Dunbar at a glance
- Postcode districts
- EH42
- Population
- about 10,270 (GeoNames)
- Council area
- East Lothian Council
- Building approval
- East Lothian Council building standards
- Guide price region
- Scotland (−5% on West Midlands rates)
Why upgrade to a warm roof in Dunbar?
Small commercial buildings in Dunbar with large flat roofs can lose a lot of heat through them. Where the roof is being replaced, upgrading the insulation at the same time is required in most cases and helps reduce running costs for the occupier.
Around Dunbar, flat roofs are common on 1960s and 1970s link-detached houses with flat-roofed garages and porches 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 warm roof upgrade cost in Dunbar?
At Scotland guide rates, a 20 m² extension roof in EPDM with a new deck and insulation comes to £2,650–£4,650 including VAT. 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 |
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.
What's included?
- Vapour control layer on the warm side of the insulation
- Survey of the deck, joists and existing insulation
- Rigid insulation boards sized to the U-value target
- Building standards handled where needed
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?
- North Berwick · 9 mi
- Haddington · 11 mi
- Tranent · 17 mi
- Musselburgh · 21 mi
- Mayfield · 22 mi
- Dalkeith · 23 mi
Warm roof insulation upgrades in Dunbar: questions
Do you cover Dunbar?
Yes. Dunbar is part of our East Lothian coverage, including postcode districts EH42. 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 Dunbar?
Where the work needs approval it goes to East Lothian 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 warm roof upgrade cost in Dunbar?
£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.
Can you add insulation over my existing roof without stripping it?
Sometimes, if the existing covering and deck are dry and sound. We will check at the survey and explain the risks, and our overlay or strip guide covers this choice.
Is a warm roof worth it on a garage?
On a detached, unheated garage, usually not, as there is no heated space to protect and the thermal rules don't normally apply. On an integral or heated garage, or one being converted into a room, it is.