Plymouth at a glance
- Postcode districts
- PL1, PL2, PL3, PL4, PL5, PL6, PL7, PL9
- Population
- about 260,203 (GeoNames)
- Council area
- Plymouth City Council
- Building approval
- Plymouth 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 Plymouth?
Liquid systems suit balconies and walkways in Plymouth because they form neatly at door thresholds, railings and drains, and some products are designed to take foot traffic. Converting a roof into a new terrace is a different matter, and usually needs planning permission first.
In and around Plymouth, flat roofs are typically found on 1960s and 1970s link-detached houses with flat-roofed garages and porches, and on low-rise post-war blocks of flats. 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 Plymouth?
Guide price in Plymouth: £2,100–£3,350 for a typical 18 m² garage roof in a liquid-applied system, including VAT at South West rates. 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 |
Do building regulations apply if a liquid coating goes over my roof?
They can. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, re-covering more than half of a roof over a heated room is usually renovation of a thermal element, even when the new membrane goes over the old, so the roof should be insulated towards the renovation standard where feasible; for a Scottish property, the local building standards team will confirm whether a warrant is required.
A minor coating repair to a small area is different from re-covering the whole roof. Where insulation is needed, an overlay is not always practical, because the insulation has to go under a new waterproof layer. In that case we may recommend stripping to the deck, fitting a warm roof and applying the liquid system on top. Where approval applies, we deal with the paperwork; details are on the building regulations page.
What's included?
- Surface cleaning, repairs and removal of loose material
- Fleece-reinforced liquid membrane applied to the specified thickness
- Top coat with optional anti-slip finish, and guarantee registration where available
- Detailing of upstands, outlets, pipes and corners before the main area
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 Plymouth: questions
Do you cover Plymouth?
Yes. Plymouth is part of our Devon coverage, including postcode districts PL1, PL2, PL3, PL4, PL5, PL6 and 2 more. 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 Plymouth?
Where the work needs approval it goes to Plymouth 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 Plymouth?
£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.
What is a fleece-reinforced liquid roof?
It is a liquid membrane with a polyester fleece embedded between coats. The fleece adds strength, helps control thickness and resists cracking where the surface moves slightly.
Does a liquid roof smell when it is applied?
Some systems, particularly PMMA, have a strong odour during application, while many polyurethane and water-based products are milder. We tell you what to expect and plan around windows and vents.
