How do I know whether to repair or replace my boiler?

If your boiler is over 10-12 years old and the repair costs more than a third of a new boiler (£2,000-£3,500), replacement is usually the better option. Newer boilers are also significantly more energy efficient, saving £200-£400 per year on gas bills.

Is it worth repairing a washing machine?

Generally yes, if the washing machine is under 6 years old and the repair costs less than 50% of a new one. Common repairs like replacing a door seal (£65-£120) or pump (£80-£150) are usually worth doing. Beyond 8 years, replacement often makes more sense.

How does the Mend or End calculator work?

You answer 5-7 quick questions about your broken item — its age, the fault, previous repairs, warranty status, and urgency. Our algorithm weighs these factors against real UK repair and replacement costs to give you a personalised REPAIR, REPLACE, or BORDERLINE verdict with a confidence score.

Where do the repair and replacement costs come from?

Our costs are researched from trusted UK sources including Checkatrade, Which?, MyBuilder, Energy Saving Trust, and manufacturer pricing. All prices are UK averages for 2025/2026 and include typical labour costs.

Is the tool free to use?

Yes, Mend or End is completely free to use with no sign-up required. Your answers are processed entirely in your browser — we don't store any personal data.

Should I Repair or Replace My Roof? Free UK Calculator

Should I Repair or Replace My Roof?

Roof problems vary enormously — from a single missing tile (£100–£200 to fix) to widespread structural failure requiring a full re-roof (£5,000–£15,000+). Getting this decision right matters, because ignoring roof damage leads to water ingress, damp, and much more expensive internal damage. The key is an accurate diagnosis before deciding whether to repair or replace.

Typical UK Roof Repair Costs

Average UK labour and parts costs — always get multiple quotes from local engineers.

Fault / Repair	Typical UK Cost
Tile / slate replacement (1–5 tiles)	£100 – £250
Ridge tile repointing	£200 – £500
Lead flashing repair	£150 – £400
Flat roof patch repair	£200 – £600
Full flat roof replacement	£1,500 – £3,500
Full pitched roof re-roof	£5,000 – £15,000

How Long Should a Roof Last?

Pitched roofs with clay or concrete tiles last 40–60 years. Welsh slate roofs can last 100+ years. Flat roofs are shorter-lived at 15–25 years depending on material (felt vs GRP fibreglass vs EPDM rubber). The underlying structure (rafters, battens) can last the lifetime of the house if kept dry.

When Is It Worth Repairing?

Individual tile replacements and flashings are almost always worth repairing promptly — small roof problems become expensive ones fast when water gets in. For larger areas of damage, get two or three quotes that specify whether partial repair or full replacement is genuinely necessary. A good roofer will give you an honest assessment; be wary of those who only recommend full replacement.

Not sure what to do? Use the free calculator above — answer a few quick questions about your roof and get a personalised repair vs replace verdict in under a minute.

Types of Roofing and Repair Considerations

The most common roofing materials on UK homes are concrete tiles, clay tiles, and natural slate. Concrete tiles are the most affordable to replace (£40–£60 per m²) and are found on the majority of post-war homes. Clay tiles cost more (£60–£100 per m²) but can last over 60 years. Natural slate — particularly Welsh slate — is the most expensive (£80–£150 per m²) but is prized for its durability and appearance, lasting 100 years or more. Flat roofs using felt or EPDM rubber are common on extensions and garages, with repairs typically cheaper but needed more frequently. The type of roofing you have significantly affects both repair costs and how easy it is to find matching materials, especially for older properties.

Signs Your Roof Needs Replacing

Widespread sagging or dipping — visible sag lines along the ridge or between rafters suggest structural timber decay, which goes beyond a simple repair.
Multiple leaks in different areas — a single leak is usually repairable, but leaks appearing in several locations indicate the overall covering has reached end of life.
Crumbling or flaking tiles — if tiles are crumbling when you touch them or large numbers are cracked, the material has deteriorated past the point of patching.
Daylight visible through the roof space — head into the loft on a sunny day; if you can see pinpoints of light, the underlining felt and tiles are both failing.
Moss and plant growth between tiles — while some moss is normal, extensive plant growth lifting tiles indicates long-term moisture ingress and deterioration underneath.

Maintenance Costs and Long-Term Value

A well-maintained roof protects everything beneath it, making regular upkeep one of the most cost-effective things you can do as a homeowner. Budget around £150–£300 every few years for a professional roof inspection and minor repairs such as repointing ridge tiles or replacing cracked slates. Neglecting small issues can quickly lead to water damage inside the property, which is far more expensive to resolve — damp repairs and ceiling replastering can easily cost £1,000 or more. Under UK Building Regulations, any structural roof work must comply with Part A (structural safety) and Part C (damp-proofing). A new roof can also improve your property's EPC rating by incorporating modern insulation, potentially adding value and reducing heating bills by up to £200–£300 per year.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my roof needs repairing or replacing?

A professional roofer's survey is the most reliable way. Signs that repair may be sufficient: isolated missing tiles, small leak from a specific area, localised flashing damage. Signs replacement may be needed: widespread cracked/slipped tiles, sagging roof structure, multiple simultaneous leaks, roof over 50 years old.

How much does roof repair cost in the UK?

Small roof repairs (1–5 tiles, pointing) cost £100–£500. Lead flashing repairs £150–£400. Larger partial repairs £500–£2,000. Full re-roof of an average semi-detached house costs £5,000–£12,000. Always get at least three quotes for significant work.

How long should a roof last?

Clay or concrete tiled pitched roofs last 40–60 years. Welsh slate can last 100+ years. Flat felt roofs last 15–20 years; GRP fibreglass and EPDM rubber flat roofs last 25–30+ years.

My roof is leaking — should I repair it or replace the whole roof?

A single leak almost always means repair, not full replacement. Get a roofer to identify the source — it's often a single cracked tile, loose flashing, or failed valley. Full replacement is only necessary when the overall condition is poor or the structure is compromised.

Repair cost estimates are UK averages sourced from Checkatrade, Which?, and MyBuilder. Prices include labour and VAT. Always get at least two quotes from qualified tradespeople before proceeding with any repair.

Should I Repair or Replace My Roof? Free UK Calculator?