- Price per m²
- £86–£138
- Typical life
- 25–35+ years
- Manufacturer guarantees
- 20–25 year guarantees on specified systems
- Typical garage roof
- £1,950–£3,150
City of Edinburgh at a glance
- Largest towns
- Edinburgh, Queensferry, Colinton
- Postcode areas
- EH
- Building standards
- City of Edinburgh Council
- Neighbouring areas
- Midlothian · West Lothian · Fife · East Lothian
- Guide price region
- Scotland (−5% on West Midlands rates)
How much does a single-ply roof cost in City of Edinburgh?
Guide prices including VAT at Scotland rates. The fixed price comes after a free survey for new and replacement roofs.
| Job | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| Commercial roof (100 m²), single-ply + insulation | £12,550–£20,700 |
| Single garage (18 m²), single-ply | £1,950–£3,150 |
| Single garage (18 m²), EPDM rubber | £1,500–£2,650 |
| Extension (20 m²), EPDM, new deck + insulation | £2,650–£4,650 |
Which flat roofs are common in City of Edinburgh?
Flat roofs in City of Edinburgh sit on shops with flat-roofed rear stores below flats, terraced streets with flat-roofed rear kitchens and bathrooms and bungalows with flat-roofed side extensions and dormers. 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. Approximate 1991–2020 regional averages based on Met Office data.
Building standards in Scotland
In Scotland a building warrant is usually needed for alterations, structural work and new roofs; like-for-like repairs to a covering can be exempt. Section 6 of the technical handbooks sets a domestic roof benchmark of 0.12 W/m²K, applied as far as reasonably practicable on an existing roof. In City of Edinburgh the application goes to City of Edinburgh Council (building standards). More on the rules.
Is single-ply the right system for my roof?
Single-ply is usually the right system for medium and large flat roofs, such as shops, offices, units, surgeries, clubs and blocks, where speed of installation, light weight and long life matter. On a small domestic roof it can work well, though it is not always the most economical choice.
In its favour: lightweight; quick to lay over large areas; flame-free, as the seams are welded with hot air; long typical life; welded details at rooflights and plant; lighter-coloured membranes reflect more sunlight.
Against it: only one waterproof layer, so welding quality is critical; can be punctured by foot traffic or dropped tools without walkway protection; PVC needs separating from bitumen; repairs need compatible material and welding equipment.
For a small garage or extension, EPDM is often simpler. Where people walk regularly, GRP or a liquid system may be tougher. A multi-layer torch-on felt roof gives built-in redundancy, and on older buildings mastic asphalt may be the original material. Our commercial flat roofing page covers larger jobs.
Which towns in City of Edinburgh do we cover?
Single-ply membrane roofing in City of Edinburgh: questions
Which towns in City of Edinburgh do you cover?
All of City of Edinburgh. 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 a single-ply roof cost in City of Edinburgh?
£12,550–£20,700 for a 100 m² commercial roof in single-ply with insulation, at Scotland guide rates including VAT. The fixed price comes after a free survey for new and replacement roofs.
Which council handles building standards for a flat roof in City of Edinburgh?
It depends on where the roof is: in City of Edinburgh that's City of Edinburgh Council. In Scotland a building warrant is usually needed for alterations, structural work and new roofs; like-for-like repairs to a covering can be exempt. We confirm which applies at the survey.
What is the difference between PVC and TPO roofing?
Both are thermoplastic single-ply membranes welded with hot air. PVC contains plasticisers and usually needs separating from bitumen, while TPO and FPO are polyolefin-based; the right one depends on the roof and the system specified.
How long does a commercial single-ply roof take?
A roof of around 100 m² typically takes several days, depending on strip-out, insulation, details and weather. Work is phased so the building stays weathertight and occupied areas are protected.
Does single-ply work with solar panels or a green roof?
Usually, yes. Many systems can be specified for sedum or ballasted green roofs, and solar mounts can be welded or ballasted, though the structure and wind loads must be checked first.
Everything about single-ply membrane roofing → · All flat roofing in City of Edinburgh →
