- Guide price
- £2,650–£4,650
- Survey
- Free for new and replacement roofs
- Quote
- Fixed, in writing
- Coverage
- England, Wales, Scotland, NI
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 warm roof upgrade 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 |
|---|---|
| Extension (20 m²), EPDM, new deck + insulation | £2,650–£4,650 |
| Extension (20 m²), EPDM with sedum green roof | £4,200–£7,700 |
Which flat roofs are common in City of Edinburgh?
Flat roofs in City of Edinburgh sit on 1960s and 1970s link-detached houses with flat-roofed garages and porches, newer estates where the first extension roofs are now being replaced 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.
How long does a warm roof last?
The insulation in a warm roof should last for the life of the waterproofing above it, as long as it stays dry. Rigid PIR boards don't settle or slump in the way some loose insulation can.
The waterproofing is what sets the timescale. EPDM is typically quoted at 25 to 50 years, GRP at 20 to 40 years and modern torch-on felt at 15 to 25 years with good specification and care. A warm build-up also helps the deck, because keeping it warm and dry lowers the risk of condensation rot. If the waterproofing fails and water gets into the insulation, the wet boards should be replaced, so leaks need prompt attention. The lifespan guide compares the systems.
Which towns in City of Edinburgh do we cover?
Warm roof insulation upgrades 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 warm roof upgrade cost in City of Edinburgh?
£2,650–£4,650 for a 20 m² extension roof in EPDM with a new deck and 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.
How thick does flat roof insulation need to be?
It depends on the insulation product and the U-value target. With common PIR boards, meeting a renovation target usually means well over 100 mm. Thinner, higher-performance boards are available where height is tight.
Does a warm roof stop condensation?
It greatly reduces the risk by keeping the deck warm and placing a vapour control layer on the warm side. Good ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms below still helps.
Can you insulate a flat roof from inside instead?
It is possible, but insulating between or under the joists creates a cold roof, which needs ventilation and carries a higher condensation risk. When the roof is being re-covered anyway, a warm roof from above is usually the better option.
Everything about warm roof insulation upgrades → · All flat roofing in City of Edinburgh →