Vale of Leven at a glance
- Postcode districts
- G82
- Population
- about 24,640 (GeoNames)
- Council area
- West Dunbartonshire Council
- Building approval
- West Dunbartonshire Council building standards
- Nearest main town
- Greenock, about 7 miles
- Guide price region
- Scotland (−5% on West Midlands rates)
What makes a good extension roof in Vale of Leven?
Extension roofs in Vale of Leven are often replaced because the original was built cheaply: thin chipboard decks, little or no insulation and felt turned up the wall without a proper flashing. Twenty or thirty years on, those weaknesses show up as leaks at the back wall and a cold, damp ceiling.
In and around Vale of Leven, flat roofs are typically found on shops with flat-roofed rear stores below flats, and on low-rise post-war blocks of flats. Scotland averages roughly 1,570 mm of rain a year, with the west far wetter than the east, so drainage, falls and wind uplift are part of every specification we write.
How much does a new extension roof cost in Vale of Leven?
For Vale of Leven we use Scotland rates: £2,650–£4,650 is the guide for a 20 m² extension roof in EPDM with a new deck and insulation, VAT included. The fixed price comes after a free survey for new and replacement roofs.
| Job | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| Extension (20 m²), EPDM, new deck + insulation | £2,650–£4,650 |
| Extension (20 m²), GRP, new deck + insulation | £2,850–£5,100 |
| Extension (20 m²), EPDM, insulation + 1 rooflight upstand | £2,850–£4,950 |
| Single garage (18 m²), EPDM rubber | £1,500–£2,650 |
Why does water pond or leak where the extension meets the house?
Usually because the fall runs the wrong way, the abutment detail has failed, or the roof has sagged close to the wall. The junction with the house is the most common leak point on an extension roof.
If the roof falls towards the house, or the deck dips near the wall, water sits against the upstand and finds any weakness in the flashing above. Older roofs often have the felt simply turned up the brickwork with no cover flashing, or a flashing that has pulled out of its joint. A patch will not change a fall. We re-firr or use tapered insulation so water runs away from the wall, then form a new upstand, usually 150 mm above the finished roof, with a flashing chased into the mortar joint.
Rooflights and lanterns are the other weak point. A lantern needs a properly built kerb with the membrane dressed up and under its frame. We rebuild rooflight upstands within the roof job; we do not supply the lantern itself. Our guide to ponding water explains the causes in more depth.
What's included?
- New deck, vapour control layer and warm-roof insulation
- Free survey of the roof, abutment and room below
- Falls set away from the house wall
- New abutment upstand and flashing, plus rebuilt rooflight kerbs
Building standards in Scotland
In Scotland the building standards technical handbooks (Section 6 for energy) apply, and the council's building standards service decides whether a building warrant is needed. Like-for-like repairs to a roof covering can be exempt; alterations, structural work and new roofs usually need a warrant before work starts. The domestic roof benchmark is 0.12 W/m²K, applied as far as reasonably practicable on an existing roof. More on the rules.
Which nearby areas do we also cover?
Extension and kitchen roofs in Vale of Leven: questions
Do you cover Vale of Leven?
Yes. Vale of Leven is part of our West Dunbartonshire coverage, including postcode districts G82. Surveys and roofs are carried out by vetted roofing teams working under S&K Property Investments and Improvement Ltd.
Who checks building standards for a flat roof in Vale of Leven?
Where the work needs approval it goes to West Dunbartonshire Council building standards. We tell you at the survey whether your job needs it and deal with the paperwork as part of the quote.
How much does a new extension roof cost in Vale of Leven?
£2,650–£4,650 for a 20 m² extension roof in EPDM with a new deck and insulation, at Scotland guide rates including VAT. The fixed price comes after a free survey for new and replacement roofs.
Is EPDM or GRP better for a kitchen extension?
Neither is better in every case. EPDM suits simple rectangular roofs with few details, while GRP is often chosen where there are rooflights, corners or occasional foot traffic.
Can a sedum roof go on my extension?
Possibly, if the structure can carry the extra weight and the roof has suitable falls and drainage. We check the joists at survey before recommending it.