Edinburgh at a glance
- Postcode districts
- EH1, EH2, EH3, EH4, EH5, EH6, EH7, EH8 and 9 more
- Population
- about 514,990 (GeoNames)
- Council area
- City of Edinburgh Council
- Building approval
- City of Edinburgh Council building standards
- Guide price region
- Scotland (−5% on West Midlands rates)
When should a flat roof in Edinburgh be replaced?
A flat roof in Edinburgh is often worth replacing because it is the weak point of the building: heat escapes through an uninsulated deck, rooms below are cold in winter and hot in summer, and condensation marks the ceiling. A warm-roof replacement deals with comfort as well as leaks, so it is worth considering before the roof fails outright.
Edinburgh's flat roofs are mostly on terraced streets with flat-roofed rear kitchens and bathrooms, with plenty on bungalows with flat-roofed side extensions and dormers too. 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 flat roof replacement cost in Edinburgh?
For Edinburgh 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 |
| Single garage (18 m²), torch-on felt | £1,450–£2,500 |
| Extension (20 m²), GRP, new deck + insulation | £2,850–£5,100 |
| Single garage (18 m²), EPDM rubber | £1,500–£2,650 |
How long does it take to replace a flat roof?
A garage or single-storey extension roof is usually stripped and re-covered in one to three working days; larger, higher or more detailed roofs take longer. Weather sets the pace, because the deck must be dry before insulation and membrane go down.
We strip only as much as can be made weathertight that day, so the roof is never left open overnight. Expect noise and some vibration during the strip, a skip on the drive (or on the road with a permit) and ladders or a tower against the house. Rooms below stay usable, though it helps to clear shelves near the ceiling. Resin systems such as GRP smell strongly while they cure, so keep nearby windows closed that day. Two-storey roofs need scaffold, which goes up before we start and comes down after sign-off.
What's included?
- Free survey of the deck, falls, edges and insulation
- Building standards handled where needed, plus a written workmanship guarantee
- New membrane, upstands, edge trims and outlets
- New deck, firrings and warm-roof insulation where needed
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?
Flat roof replacement in Edinburgh: questions
Do you cover Edinburgh?
Yes. Edinburgh is part of our City of Edinburgh coverage, including postcode districts EH1, EH2, EH3, EH4, EH5, EH6 and 11 more. 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 Edinburgh?
Where the work needs approval it goes to City of Edinburgh 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 flat roof replacement cost in Edinburgh?
£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.
Do I need to be at home while the roof is replaced?
Not for most of the job, as long as the team can reach the roof and there is room for a skip. We ask you to be there at the start to agree the plan and at the end to look over the finished roof.
Will a new flat roof be better insulated than the old one?
If it is over a heated room, yes. A full replacement usually has to be upgraded towards current insulation levels where feasible, and we build it as a warm roof with the insulation above the deck.