The short answer
Re-tiling or re-felting a roof — re-covering while keeping the existing structure — typically costs £4,000–£10,000 in 2026 for an average house. “Re-felting” today usually means stripping the old covering, fitting a modern breathable membrane and new battens, and re-laying tiles. The price depends on roof size, the covering material, and whether tiles are re-used or renewed. It overlaps heavily with a full re-roof because the work is largely the same.
People use “re-tile”, “re-felt” and “re-roof” loosely, and the terms blur because they describe overlapping work. This guide explains what each means in practice, gives typical 2026 cost ranges, and sets out what is — and is not — included, so a quote is easy to read. All figures are typical illustrations, not quotes.
Re-covering costs at a glance
- Re-felt + re-lay existing tiles £4,000–£7,000
- Re-tile with new concrete tiles £5,000–£9,000
- Re-tile with new clay tiles £6,000–£10,000
- Re-slate with natural slate £8,000–£14,000+
- New breathable membrane + battens included in above
- Scaffolding line item £500–£1,500+
What “re-felting” really means today
Older roofs were laid on bitumen felt under the tiles. When that felt perishes — sagging between rafters, tearing, or letting wind-driven rain through — the roof needs the covering lifted so the felt can be replaced. In modern practice the perished felt is replaced with a breathable membrane, which lets moisture escape while keeping water out, and the battens are renewed at the same time. Because the tiles have to come off to reach the felt, re-felting is rarely a small job — it is effectively a re-cover, which is why its cost sits close to a full re-roof.
Re-tiling: re-use or renew?
Once the covering is off, the decision is whether to re-lay the existing tiles or fit new ones. Re-using sound tiles saves on material but only works if enough survive removal intact — older concrete and clay tiles often crack on the way off, and weathered tiles can look mismatched against any replacements. New tiles cost more but give a uniform finish and reset the lifespan clock. The table below shows typical ranges for each route on an average house roof.
| Work | What it involves | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Re-felt + re-lay tiles | New membrane & battens, existing tiles re-used | £4,000–£7,000 |
| Re-tile (concrete) | New membrane, battens & new concrete tiles | £5,000–£9,000 |
| Re-tile (clay) | New membrane, battens & new clay tiles | £6,000–£10,000 |
| Re-slate (natural) | New membrane, battens & natural slate | £8,000–£14,000+ |
What the price includes
A proper re-cover quote should cover stripping the old covering, new breathable membrane, new treated battens, the tiles or slates, new ridge and hip tiles bedded or dry-fixed, fresh flashing where needed, fixings, scaffolding and waste removal. Where re-covering differs from a full re-roof is mainly in scope of structural work: a re-cover assumes the rafters and trusses are sound. If timber repairs are needed once the roof is open, they are an extra — a good quote flags this as a provisional sum.
When re-covering is the right call
Re-covering makes sense when the structure is sound but the covering and membrane have reached the end of their life — widespread slipped or porous tiles, perished felt, or recurring leaks across the roof rather than in one spot. If the problem is localised, a targeted repair may be all that is needed; our guide on repairing instead of replacing helps you judge. If the timbers are also failing, the job becomes a full re-roof with structural work, covered in our main cost guide.
Compare re-tiling and re-felting quotes
Re-cover quotes vary with material and re-use decisions. Compare itemised quotes from vetted roofing contractors who have inspected your roof.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to re-felt a roof?
Re-felting — replacing the perished felt with a modern breathable membrane and new battens, then re-laying tiles — typically costs £4,000–£7,000 if existing tiles are re-used. Because the tiles must come off to reach the felt, it is effectively a re-cover, which is why the cost is close to a full re-roof. These are typical illustrations, not quotes.
Is re-tiling cheaper than a new roof?
Re-tiling and a full re-roof overlap heavily because the work is largely the same. Re-covering is cheaper only where the roof structure is sound and no timber repairs are needed; if rafters or trusses also need work, the job becomes a full re-roof with the additional structural cost.
Can I re-use my old roof tiles?
Sometimes. Sound, undamaged tiles can be re-laid to save material cost, but many older concrete and clay tiles crack on removal, and weathered tiles can look mismatched against new ones. A roofer will assess how many are likely to survive and whether re-use is worthwhile.
Does re-felting include new insulation?
Not automatically, but if the work replaces more than 25% of a roof slope it can trigger Building Regulations Part L, which may require an insulation upgrade. A CompetentRoofer-registered installer can advise and self-certify the work.
Sources & further reading
- NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) — re-roofing and membrane guidance
- CompetentRoofer — re-roofing self-certification under Building Regulations
- GOV.UK / Building Regulations Approved Document L — insulation standards on major roof renewal
This is general information, not advice for your specific property or roof. Costs vary with your home, roof area, material and chosen contractor. Significant roof work should be carried out by a vetted roofing contractor.