Tile-effect roofing prices: calculating the full cost of a new roof

The catalogue priced the 0.5 mm cut-to-length tile-effect sheet with a 25 µm polyester coating at €11.20 per square metre of effective cover including VAT. The same sheet with a 35 µm matt finish was €12.72; with a 55 µm polyurethane coating it was €16.96. These euro equivalents refer to three finishes on one product.

For the modular tile-effect sheet in the same price list, the corresponding prices including VAT were €12.49, €13.91 and €18.19 per square metre of cover. The figures illustrate how the format and finish affected prices in that particular catalogue. Ask the supplier to confirm the price for your order.

Part of each sheet disappears into the overlap with the next sheet. This makes the price per square metre of total sheet area look lower without reducing the cost of covering the roof. For the cut-to-length sheet in this example, €10.53 including VAT per square metre of total area was equivalent to €11.20 per square metre of effective cover.

Before comparing offers, bring them to the same unit. For modules, check the coverage area of one piece. The price per sheet says little without this information. It must also be established whether the amounts include tax. Mixing net and gross values can completely distort the comparison.

For exactly 200 m² of effective cover, the cut-to-length sheet at €11.20 per square metre including VAT would cost €2,240.00. The modular sheet at €12.49 per square metre would cost €2,498.00. This comparison uses the rounded euro prices and covers the roofing sheets alone. Cutting waste, flashings, carriage and labour are additional.

An actual roof slope with an area of 200 m² may require a larger order. The result depends on the roof shape and the distribution of elements. A single fixed percentage should not be added to every project. The most reliable approach is a drawn plan of sheets or modules taking cuts into account.

Valleys, dormers and numerous corners require additional cuts and flashings. Labour intensity also increases. Two roofs of the same area can therefore have clearly different installation costs. A long straight eaves is a different task from many short sections at dormers.

When comparing formats, check the use of cut-off pieces. Not every piece can be moved to the other side of the roof, because profile direction and overlaps matter. Modules are often convenient in such conditions, but their advantage must be confirmed for the specific layout, not assumed in advance.

The list includes, among others, ridge tiles, barge boards, eaves strips, chimney flashings and valley flashings. Fasteners, sealants and ventilation components are added. Snow guards and roof access may be needed. Their scope results from the design and the way the building is used.

Separately include the underlay, battens, counter-battens and any insulation. For renovation, add demolition and structural repairs. The price of the covering does not automatically include all these items. It is worth requesting a quantity schedule so that none of them appears only as a surcharge during the works.

The length of the sheets affects transport, unloading and lifting onto the roof. Difficult access or lack of storage space can change the organisation of the works. With modules, transport is different, but suitable unloading conditions are still needed. These costs should be established before ordering.

Compare labour for the same scope. Check whether it includes flashings, gutters, scaffolding and waste removal. A quote giving a single rate per metre may omit work priced separately. It is not worth choosing a contractor solely by that one figure.

Give both suppliers the same drawing and requirements. Specify the profile, thickness, coating and colour. Ask for net and gross prices, the unit of area and the validity period. The quote should also indicate how quantity changes after the final measurement are settled.

Only the sum of materials, delivery and installation shows the real cost. A more expensive coating may be justified by the building environment, and a different format may reduce work. The choice should result from such benefits. The lowest price for one item does not have to mean the most favourable complete roof.