Inverness at a glance
- Postcode districts
- IV1, IV2, IV3
- Population
- about 47,790 (GeoNames)
- Council area
- The Highland Council
- Building approval
- The Highland Council building standards
- Guide price region
- Scotland (−5% on West Midlands rates)
Why choose a liquid-applied roof in Inverness?
Liquid systems suit balconies and walkways in Inverness 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 Inverness, flat roofs are typically found on lock-up garage blocks on estates, and on shops with flat-roofed rear stores below 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 liquid-applied roof cost in Inverness?
At Scotland guide rates, a typical 18 m² garage roof in a liquid-applied system comes to £1,950–£3,100 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 | £1,950–£3,100 |
| Balcony (12 m²), liquid-applied, scaffold | £1,800–£3,100 |
| Single garage (18 m²), EPDM rubber | £1,500–£2,650 |
| Extension (20 m²), EPDM, new deck + insulation | £2,650–£4,650 |
When is a liquid roof the best option, and when is it not?
A liquid roof is often the best option for roofs crowded with pipes, vents and upstands, for balconies and walkways, and for overlaying a structurally sound roof that is starting to fail. It is the wrong choice when the deck is rotten, the insulation is wet or the falls are badly wrong.
Advantages: continuous finish with no laps; forms details around pipes and odd shapes easily; cold-applied with no flame; can often go over felt, asphalt or concrete; some systems take foot traffic.
Disadvantages: higher cost per square metre than felt or EPDM; needs dry weather and careful thickness control; only as good as the surface it is bonded to; product quality varies widely across the market.
For a straightforward re-roof on a fresh deck, EPDM or GRP may offer better value. Larger flat areas suit torch-on felt or single-ply. On a sound mastic asphalt roof, a compatible liquid system can sometimes be applied over it. See also our guide to overlay or strip.
What's included?
- Survey of the existing roof, including moisture and adhesion checks
- Top coat with optional anti-slip finish, and guarantee registration where available
- Surface cleaning, repairs and removal of loose material
- Detailing of upstands, outlets, pipes and corners before the main area
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?
Liquid-applied roofing in Inverness: questions
Do you cover Inverness?
Yes. Inverness is part of our Highland coverage, including postcode districts IV1, IV2, IV3. 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 Inverness?
Where the work needs approval it goes to The Highland 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 liquid-applied roof cost in Inverness?
£1,950–£3,100 for a typical 18 m² garage roof in a liquid-applied system, at Scotland guide rates including VAT. The fixed price comes after a free survey for new and replacement roofs.
Is liquid roofing the same as a roof paint?
No. A proper liquid-applied membrane is built to a specified thickness and usually reinforced with fleece, while roof paints and simple coatings are much thinner and mainly used to extend the life of an existing covering.
Can liquid roofing stop a leak on a flat roof?
It can, if the leak is at a detail or the membrane is worn but the roof beneath is sound. If water has soaked the insulation or deck, coating over it will not cure the problem.