Roofer Day Rate 2026: 7 UK Roofing Costs Explained
A roofer in the UK typically charges £280 to £360 per day, or £35 to £45 per hour, based on Checkatrade's October 2026 data. Most roofing work is done by a team of two or more, so a day's labour for a small crew will often be double that figure or more. Scaffolding, materials and waste disposal are usually extra.
This guide explains seven costs you'll come across when hiring a roofer, so you can budget properly and compare quotes.
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Roofer Rates At A Glance
| Rate | Typical UK price |
|---|---|
| Roofer day rate | £280 to £360 |
| Roofer hourly rate | £35 to £45 |
| Labourer day rate | £120 to £280 |
| Scaffolder day rate | £250 to £350 |
Source: Checkatrade tradespeople cost guide, checked October 2026.
1. Labour For A Team
Roofers rarely work alone, for safety and speed. A typical team is a roofer plus a labourer, which might cost £400 to £640 a day combined, using the rates above.
2. Scaffolding
Most roofing jobs need scaffolding, which is often the biggest single extra. Small repairs on a bungalow might use a tower or ladder system. Two storey houses usually need full scaffolding. See our scaffolding hire guide for typical prices.
3. Materials
Slates, tiles, battens, membrane, lead and mortar are usually charged on top of labour. Natural slate costs much more than concrete tiles.
4. Waste Disposal
Stripping a roof produces a lot of waste. A skip or grab lorry is often needed. Our skip hire guide covers costs.
5. Access And Height
Steep pitches, tall buildings and tight access take longer and cost more.
6. Weather
Roofers lose days to rain and high wind, especially in winter. Some build this into their pricing. Booking in spring or summer can help, though it's also the busiest time.
7. Typical Job Prices
| Job | Typical time | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Replace a few slipped tiles | Half a day | £150 to £350 |
| Repoint a ridge | 1 day | £300 to £600 |
| Replace a flat roof (garage) | 1 to 2 days | £1,000 to £2,500 |
| Replace fascias and soffits | 1 to 3 days | £1,500 to £4,000 |
| Full re roof (semi detached) | 5 to 10 days | £7,000 to £14,000 |
Typical UK ranges, checked October 2026. Scaffolding may be extra on smaller jobs.
For more detail, read our roof repair, new roof and flat roof guides.
Day Rate Or Fixed Price?
Small repairs are often charged by the hour or half day. Larger jobs are usually quoted as a fixed price covering labour, materials and scaffolding. A fixed price gives more certainty, especially when weather can stretch the job.
How To Check A Roofer
- Ask for proof of public liability insurance.
- Check reviews and past work.
- Get a written quote with a clear scope.
- Ask about guarantees on workmanship and materials.
- Avoid cold callers who say they've spotted a problem with your roof.
Ways To Save
- Combine jobs while scaffolding is up, such as gutters, chimney repairs and fascias.
- Repair rather than replace if most of the roof is sound.
- Get three quotes with the same specification.
- Book outside peak season if the job isn't urgent.
Warning Signs Your Roof Needs Work
- Slipped or missing tiles after a storm.
- Damp patches on bedroom ceilings.
- Daylight visible in the loft.
- Sagging rooflines.
- Moss build up blocking gutters.
Catching small problems early is much cheaper than replacing a roof later.
How Long Does A Roof Last?
Concrete tile roofs typically last around 50 years, clay tiles longer and natural slate often 100 years or more. Felt flat roofs wear out much sooner, often within 10 to 20 years, while rubber and fibreglass flat roofs tend to last longer. If your roof is near the end of its life, repairs become more frequent and a full replacement can be the better value.
What A Good Roofing Quote Includes
A clear roofing quote should set out the full scope of work, the materials by type and brand, who supplies the scaffolding and for how long, how waste will be removed and what happens if the roofer finds rotten timbers once the old covering is off. It should also say how long the job will take, how weather delays are handled and what guarantee comes with the work. If two quotes look very different, the scope is usually the reason, so line them up item by item before deciding.
FAQs
How much does a roofer charge per day?
Typically £280 to £360 per roofer, based on Checkatrade's October 2026 data.
Do roofers charge per hour?
Some do for small jobs, usually £35 to £45 an hour.
Is scaffolding included in a roofing quote?
Not always. Check whether it's included or extra.
How long does a full re roof take?
Usually one to two weeks for an average house, weather permitting.
Get Quotes
Use the form at the top of this page to compare quotes from local roofers.
Data source: Checkatrade cost guides, checked October 2026. Prices are typical UK ranges.