000
• Semi-detached house: £5,000 to £8,000
• Detached house: £8,000 to £15,000+

These are average figures for pitched roofs using standard concrete tiles. Premium materials or complex designs will cost more.

Now let’s break that down into parts.

1. Labour Costs

Labour is usually the largest part of your roofing bill. It includes the time and skill it takes to:

• Remove the old roof covering
• Inspect and prepare the roof deck
• Install underlay and battens
• Lay the new tiles or slates
• Fit ridge tiles, flashing, vents, and more
• Clean up and carry out a final inspection

In most cases, labour accounts for 40 to 60 percent of the total quote.

Factors that affect labour costs include:

• Roof size and shape
• Roof pitch (steeper roofs take longer)
• Accessibility (tight spaces or awkward layouts can add time)
• Number of workers required
• Local wage rates

At Roofing Newcastle, we provide an itemised quote that shows labour as a separate cost so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

2. Materials

Materials make up the second biggest portion of your new roof cost. The type and quality of materials you choose will have a big impact on the final price.

Here are some common materials and their typical costs:

Roof tiles or slates

• Concrete tiles: £10 to £15 per square metre
• Clay tiles: £20 to £30 per square metre
• Natural slate: £30 to £50 per square metre
• Synthetic slate: £15 to £25 per square metre

Underlay and battens

• Breathable membrane: £1 to £3 per square metre
• Treated battens: £1 to £2 per metre

Ridge tiles and fixings

• Dry ridge systems: £10 to £20 per metre
• Traditional mortar ridge: similar cost but higher labour

Flashing and ventilation

• Lead or aluminium flashing: £30 to £50 per section
• Tile vents, ridge vents, or eaves ventilation: £10 to £50 each

At Roofing Newcastle, we only use high-quality materials that meet UK building standards. We also list brands in our quotes when requested.

3. Scaffolding

Scaffolding is usually needed for safe access during the project. Costs depend on the height, size, and complexity of the setup.

Typical costs include:

• Basic two-storey scaffold: £500 to £1,000
• Full scaffold with edge protection: £1,000 to £2,000
• Chimney access or awkward corners: £200 to £500 extra

Some roofers exclude scaffolding from their quote and ask you to arrange it separately. At Roofing Newcastle, we include all access costs upfront so there are no surprises.

4. Waste Removal

A roof replacement generates a lot of waste. Old tiles, underlay, battens, nails, and packaging all need to be cleared away safely.

Skip hire and disposal fees can range from:

• £150 to £400 depending on volume
• Additional fees may apply for special materials (like asbestos)

We always include skip hire in our quotes and ensure the site is left clean and tidy.

5. Roof Structure Repairs (if needed)

Once the old roof is stripped, we may discover structural problems like:

• Rotten rafters
• Sagging joists
• Damp insulation
• Poor ventilation

These are not always visible during the initial inspection. If extra work is needed, your roofer should explain the issue, show you evidence, and provide a clear cost before proceeding.

Typical repair costs can range from:

• £100 to £500 for minor fixes
• £1,000+ for major timber work

At Roofing Newcastle, we photograph and explain any hidden issues before starting repairs.

6. Upgrades and Add-ons

Depending on your needs, you might choose to add optional upgrades. These extras improve performance or give your roof a cleaner finish.

Popular options include:

• Roof insulation upgrade: £300 to £1,000
• New guttering and fascia: £500 to £1,500
• Dry verge systems: £10 to £20 per metre
• Roof windows or skylights: £300 to £1,000 each
• Solar panel prep or installation: £500 to £5,000 depending on system

We often suggest optional upgrades in our quotes at Roofing Newcastle so customers can choose what fits their goals and budget.

7. Guarantees and Compliance

While not a direct cost, it’s important to make sure your quote includes:

• Building regulations compliance
• Competent Person Scheme certification
• Workmanship guarantee (often 10 to 15 years)
• Manufacturer warranty for materials

Roofing Newcastle handles all compliance paperwork and provides written guarantees as standard.

Cost Example: Medium-Sized Semi-Detached Home

Here’s a sample breakdown for a pitched roof replacement using concrete tiles:

Item	Estimated Cost
Labour	£3,000
Tiles and materials	£2,000
Scaffolding	£1,200
Waste removal and skip hire	£250
Ventilation and flashing	£300
Total (approximate)	£6,750

Upgrades like new fascia boards or roof insulation would be added on top if selected.

What’s Not Usually Included

Some things are not automatically included in a roof quote unless specified:

• Interior plastering or ceiling repairs
• Loft insulation unless requested
• Solar panel installation or removal
• Asbestos removal
• Roofline painting or cosmetic extras

Ask your roofer to list any exclusions clearly in the quote. We always do this at Roofing Newcastle to avoid misunderstandings.

Tips for Comparing Roof Quotes

When comparing quotes, make sure you’re looking at the full picture. A lower price might seem appealing but may leave out key items or use cheaper materials.

Ask yourself:

• Is scaffolding included?
• Are the materials high quality?
• Does the roofer offer a warranty?
• Are the payment terms clear?
• Will they handle building regulations?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. A good roofer will be happy to explain their quote in detail.

Final Thoughts

A new roof is a major job, but it doesn’t have to be confusing. When you understand the cost breakdown, you can make smarter choices, avoid overspending, and get the best result for your home.

At Roofing Newcastle, we provide detailed, itemised quotes with no hidden charges. We walk you through every line so you know exactly what’s included.

If you’re thinking about replacing your roof, get in touch today for a free, no-obligation quote or try our new roof estimator. We’ll explain your options clearly and help you plan with confidence.