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myRoof Painting Cost
At a Glance
- The average cost of painting a roof is around £2,750.
- Depending on the complexity of the job, it usually takes between 1 and 3 days.
- A breakdown of average roof painting costs in the UK.
- What impacts the cost and what the job typically involves.
- How to find a local roof painting specialist using MyJobQuote.
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Roof painting is a cost-effective way to refresh the appearance of your home while helping to protect the roof surface from weathering, moisture, and everyday wear. It can make an older roof look cleaner and more cared for, improving kerb appeal without the cost of a full roof replacement.
The total roof painting cost will depend on the size and type of roof, the condition of the surface, access requirements, preparation work, necessary repairs, and local labour rates.
In this guide, we'll explain how much roof painting costs, what affects the price, what the job involves, and what to look for when hiring a local roof painter.
£2,750
Table of Contents
- How Much Does Roof Painting Cost?
- Labour Cost to Paint a Roof and Timescales
- Supply Costs for Roof Painting
- What Impacts the Cost to Paint Roof Tiles?
- Additional Roof Painting Costs
- Building Regulations for Roof Painting
- Types of Roof Painting
- Alternative Types of Roof Treatment
- Checklist: Hiring Roof Painters in the UK
- Removing Old Roof Coatings Before Painting
- FAQs
How Much Does Roof Painting Cost?
Many homeowners choose roof painting when their roof looks faded, stained, or discoloured. It can be especially useful for older concrete roof tiles, as the right coating may help improve the finish and add a layer of protection.
If you're wondering just how much roof painting actually costs, the cost of painting your roof ranges from £1,500 to £5,500+.
The size of your roof is naturally the main factor that affects the total cost, as the larger the roof, the more labour and materials will be required. For an average-sized property you can expect typical roof painting costs of around £2,750.
Other factors can also affect your roof painting costs, such as the amount of cleaning and preparation needed, any necessary repairs, steep or difficult to access roofs, and the labour rates in your part of the country.
Roof Painting Prices
The table below shows how the size of your property can affect the roof painting costs you can expect to pay:
| Property / Roof Size | Typical Timescale | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small (terraced house) | 1 to 2 days | £1,500–£2,500 |
| Medium (semi-detached house) | 2 to 3 days | £2,500–£3,500 |
| Large (detached house) | 3 to 5 days | £3,500–£5,500+ |
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Roof Painting Prices per m²
When determining the cost of your own project, it can be helpful to understand the average roof painting cost per m², to allow you to calculate the likely painting costs for your roof.
Roof painting costs are around £25 to £45 per m², and the table below shows estimated total costs for different roof surface areas:
| Property Type | Approximate Roof Area | Typical Timescale | Estimated Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terraced house | 40 to 60m² | 1 to 2 days | £1,500–£2,500 |
| Small bungalow | 50 to 70m² | 1 to 2 days | £1,800–£2,800 |
| Small semi-detached house | 60 to 75m² | 2 to 3 days | £2,200–£3,200 |
| Large semi-detached house | 75 to 90m² | 2 to 3 days | £2,800–£3,800 |
| Small detached house | 80 to 100m² | 3 to 4 days | £3,200–£4,500 |
| Large detached house | 100 to 120m²+ | 3 to 5 days | £4,000–£5,500+ |
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Labour Cost to Paint a Roof and Timescales
Labour makes up most of the overall cost of painting a roof. This is a specialist type of work. It involves working at heights, often on steep or uneven surfaces. It also requires proper preparation before any paint can be applied. This means that the labour costs can be a bit higher than just a general labourer due to the specialist skills that are needed for the job.
Whether you hire a specialist roof painter, a roofer, or an exterior painter, you can expect labour costs to be around £200 to £400 a day, although the specialist roof painter is likely to be at the top end of that range.
Based on this day rate, you can expect the following labour costs for the different-sized roof painting projects:
| Property Size | Typical Team Size | Typical Timescale | Estimated Labour Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (terraced house) | 1 person | 1 to 2 days | £200–£800 |
| Medium (semi-detached house) | 1 to 2 people | 2 to 3 days | £400–£1,800 |
| Large (detached house) | 2 people | 3 to 5 days | £1,200–£4,000 |
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As long as the roof is prepared well, this will help to speed the whole process along. If your roof is not maintained well, extensive cleaning and repairs could increase both the labour time and the overall cost of the job.
The weather can also affect labour costs as rain or strong winds could cause delays. You will also need to factor in the drying time between coats when multiple coats are required.
It is also worth noting that where your property is matters. Those based in and around London will pay around 15% to 25% more for the labour side of the job than those based in the North or other parts of the UK.
Supply Costs for Roof Painting
After labour costs, the cost of materials will be the biggest factor in determining your final roof painting costs.
A roof painting specialist will usually include all materials in their quote, but if you were to buy everything you need to paint your roof separately, the table below shows what you would probably need and the likely costs for a 70m² roof:
| Material or Equipment | Typical Unit Cost | Estimated Quantity | Estimated Supply Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof paint | £45–£70 per 5L tin | 4 to 6 tins | £180–£420 |
| Primer | £20–£80 per 5L container | 1 to 2 containers, if required | £20–£160 |
| Fungicidal wash | £15–£30 per 5L container | 1 container | £15–£30 |
| Sealants and repair compounds | £5–£25 per tube or tub | 2 to 4 units | £10–£100 |
| Protective sheeting | £10–£20 per roll | 1 to 2 rolls | £10–£40 |
| Brushes, rollers, and trays | £5–£20 per item or sleeve | 2 rollers, 2 to 4 sleeves, 1 to 2 brushes, and 1 to 2 trays | £35–£90 |
| Spray equipment hire (if required) | £130–£160 per day | 2 to 3 days | £260–£480 |
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Basic material costs for a medium-sized roof will be around £250 to £550, with the hire of spray equipment increasing this overall cost.
These are average prices for the different materials you might need to paint your roof. Higher quality materials, particularly roof paint, will naturally cost more, but they will likely do a better job and last longer, making them worth the investment.
What Impacts the Cost to Paint Roof Tiles?
The total cost of roof painting can vary quite a lot from one property to another. Even two houses on the same street can end up with very different quotes. The quote will usually depend on the condition of the roof, access, and how much you need to prepare the roof.
Below is a list of the main things that can affect the final price:
Size of the Roof
The size of your roof is one of the biggest things that can affect the overall cost of the job. If your roof is quite large, there will be more surface area to clean, prepare, and paint. This can increase both the labour time and the amount of materials used. Even just a small increase in the size of the roof can push the job into a higher price bracket because the contractors may need an extra day on site or additional paint supplies for the work.
Roof Pitch
If your roof is quite steep, it could be more difficult and may take longer to work on. Steeper roofs often require extra safety measures such as scaffolding or roof ladders, and in some cases, harness systems. A steep pitch can also make the work slower, as contractors will need to move around more carefully. All of this will increase the labour costs and sometimes extend the overall timescales as well.
Ease of Access
Access also plays a big role in the final quote. If your roof is easy to reach with scaffolding, the costs will likely line up with the normal averages. However, if access is restricted, extra equipment or custom scaffold setups may be needed. Difficult access can significantly increase the overall roof painting cost.
Need for Scaffolding
Scaffolding is usually essential for safety when working on roofs. This can make up a significant part of the overall costs. For a typical semi-detached home, you might only need to hire scaffolding for a few days. However, it can still add a noticeable amount to the total price. In some cases, particularly for taller buildings or complex roofs, scaffolding can cost almost as much as the painting work itself.
Condition of the Roof
The current state of the roof can have a huge impact on the overall cost of the job. If your roof is in good condition, it will only need cleaning and painting. On the other hand, a weathered or damaged roof may need repairs first. Loose tiles, cracked ridge sections, or worn pointing can all add extra labour. The worse the condition, the higher the overall cost of the job will be.
Amount of Cleaning Required
Most roof painting jobs require thorough cleaning before any paint can be applied. If the roof is covered in moss, algae, or dirt, this stage will take up more time and will be more expensive. In some cases, multiple treatments or pressure washing sessions are needed to properly clean and prepare the surface. This will increase both labour time and material costs.
Number of Coats Needed
Some roofs may only need one coat. However, most require at least two coats for a durable finish. Porous or older tiles may need additional coats to achieve even coverage. Each extra coat will increase both the amount of paint used and the labour time. This will affect the final cost of the job. Premium finishes or different colours may also require extra layers.
Type of Roof Material
Different materials will require different approaches. Concrete tiles are usually the easiest and cheapest to paint over. On the other hand, clay tiles, slate-effect surfaces, or metal roofs may need specialist coatings. These specialist products tend to be more expensive, and in some cases may require extra preparation or primers. This will increase the overall price.
Regional Labour Rates
Where you live in the UK also makes a difference, as labour costs can vary from region to region. Those based in and around London will pay more for the labour side of the job than those based in the North or other parts of the UK.
Quality of Paint Used
The quality of the roof paint can make a difference. Budget paints are much cheaper upfront, but may not last as long or provide the same level of protection. Higher-quality coatings cost more but tend to last longer and resist fading, cracking, and weather damage. Choosing better materials may increase the initial price, but it can reduce long-term maintenance costs.
Whether Primer Is Required
You may sometimes need primer if your roof is porous, weathered, or previously untreated. Primer can help the paint bond properly and improve durability. Even though it adds to the material and labour costs, it can significantly improve the lifespan of the finished job. Skipping primer on the wrong surface can lead to early failure.
Whether Repairs Are Included
Small repairs such as replacing broken tiles, fixing ridge caps, or sealing minor leaks can increase the total cost of the job. Some contractors may include minor repairs in their quote. However, others may charge these extra jobs separately. The more repair work that is needed before painting, the higher the final roof painting cost will be.
Weather Conditions and Timing
The weather can sometimes affect the cost of the job. Bad weather can delay the work, extend the labour time, or even mean that the contractors have to return on another day.
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Additional Roof Painting Costs
In some cases, you may find that there are some additional costs associated with this type of work.
Once you've cleaned the roof, some hidden issues may become visible. For example, cracked tiles or deteriorated chimney mortar may not be obvious until moss has been removed.
In some cases, these issues will need to be fixed before the painting can continue. This will result in additional repair costs.
The table below shows the typical additional costs you may need to budget for alongside roof painting:
| Additional Work | Typical Timescale | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Scaffold hire | Duration of the project | £500–£1,200 |
| Roof cleaning and moss removal | 0.5 to 1 day | £300–£800 |
| Waste disposal | As required | £50–£200 |
| Replacement roof tiles | 0.5 to 1 day | £150–£600 |
| Ridge tile repairs | 0.5 to 2 days | £200–£1,000 |
| Gutter cleaning | 2 to 4 hours | £75–£200 |
| Flashing repairs or replacement | 0.5 to 1 day | £200–£600 |
| Chimney repointing | 1 to 2 days | £250–£800 |
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Building Regulations for Roof Painting
In most cases, you won't need to worry about building regulations when it comes to painting a roof.
However, there may be some exceptions. Take a look at the list below of things where approval may be needed:
- Structural roof repairs may require approval.
- Listed buildings may need consent.
- Properties in conservation areas may have restrictions.
Even when no formal approval is needed, it is important that the work is completed safely. Contractors must follow health and safety rules whenever working at heights.
If the roof painting work is part of a larger project, then additional regulations may apply for those extra jobs. It is always worth checking with the roofing contractor or with your local authority if you are unsure at all about what regulations need to be adhered to.
Types of Roof Painting
There are several different types of roof painting and coating systems available in the UK. The right choice for you will depend on a few things, like the material of your roof, its condition, and the result you are trying to achieve. The type of coating used can have an effect on the overall roof painting cost. It can also affect how long the finish lasts and how much maintenance you need to do in the future.
Tile Roof Painting
Tile roof painting is the most common option for UK homes, especially when it comes to older concrete or clay tiled roofs that have faded or become stained over time.
For this job, you will need to clean the roof, treat moss, make minor repairs, and apply a specialist coating. The aim here is to improve its appearance and add a layer of protection.
This is usually a fairly cost-effective option, but the final price can increase if the tiles are damaged or require any extra preparation.
Concrete Roof Tile Painting
Concrete tiles are perfect for painting. These tiles are porous and easy to paint. Over time, these tiles often lose colour and absorb moisture, so painting them is a very good idea.
You'll need to add a primer first, followed by one or two coats of paint. This helps restore its appearance and adds weather protection.
This is usually one of the more affordable and reliable roof painting options in terms of cost and durability.
Clay Roof Tile Painting
Clay tiles are much more difficult to paint because they are less porous and require a special type of preparation.
Your contractor will need to take extra care to make sure the paint adheres properly. In some cases, painting may not be recommended at all. This will depend on the condition of the roof.
Clay roof painting tends to be more expensive due to specialist materials and labour. This increases the overall roof painting cost.
Metal Roof Painting
Metal roofs will need specialist coatings designed to prevent rust and corrosion. These are often used on garages, extensions, or commercial buildings.
Preparation is very important here. Any rust or flaking paint will need to be removed before the painting can start. You'll usually need to add an anti-corrosion primer first.
The costs for this type of work can vary depending on the condition of the roof. However, it is still cheaper than replacing the roof entirely in most cases.
Slate-Effect Coatings
Slate roofs are not always painted. Slate-effect coatings can be used to improve the appearance or restore ageing roofs.
These coatings can help to refresh worn surfaces while also maintaining a natural slate look.
Due to the specialist nature of the work, this option can often be more expensive and may increase the overall price compared to standard tile painting.
Roof Sealing Systems
Roof sealing systems focus more on protection rather than appearance. These create a barrier that helps reduce water absorption and moss growth.
They are often used after cleaning and can be a lower-cost alternative to full painting in some cases.
However, they do not always improve the appearance of the roof like full roof painting. But they can still improve long-term performance and reduce maintenance costs.
Specialist Coatings
Specialist coatings include premium or high-performance finishes that are designed for extra durability, UV resistance, or enhanced weather protection.
These are usually chosen where long-lasting results are more important than keeping initial costs low.
They tend to be the most expensive option, but they can offer better long-term value by reducing the need for re-coating and ongoing repairs.
Alternative Types of Roof Treatment
Roof painting is not the only option available when maintaining or improving a roof. Depending on the condition of the roof and your budget, some other treatments may be a better option or can be used alongside painting.
Take a look at the list of alternatives below:
Roof Cleaning
Roof cleaning focuses on removing moss, algae, dirt, and debris without changing the roof's appearance. This involves soft washing, pressure washing, or chemical treatments. It is a lower-cost option and can improve kerb appeal. However, the results are mainly cosmetic and may be temporary if no protective treatment is added afterwards.
Roof Sealing
Roof sealing adds a protective layer to the roof surface without the need for full repainting. Sealers are designed to reduce water absorption and slow down moss growth. This can help to protect older tiles from weather damage. It can be a good option for people who want added protection but not a full colour change.
Tile Replacement
Tile replacement is usually recommended when there is damage that is limited to certain areas of the roof. Broken, slipped, or cracked tiles can be removed and replaced without doing any larger roofing work. This helps fix localised problems and prevent leaks while avoiding the higher price of full replacement.
Full Roof Replacement
A full roof replacement is the most expensive option but provides the longest-term solution. This involves removing the old roofing materials and installing a completely new roof. The upfront cost of this is much higher, but a full replacement may be necessary if the roof is badly worn, leaking, or approaching the end of its lifespan.
Checklist: Hiring Roof Painters in the UK
Before you go ahead and hire a contractor, there are a few things you may need to check. Take a look at the list below:
- The contractor's experience with painting roofs.
- Examples of their previous work.
- Check for insurance cover.
- Obtain clear written quotes.
- Check what preparation is included with the work.
- Find out how many coats of paint will be applied.
- Check if scaffolding is included.
- Find out if waste removal is included.
- Ask for an expected lifespan.
Always make sure to compare multiple quotes. A low price may not include proper preparation, which can lead to early failure of the paint finish.
Removing Old Roof Coatings Before Painting
In some cases, old coatings will need to be removed before new paint can be applied.
This involves:
- Cleaning the roof surface.
- Removing flaking or peeling paint.
- Treating remaining residues.
- Repairing damaged tiles.
- Preparing the surface for a new coating.
Sometimes, the removal of old coatings can be very time-consuming and may increase the overall cost of roof painting.
Sometimes tiles may be damaged during cleaning. This can add extra repair expenses.
FAQs
How Much Does Roof Painting Cost?
The typical roof painting cost in the UK can range from around £1,500 to £5,500 or more. The final price will depend on certain factors such as the size of the roof, the condition of the roof, ease of access, and whether cleaning, scaffolding, or repairs are needed before the painting can begin. Larger or more complex roofs will cost more than smaller, easier jobs.
How Long Does Roof Painting Take?
Most roof painting projects will take between 1 and 4 days to complete. Smaller roofs with minimal preparation may only take a day or two. Larger or more weathered roofs can take longer. The weather, drying time between coats, and any repair work needed can also affect the overall timescale.
Is Roof Painting Worth It?
Roof painting can be worth doing if the roof is looking old and weathered, as long as the roof is structurally sound. It can improve kerb appeal, add a layer of protection, and help extend the life of certain roof materials. This is particularly true for concrete tiles. However, you should not choose roof paint instead of major repairs or a roof replacement if there are some more serious underlying issues.
How Long Does Roof Paint Last?
As long as it is applied professionally, roof paint will usually last between 8 and 15 years. This will depend on the quality of the paint and how well the roof was prepared beforehand. Higher-quality products and proper surface preparation usually lead to longer-lasting results and better resistance to weather damage, fading, and moss growth.
Is Roof Painting Cheaper Than Replacing the Roof?
Yes, roof painting is usually a lot cheaper than a full roof replacement. Painting will usually cost a fraction of the amount needed to replace a roof, and it can improve both the way it looks and its protection. However, if the roof is very damaged or has some structural problems, a replacement may still be the better option despite the higher upfront costs.
