Exeter at a glance
- Postcode districts
- EX1, EX2, EX3, EX4
- Population
- about 130,709 (GeoNames)
- Council area
- Exeter City Council
- Building approval
- Exeter City Council building control, or a registered building control approver
- Guide price region
- South West (+3% on West Midlands rates)
Why choose a liquid-applied roof in Exeter?
If a flat roof in Exeter is ageing but still dry, firmly bonded and on a sound deck, a reinforced liquid system can be applied over it. That avoids the cost and mess of a full strip-out, provided the moisture and adhesion checks at survey show the existing roof is fit to build on.
Exeter's flat roofs are mostly on 1960s and 1970s link-detached houses with flat-roofed garages and porches, with plenty on newer estates where the first extension roofs are now being replaced too. The South West averages roughly 1,260 mm of rain a year and many roofs face wind off the Atlantic, so we specify fixings and edge details for wind uplift as well as drainage.
How much does a liquid-applied roof cost in Exeter?
At South West guide rates, a typical 18 m² garage roof in a liquid-applied system comes to £2,100–£3,350 including VAT. The fixed price comes after a free survey for new and replacement roofs.
| Job | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| Single garage (18 m²), liquid-applied | £2,100–£3,350 |
| Balcony (12 m²), liquid-applied, scaffold | £1,950–£3,350 |
| Single garage (18 m²), EPDM rubber | £1,650–£2,900 |
| Extension (20 m²), EPDM, new deck + insulation | £2,900–£5,050 |
Can a liquid roof go over my existing roof, and what preparation is needed?
Yes, if the existing roof is dry, firmly bonded and sitting on a sound deck. A liquid membrane is only as good as what lies beneath it, so we test the old roof before agreeing to overlay it.
At survey we check for:
- Trapped moisture: soft spots, blisters or wet insulation mean the roof should be stripped, because water sealed in will cause new blisters and decay.
- Deck condition: any sponginess or deflection needs repair first.
- Adhesion: on felt and asphalt, loose areas are cut out and patched, and the existing surface must take the primer properly.
- Falls and ponding: a coating follows the roof as it is. If water ponds now, it will pond on the new surface too unless the falls are corrected.
Preparation then follows: loose chippings removed, the surface cleaned and left to dry, blisters cut back and repaired, cracks filled, and the right primer applied. On older felt, mineral surfaces may need extra cleaning to give a good bond. Where the tests fail, we say so plainly and quote for a strip and re-roof. Read more on ponding water.
What's included?
- Fleece-reinforced liquid membrane applied to the specified thickness
- Detailing of upstands, outlets, pipes and corners before the main area
- Surface cleaning, repairs and removal of loose material
- Top coat with optional anti-slip finish, and guarantee registration where available
Building regulations in England
Replacing more than half of a flat roof over a heated room usually counts as renovating a thermal element, so the roof is insulated to around 0.16 W/m²K where that's technically and economically feasible, and the work is notified to building control: the council or a registered building control approver, unless a registered competent person self-certifies it. A roof on a new extension is built to 0.15 W/m²K. Patch repairs, and most unheated detached garages, don't trigger the upgrade. Structural changes, or a new covering that adds 15% or more to the roof's weight, also need approval. More on the rules.
Which nearby areas do we also cover?
Liquid-applied roofing in Exeter: questions
Do you cover Exeter?
Yes. Exeter is part of our Devon coverage, including postcode districts EX1, EX2, EX3, EX4. Surveys and roofs are carried out by vetted roofing teams working under S&K Property Investments and Improvement Ltd.
Who checks building regulations for a flat roof in Exeter?
Where the work needs approval it goes to Exeter City Council building control, or a registered building control approver. 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 liquid-applied roof cost in Exeter?
£2,100–£3,350 for a typical 18 m² garage roof in a liquid-applied system, at South West guide rates including VAT. The fixed price comes after a free survey for new and replacement roofs.
Is liquid roofing good for balconies?
Often, yes. It forms neatly around railings, door thresholds and drains, and some systems take foot traffic. A new balcony or roof terrace generally needs planning permission, so check before converting a roof.
How long does a liquid roof take to cure?
That depends on the product and the weather. Some systems are rain-resistant within an hour or so, others take longer, and full cure can take a day or more in cool weather.