- 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
Lancashire at a glance
- Largest towns
- Preston, Burnley, Blackburn, Blackpool
- Postcode areas
- BB, FY, L, LA, OL, PR, WN
- Building control
- Preston City Council, Burnley Borough Council, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and 10 other councils
- Neighbouring areas
- Greater Manchester · Merseyside · Cheshire · West Yorkshire
- Guide price region
- North West (−5% on West Midlands rates)
How much does a single-ply roof cost in Lancashire?
Guide prices including VAT at North West 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 Lancashire?
Flat roofs in Lancashire sit on terraced streets with flat-roofed rear kitchens and bathrooms, 1960s and 1970s link-detached houses with flat-roofed garages and porches and low-rise post-war blocks of flats. The North West is one of England's wetter regions, averaging roughly 1,290 mm of rain a year, so falls, outlets and well-detailed upstands matter more than the membrane colour. 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 Lancashire the application goes to Preston City Council, Burnley Borough Council, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and 10 other councils. 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.
Should a single-ply roof be mechanically fixed or adhered, and how are the seams welded?
Most commercial single-ply roofs are mechanically fixed, while adhered systems suit decks that cannot take fixings or roofs where a smooth finish is wanted. The choice depends on the deck, the wind exposure of the site and the manufacturer's specification.
| Method | How it works | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanically fixed | Fasteners and plates hold the membrane through the insulation into the deck, hidden under the lap of the next sheet | Metal, timber and concrete decks on commercial roofs |
| Adhered | Membrane bonded to the insulation or deck with adhesive | Domestic roofs, roofs where fixings are unsuitable |
| Ballasted | Loose-laid and held down by paving, gravel or a green roof | Inverted roofs, terraces, green roofs |
Fixing patterns are worked out for the site, with more fasteners at corners and perimeters, where wind uplift is strongest.
Seams are welded by hot-air machines and hand tools that melt the overlapping edges so they fuse. Each seam is then probed along its length to find any gaps, and test welds are made at the start of the day to set the machine for the weather. On commercial jobs we also check that walkways protect the membrane around plant.
Which towns in Lancashire do we cover?
- Preston
- Burnley
- Blackburn
- Blackpool
- Morecambe
- Lancaster
- Lytham St Annes
- Skelmersdale
- Leyland
- Accrington
- Chorley
- Darwen
- Thornton-Cleveleys
- Nelson
- Fleetwood
- Ormskirk
- Rawtenstall
- Colne
- Poulton-le-Fylde
- Heysham
- Haslingden
Single-ply membrane roofing in Lancashire: questions
Which towns in Lancashire do you cover?
All of Lancashire. 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 Lancashire?
£12,550–£20,700 for a 100 m² commercial roof in single-ply with insulation, at North 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 Lancashire?
It depends on where the roof is: in Lancashire that's Preston City Council, Burnley Borough Council, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and 10 other councils. 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.
Can single-ply be used on a house?
Yes. It can be used on garages, extensions and dormers, usually adhered rather than mechanically fixed. On small domestic roofs, though, EPDM or GRP is often more economical.
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.
Can single-ply roofing be laid over an existing roof?
Sometimes, if the existing roof and deck are dry and sound, often with a separation layer or new insulation on top. Wet insulation or a damaged deck means stripping first.
Everything about single-ply membrane roofing → · All flat roofing in Lancashire →