Having your roof replaced costs an average of €95 per square meter.
A new roof covering costs between €36 and €153 per square meter.
Before deciding to have your roof re-covered, it’s important to understand all the costs involved. In addition to material costs, you should also account for labor and additional expenses.
The following factors influence the total cost of a roof replacement:
-
Type of roof covering
-
Expertise and qualification of the craftsmen
-
Additional costs, such as chimney flashing
A complete roof replacement typically ranges from €36 to €153 per square meter.
If you plan to re-cover your roof, it is often advisable to improve the insulation at the same time.
Are There Any Subsidies?
Yes. If you install new roof insulation along with the roof replacement, you may qualify for low-interest loans and grants from the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW).
Relevant programs include KfW 151, 152, and 430.
Note:
You can also claim your roof renovation expenses on your income tax return under work-related expenses, reducing your overall tax burden.
What Does the Labor Cost?
In addition to materials, you’ll need to factor in craftsman costs.
It’s worth hiring experienced professionals — only skilled experts can deliver a durable, high-quality roof.
Below are the typical costs for roofing work:
Roofer Costs
| Work and Material | Cost |
|---|---|
| Preparation Work | |
| Removal and disposal of old roofing | €6–17/m² |
| Removal and disposal of old battens and counter-battens | €2–4/m² |
| Removing underlay membrane | €2–7/m² |
| Substructure | |
| New underlay membrane | €2–5/m² |
| New roof battens | €4–6/m² |
| Installing vapor barrier | €2–5/m² |
| Roof Covering | |
| Hollow interlocking tiles | €12–20/m² |
| Double interlocking tiles | €12–20/m² |
| Flat tiles | €12–20/m² |
| Beaver-tail tiles | €14–23/m² |
| Concrete roof tiles | €10–16/m² |
| Monk/Nun tiles | €15–24/m² |
| Fiber cement panels | €8–13/m² |
| Slate | €32–52/m² |
| Total | €30–96/m² |
Don’t forget about travel costs, which can range from €10 to €50, depending on the region and distance.
What Does the Material Cost?
The table below provides an overview of material costs for different types of roof coverings.
Roof Covering Costs
| Roof Type | Advantages | Cost per m² |
|---|---|---|
| Double interlocking tiles | Extremely storm- and rain-resistant | €7–17 |
| Clay roof tiles | Wide variety of colors and designs | €8–12 |
| Beaver-tail tiles | Resistant to storms and hail; suitable for steep roofs (≥30°) | €8–29 |
| Concrete roof tiles | Reduce exterior noise | €3–18 |
| Monk/Nun tiles | Suitable for steep roofs (≥40°) | €27–39 |
| Fiber cement panels | Durable and fire-resistant | €19–34 |
| Slate | Very durable and low maintenance | €33–34 |
If the substructure also needs renewal, additional costs apply:
-
New underlay membrane: €1–5/m²
-
Counter-battens: €1–12/m²
-
Vapor barrier: €1–6/m²
Material Costs for the Substructure
| Material | Cost |
|---|---|
| Vapor barrier | €1–6/m² |
| Underlay membrane | €1–5/m² |
| Battens and counter-battens | €1–12/m² |
Most homeowners also choose to install new gutters during roof replacement. (See separate section on gutter installation costs.)
Example Calculation: Roof Replacement
A single-family house with a roof area of 100 m² is to be re-covered completely with concrete roof tiles, including a new substructure.
The total project cost is €2,400.
Example Roof Replacement Cost Breakdown
| Material and Work | Cost |
|---|---|
| Labor Costs | |
| Removal and disposal of old roofing | €600 |
| Removal and disposal of old battens | €200 |
| Removing underlay membrane | €200 |
| Installing new underlay membrane | €200 |
| Installing roof battens | €400 |
| Installing vapor barrier | €200 |
| Material Costs | |
| Underlay membrane | €100 |
| Roof battens | €100 |
| Vapor barrier | €100 |
| Concrete roof tiles | €300 |
| Total | €2,400 |