- Price per m²
- £88–£155
- Typical life
- 30–60 years
- Manufacturer guarantees
- 15-year material, up to 25-year system guarantees
- 30 m² roof
- £3,550–£6,450
Bristol at a glance
- Largest towns
- Bristol
- Postcode areas
- BS
- Building control
- Bristol City Council
- Neighbouring areas
- Somerset · Gloucestershire · Wiltshire · Herefordshire
- Guide price region
- South West (+3% on West Midlands rates)
How much does mastic asphalt roofing cost in Bristol?
Guide prices including VAT at South West rates. The fixed price comes after a free survey for new and replacement roofs.
| Job | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| Mastic asphalt roof (30 m²), scaffold | £3,550–£6,450 |
| Localised patch repair | £150–£520 |
| Single garage (18 m²), EPDM rubber | £1,650–£2,900 |
| Extension (20 m²), EPDM, new deck + insulation | £2,900–£5,050 |
Which flat roofs are common in Bristol?
Flat roofs in Bristol sit on low-rise post-war blocks of flats, newer estates where the first extension roofs are now being replaced and shops with flat-roofed rear stores below 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. Approximate 1991–2020 regional averages based on Met Office data.
Building regulations in England
Replacing more than half of a roof over a heated room usually counts as renovating a thermal element, so it is insulated to current standards and notified to building control. Renovated roofs over heated rooms are insulated to around 0.16 W/m²K where that's feasible, and new extension roofs are built to 0.15 W/m²K. In Bristol the application goes to Bristol City Council. More on the rules.
What building regulations apply when an asphalt roof is replaced?
Replacing more than half of an asphalt roof over a heated space usually counts as renovating a thermal element in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, so the roof should be insulated towards the renovation standard where technically and economically feasible; Scottish owners should check with the local authority's building standards service whether the work needs a warrant.
On older buildings, adding insulation can be constrained by parapet heights, door thresholds and the character of the building, and the regulations allow for what is technically feasible. In England, a new covering that adds 15% or more to the roof's weight also needs approval, so a switch to heavier asphalt is checked against the structure. Listed buildings may need listed building consent for changes to their character. We deal with building control or building standards where needed; see the building regulations page.
Is mastic asphalt still a good choice, or should I switch systems?
Mastic asphalt is still a good choice on concrete roofs, heritage and older buildings, and roofs that carry heavy foot traffic or plant. On lightweight timber roofs, garages and most modern extensions, another system is usually more practical.
Benefits: very long typical life; jointless and fully bonded; takes foot traffic well, especially with a paving finish; matches the original roof on many older buildings; local repairs blend into the existing surface.
Drawbacks: heavy, so the structure must be able to carry it; higher cost; needs specialist labour and hot works with molten material; can crack in cold if not well maintained, and softens in strong sun without a reflective finish.
If the structure is lightweight or the budget tight, torch-on felt or EPDM are common replacements. A compatible liquid-applied system can sometimes be laid over sound asphalt. On larger roofs, single-ply may be considered, and GRP suits smaller roofs needing a hard finish. Our repair or replace guide helps with the decision.
Which towns in Bristol do we cover?
Mastic asphalt roofing in Bristol: questions
Which towns in Bristol do you cover?
All of Bristol. The main towns have their own pages below, and if yours isn't listed we still cover it: send your postcode and we'll confirm.
How much does mastic asphalt roofing cost in Bristol?
£3,550–£6,450 for a 30 m² mastic asphalt roof including scaffold, at South West guide rates including VAT. The fixed price comes after a free survey for new and replacement roofs.
Which council handles building control for a flat roof in Bristol?
It depends on where the roof is: in Bristol that's Bristol City Council. Replacing more than half of a roof over a heated room usually counts as renovating a thermal element, so it is insulated to current standards and notified to building control. We confirm which applies at the survey.
Is mastic asphalt suitable for a balcony or terrace?
Yes, asphalt is traditionally used on terraces and walkways because it takes foot traffic well, often with paving on top. A new balcony or terrace generally needs planning permission, so check before converting a roof.
Can I repair a mastic asphalt roof myself?
Not properly. Lasting asphalt repairs use fresh hot asphalt, which needs specialist equipment, training and hot-works control. Cold-applied sealants can hold a small leak for a short time, but they are a stopgap until a specialist repair.
Can you put felt or rubber over an asphalt roof?
Sometimes, if the asphalt is dry, well bonded and sound, using a compatible system and primer. Liquid membranes are a common choice because they bond well to cleaned asphalt.
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