In this article we will be looking at the cost of replacing a standard roof and if it is possible to get a grant for your new roof.
At some point every roof will become damaged and need repairs. Then eventually, as the roof becomes older and defects become more common, your roof will need replacing entirely, as smaller repairs and patching become less effective.
Whether your roof has a small leak or is beyond repair, the main problem is the same. That problem is water ingress and the subsequent damp that occurs as a result.
Roof leaks are one of the most common reasons for damp in British homes, right behind condensation and penetrating damp. In theory roof leaks are actually a form of penetrating damp, as the water does penetrate via a defect from inside.
Whats more, because the moisture is penetrating from the top of the building, there is only one way for the water to go and that is down. This means that a leaking roof can cause a lot of damage and internal damp, as it continues to leak through your home.
If you want to avoid serious damage to internal decorations. As well as the potential for rot and mould, leaks should be resolved at the earliest possible point.
The average roof made from man made slate, concrete, or clay tiles has a lifespan of approximately 50-60 years. This can increase to 80-100 years when natural slate is used.
So, whilst a roof is an expensive job, it is a long-term investment in your property. Once you bite the bullet and have the work carried out, you should not need to worry about it again for a long time.
Cost to replace a roof and can you get a grant
The average cost for replacing a standard roof on a UK home, will range between £5000 – £6000. This number can vary based on the size of the property and the materials used. For example, a large family home with a natural slate roof could be far more expansive.
As this is such a large investment, it is quite common for people to wonder if some form of roofing grant is a possibility.
In some cases, it is possible to get a grant for a new roof. However, this option is usually reserved for people who are vulnerable.
Also, the damage to the roof will need to be quite serious to warrant a grant being approved. The property will often need to be classed as below acceptable living standards, because of the roof damage.
Grants are usually acquired through your local council and each different council will have their own rules for repair and replacement roof grants.
The grant itself is not called a roofing grant, it is usually called a Home repair assistance grant, and this can be approved for a variety of work, both inside and outside a property. The grant covers any work that improves the health and safety of the homeowner.
For the chance to qualify for a home repair assistance grant, you must occupy the property as your main residence, and you should be at least 18 years old.
Next you will need to be in receipt of at least one of the following benefits:
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Income Based Job Seekers Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance
- Working Tax Credit
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
Also, if you are disabled and receive any of the following:
- Attendance Allowance (AA)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
- Mobility Supplement
- Long Term Incapacity Benefit
- Severe Disablement Allowance (SDA)
Also, pensioners will have a greater chance of qualifying for grants to help with roof repairs. Similarly, people with disabilities are much more likely to get help with any kind of roofing grant.
How much roofing grant can you get?
If you do qualify for a new roofing grant via the home repair assistance scheme, how much could you get?
The maximum amount that can be awarded via this grant scheme, is currently £5000 over a 3-year period.
If you do qualify, you will be required to arrange the work yourself. This means you will need to hire a roofing contractor, who can carry out the job and help you with any planning permission that is required. As well as having the work approved by building regulations if necessary.
One option to consider before applying for a grant, is to talk with a couple of local roofing contractors. They may be able to tell you of any local grants they are aware of, as well as help you with the application process.
Also, if you get a couple of quotes for the required work, you can take this to the council when applying for the grant. This could help expedite the approval process.
A good way to get the best price, is to compare multiple local quotes via an online comparison service. By doing this, you should end up getting the most competitive quote, as well as avoid hiring any cowboys.
The good thing about comparison sites is the contractors are all rated and verified. You can also look at their previous reviews from customers, so you know your talking with a high-quality professional.
Click here to get up to 5 no obligation quotes from local roofers
What if you can’t get a grant for a new roof?
If you do not qualify, or if the work is not deemed necessary, then there is a good chance you won’t get a roofing grant.
It is also possible your local authority won’t have funding for this type of grant.
When it comes to this type of funding, meeting the criteria to qualify, timing and a bit of luck may also come into play.
So, what do you do if you do not qualify for a grant? After all, your roof still needs repairing and if you allow it to continue leaking the damage caused by damp, mould and rot could end up being far more severe and costly.
After a long enough time, this type of water damage can cause serious structural issues, as well as significant health implications. So, you should try to resolve roofing issues sooner rather than later
If money is tight, then at the very least, you should try to get quotes to have your roof repaired. If you explain that the cost of a new roof is completely unaffordable, there may be a temporary solution until funds are more available
You can usually hire a local roofer on a day rate for small patches and repairs. Providing the damage is quite small and requires limited materials, you could end up paying somewhere in the region of £100 – £300.
If replacement is the only option, then see if the roofing contractor can assist you with payment options. Many roofers will have finance partnerships they can recommend, these will help to spread the payment.
Also, if you own your home, you could approach your lender for help raising the funds. This could be in the form of additional borrowing, or maybe a small re-mortgage.
Lower the cost of replacing or repairing your roof
Whether you are replacing your roof entirely, or just having some minor repairs done, you should always shop around and compare different companies.
Not only can this save you money, but it can also ensure you hire the best person for the job. For this we always recommend comparing multiple quotes.
A good company for any type of roofing comparison is Bark. This service will get you up to 5 quotes from local roofing companies. All the companies have online profiles where you can see all their customer feedback. As well as all their qualifications and company information.
Also, because the contractors are competing for the work the prices tend to be significantly cheaper than going direct.
We have seen discounts as high as 40% for roofing repairs and as much as 25% for complete roof replacements.
To get up to 5 local quotes for roof repairs click here
To get up to 5 quotes for roof replacement click here
Conclusion
Getting a grant for your roof is possible, but there are a lot of hurdles in the way. You need to qualify and meet a certain criterion. The work will usually need to be deemed essential, then even if these requirements are met funding may still not be available.
People most likely to be accepted for a grant, will usually be deemed vulnerable. Also, the roof would need to be bad enough to substantially impact the standard of living in the property. People on benefits and lacking savings will have an advantage of being approved. Also, roofing grants for disabled people and roofing grants for pensioners are much more common
Whatever your situation, it is always worth a try. After all, you could save thousands of pounds if you are approved.
If you don’t qualify there are other options. The best thing to do is discuss this with a local roofer. They will have had many previous customers in a similar position. This means they may be able to offer advice, and solutions other customers have used.
