A new flat roof membrane being installed on an extension

Cost Guides

Flat Roof Costs

Flat roof costs turn mainly on the membrane you choose and the size and detailing of the roof. Because a flat roof lives or dies by its falls and its edges, the detailing work is a real part of the cost — not an optional extra — and that is worth bearing in mind when comparing quotes.

These figures are illustrative, not quotes

The ranges on this page are here to help you understand what influences cost — they are not fixed prices or quotes. What you actually pay depends on your specific roof, how easy it is to reach, and current material and labour rates. Always get written quotes from insured, accredited roofers.

What affects the cost

Before looking at any numbers, it helps to understand the variables that move the price. These are what a roofer weighs up when pricing the job.

The membrane system

The covering is the biggest choice. Felt is the cheapest but shortest-lived; EPDM rubber and GRP fibreglass cost more but last far longer, so the "cheapest" option is not always the best value over the life of the roof.

Size and detailing

Cost scales with area, but the upstands, outlets, corners and any roof lights are where the skilled work lies. A small roof with lots of detailing can cost more than a larger, simpler one.

Deck condition and insulation

If the timber deck is soft or rotten it must be renewed before the new covering goes on, and adding or upgrading insulation to meet current standards affects the price too.

Correcting the falls

If the old roof ponded because the fall was inadequate, putting that right — often with tapered insulation — is an extra but is essential to stop the new roof failing the same way.

Access

A ground-floor extension roof is easy to reach; a flat roof at height or over a difficult area may need scaffolding or edge protection, which adds to the cost.

Illustrative cost ranges

Illustrative — not a quote

The ranges below are a starting point for understanding likely costs. Treat them as ballpark figures for setting expectations, not as a price for your job.

Illustrative flat-roof ranges — not quotes. Detailing and deck condition change these significantly.

MembraneIllustrative supply & fit (per m²)Typical lifespan
Felt (torch-on)£50 – £90 / m²10 – 20 years
EPDM rubber£80 – £130 / m²25 – 35 years
GRP fibreglass£90 – £150 / m²25 – 30 years
New timber deck (add-on)£25 – £50 / m²As substrate

Illustrative totals for a typical single garage or small extension roof — not quotes.

ScopeIllustrative total range
Small extension, EPDM£1,500 – £3,500
Single garage, felt£1,000 – £2,500
Add tapered insulation to correct falls£400 – £1,200

What’s usually included

Typically included

  • Stripping the old covering and clearing the deck
  • The chosen membrane and its detailing accessories
  • Forming or correcting upstands, edges and outlets
  • Labour for the installation

Often not included

  • Renewing a rotten timber deck unless found and quoted
  • Correcting inadequate falls unless specified
  • Insulation upgrades to meet current standards unless included
  • Scaffolding for roofs at height

Get a price for your roof

The only way to know what your job will cost is a quote from a roofer who has seen it. Get a free, no-obligation quote from a trusted local roofer.

Frequently asked questions

For most homeowners, yes. Felt is cheaper up front but may need replacing within 10 to 20 years, whereas EPDM typically lasts 25 to 35 years with little maintenance. Over the life of the roof, the longer-lasting membrane often works out better value.

Get a real quote for your roof

Illustrative figures only go so far. Get a free, no-obligation quote from a trusted local roofer.

  • Insured & accredited roofers
  • Free, no-obligation quotes
  • Local to you
or call 0800 135 7663