Roofing Services in Ireland
By law, an employed craftsperson must be paid at least €23.74 an hour.
The Order sets the minimum an employed craftsperson must be paid, not what a contractor charges you.
Workplace Relations Commission, S.I. 620/2024, 1 August 2026
Roofing services in Ireland cover everything from replacing a slipped slate after a winter storm to full re-roofing on a period property. The work is weather-dependent and almost always needs to be seen before it can be priced accurately. A roofer will typically visit, inspect the roof from ground level, from a ladder, or by walking the roof itself, and then send a written quote. Jobs range from small repairs — a cracked tile, a leak around a chimney, a blocked valley — to larger projects such as stripping and re-slating a full roof, fitting new gutters and fascia, or installing flat roof coverings on an extension. Because access, height, and the condition of the existing structure vary so much from house to house, a quote after a visit is the normal way to price this trade in Ireland.
What roofing services costs in Ireland
| Rate | Range | Note | Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statutory minimum, craftsperson pay | €23.74 | Per hour. Category craftsperson, second phase of S.I. 620/2024. | |
| Statutory minimum, general operative (Category A) | €23.03 | Per hour. | |
| Employer PRSI on top of that pay | 11.25% | 11.25% until 30 September 2026, rising to 11.40% from 1 October 2026. Employer PRSI, Class A, national rate for 2026 (Revenue / Department of Social Protection) | |
| VAT on construction services | 13.5% | Reduced VAT rate on construction services, Revenue Commissioners | |
| Contractor charge-out, per tradesperson | €45–€75 | Before VAT. | Estimate |
Source: Workplace Relations Commission, S.I. 620/2024, 1 August 2026. Figures as of 1 August 2026.
The Order sets the minimum an employed craftsperson must be paid, not what a contractor charges you. VAT on construction services is 13.5% and is added on top of the quoted labour and materials.
Rows marked as estimates are aggregate market estimates, not sourced figures.
What moves the price
- The price a roofer quotes depends on several things.
- Volume matters: a single repair is priced differently from re-covering an entire roof, and the number of slates, tiles, or square metres of flat roofing drives the material and labour cost.
- Access is a major factor — a bungalow in a county like Roscommon is easier to reach than a three-storey townhouse in Cork city, and scaffolding, roof ladders, or a cherry picker may be needed.
- Condition also matters: if the battens, felt, or timbers underneath are sound, the job is smaller; if they are rotten or damp, more stripping and replacement is required.
- Materials vary widely — natural slate, concrete tile, fibre cement, copper, zinc, and bituminous flat roof systems all carry different costs.
- The roofer will also consider whether old material needs disposal, whether lead work or flashing needs renewing, and whether the job can be done in one visit or needs staging.
How long roofing services takes
Small repairs — a few slates, a leaking flashing, a blocked gutter — are often done within a week or two of the quote being accepted, weather permitting. Larger re-roofing jobs usually need to be scheduled further out, especially in spring and summer when roofers are busiest. A full re-roof on a typical semi-detached house might take one to three weeks on site, depending on the size, the pitch, and whether scaffolding is required. Flat roof replacements are usually quicker, often two to five days. Realistically, you should expect to wait a few weeks between accepting a quote and the work starting, and longer if the job is big or if the weather turns. Winter storms can push repair waiting times out, as emergency callouts take priority.
What to ask before you hire
- 01Before you accept a quote, ask for it in writing, with a breakdown of labour and materials, so you can compare like with like.
- 02Ask whether the roofer has insurance — public liability and, where they employ people, employer's liability — and request a copy of the certificate.
- 03Ask if they are registered for VAT and whether the quote includes VAT; this affects the final figure.
- 04Ask who will tidy up and remove old slates, tiles, and offcuts, and whether a skip is included.
- 05Ask which professional body they are a member of, and whether they offer any workmanship guarantee.
- 06Ask how long the quote is valid, and whether the price can change if hidden damage is found once the roof is opened up.
- 07Finally, ask for the name of the person who will actually be on the roof and whether subcontractors are used.
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Roofing services questions people ask
How long does a roof repair usually take?
Most minor roof repairs take between one and three hours on site. A slipped slate, a cracked tile, or a small leak around a chimney can often be fixed in a single visit. If the repair reveals damaged battens or felt, it may take longer or need a second visit. Weather can delay the start, especially in wet or windy conditions.
Do I need scaffolding for roof work?
Scaffolding is often needed for anything beyond a simple repair. If the roofer has to strip large areas, replace felt, or work on a steep or high roof, scaffolding is usually required for safety and access. For small repairs, roof ladders and harnesses may be enough. The roofer will assess access during the visit and include scaffolding in the quote if needed.
What is the difference between a repair and a re-roof?
A repair fixes a specific problem, such as a leak or a few broken slates, while keeping the existing roof covering. A re-roof strips off the old covering and replaces it, often along with battens, felt, and sometimes timbers. Repairs are cheaper and quicker, but if the roof is near the end of its life, a re-roof may be more economical in the long run.
Can roofers work in wet or windy weather?
Roofers can work in light rain, but strong winds and heavy rain make roof work unsafe and can damage materials. Most will reschedule if conditions are poor. Flat roofing systems often need dry conditions for adhesives or torch-on membranes. In winter, short daylight hours and storms can push timelines out, so spring and summer are busier for roofing work.
How do I compare roofing quotes?
Compare written quotes that break down labour, materials, scaffolding, and disposal. Check whether VAT is included and whether the price covers all access equipment. Ask about insurance and any workmanship guarantee. A very low quote may exclude scaffolding or waste removal, so read the detail. Ask which professional body the roofer is a member of, and whether they have experience with your type of roof.
What happens if more damage is found once work starts?
If hidden damage is found — such as rotten timbers or failed felt — the roofer should stop and explain what needs to be done. You should agree any extra cost in writing before work continues. A good quote will state how variations are handled. Ask about this before work begins so there are no surprises. Posting a task on ShamFix costs nothing today.
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