Asphalt Roofing Installation in St Albans (114)

Asphalt roofing is very popular and can be seen on roofs throughout the UK. Asphalt or bitumen as it's often called, is a great material to use to cover your roof as it’s easy to install and can last years with proper care. This roofing material comes in tiles and can be applied to any type and style of roof.

Can asphalt be used on flat roofs?

Yes, asphalt roofing doesn’t just come in the form of tiles. It can be applied to a flat roof in liquid form. Two coats are usually used to cover and seal the roof. Often white chips are also added to reduce the effect of the sun on the roof which could cause the asphalt to soften.

How long does an asphalt roof last?

Although asphalt doesn't last as long as other roofing materials, it can still last up to 20 years. However, you may need to make repairs as asphalt can become damaged easily.

If you’re considering using asphalt to cover your roof, you’re probably wondering what its advantages are. Well, you can look forward to:

• Low cost - Asphalt is a very affordable roofing material, especially compared to slate roofing.

• Custom appearance - Asphalt is available in a range of colours, styles and shapes allowing you to customise your roof to suit your taste.

• Easy repairs - Luckily, asphalt is easy to repair or replace following any type of damage.

• Great performance - Asphalt is waterproof and fireproof, protecting your home.

What are the disadvantages of an asphalt roof?

As with any roofing material, asphalt has its disadvantages. Some of the main drawbacks to using asphalt include:

• Durability - Asphalt can become damaged by bad weather. Wind can tear asphalt from your roof and cold weather can cause the tiles to crack or even shatter.

• Lifespan - The lifespan of asphalt is generally shorter than other roofing materials like slate or metal.

• Leaks - If asphalt becomes torn or cracked, this can lead to leaks in your roof.

If you’re unsure whether asphalt is the right choice for your roof, it's worth considering other roofing materials. You can choose from any of the following options:

• Metal

• Slate

• Concrete

• Clay

• Thatched roofing

• EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)

Find out more in our roof installation cost guide.

Asphalt is a great option for anyone with little cash to spare as it lasts up to 20 years and keeps your home dry. When planning your budget for asphalt tiles it’s important to consider a few factors that impact the cost. These include:

• Roof size - It’s more expensive to cover a large roof with asphalt as you’ll need more materials and longer labour times.

• Roof condition - Roofs that are in poor condition often require extra work to bring them up to scratch, this is an additional cost to consider.

• Location - Depending on where you live in the UK, labour costs can vary.

• Type of asphalt - The colour, style and quality of asphalt you choose will impact the price you pay.

• Shape of roof - Different shapes and styles of roof affect the average asphalt roof installation cost.

• Ease of access - If your roof is difficult to access, this will increase labour times and push up the price.

Asphalt roof installation cost

Covering your roof with asphalt tiles will cost upwards of £40 per square metre. For comparison, slate tiles will cost upwards of £70 per square metre. For more prices and advice, check out our roof shingling cost guide.

Asphalt tile installation can be a risky and difficult project. You’ll need to be comfortable working at height and ensure you stay safe during your project. To save yourself a lot of headaches, we’d recommend hiring a professional for this job.

If you’re wondering how to install asphalt tiles on a roof, we’ve summarised the process below:

1. Measure your roof carefully and order your asphalt tiles.

2. Remove the existing tiles from your roof and clean the surface.

3. Fit underlay and flashing.

4. Use chalk to create a guide for where your asphalt tiles will sit.

5. Trim and start laying your tiles.

6. Nail them in place and use asphalt cement to seal the edges.

7. Continue until you have covered your entire roof.

Asphalt tile removal isn’t too complex and you can save yourself the cost of hiring an asphalt roof contractor. If you’re planning to have a new asphalt roof installed, use the below steps to remove your old asphalt tiles:

1. Make sure to wear shoes that have good grip so you stay safe while working on your roof.

2. Starting at the top of the roof, use a shovel to start lifting the tiles away from the surface

3. Work down the roof, removing the asphalt tiles row by row.

4. Check the condition of your flashing before deciding whether to replace it or reuse it.

5. Remove any remaining nails.

6. You can then remove any flashing on your roof if necessary.

Want to speak to asphalt roofers in St Albans?

Looking for asphalt roofing contractors in St Albans? You’ve come to the right place. We can help you to find asphalt tile roofers in no time at all. Our members are also recommended by your neighbours and pass 12 checks so you know you’re hiring someone trustworthy and experienced.

There are two ways we can assist you with finding an asphalt roofing company in your area. Firstly, you can try our free search. Using just your postcode, we’ll show you a variety of asphalt roofers in St Albans.

Alternatively, our request a quote feature is a great option. Just fill in our online form and we’ll pass your details to three asphalt roofing contractors in St Albans. You can then get on with your day while they put together a quote for your project.