The roof is the most expensive single renovation on most houses. It is not something done on impulse — but when the roof starts showing its age, there is also nothing more pressing. A leaking roof damages everything beneath it.
Here is an overview of what a new roof costs and what affects the price.
Prices per m² — materials and installation
All prices are indicative and include materials, battens, underlay and installation. They apply to a typical detached house roof of 100–150 m²:
Clay tiles: 1,200–2,000 DKK/m² The classic Danish roof. Clay lasts 60–100 years, is maintenance-free and ages beautifully. It is also the heaviest material, so the structure must be able to bear it. The price rises with profiled tiles and complex roof forms.
Concrete tiles: 800–1,500 DKK/m² Cheaper than clay, lasting 30–50 years. Concrete tiles are heavier than clay and can frost-fracture over time in the Danish climate. Available in a large range of colours and profiles.
Roofing felt (flat roof): 600–1,200 DKK/m² The cheapest material, but also with the shortest lifespan: 20–40 years. Typically used on flat roofs and low-pitch roofs. Quality varies greatly — SBS-modified roofing felt lasts significantly longer than standard.
Steel panels: 700–1,400 DKK/m² Lightweight, quick to install and lasting 40–50 years. Available in many colours and profiles. Noisier in rain than clay and concrete, and can cause condensation in the loft if ventilation is insufficient.
Natural slate: 2,000–3,500 DKK/m² The most expensive and most durable material — 80–150 years. Used primarily on older houses with conservation value or listed status. Beautiful, but requires specialist craftsmanship.
What affects the price?
The material is only part of the calculation. Several factors can shift the price significantly:
Roof complexity. A simple gable roof with two slopes is cheapest. Hipped ends, dormers, chimneys, skylights and internal corners require more work and more specialist solutions. The more penetrations, the more expensive.
Removal of the old roof. Does the old roof need to be removed? Fibre cement panels from before 1988 may contain asbestos and require specialist handling at an additional 150–300 DKK/m².
Underlay. A new underlay (vapour-permeable membrane) beneath the roof tiles is standard at roof replacement and costs 100–250 DKK/m². It is a critical part of the roof structure, protecting against penetrating water and snow.
Insulation. If you are replacing the roof, this is the ideal opportunity to add insulation — it is cheaper to do it while the roof is already open. Extra insulation costs 200–500 DKK/m², but reduces the heating bill for decades.
Gutters and downpipes. New zinc gutters cost 300–600 DKK/running metre. Plastic gutters are cheaper (150–300 DKK/m) but have a shorter lifespan.
Scaffolding. Mandatory for most roof replacements. Scaffolding typically costs 15,000–30,000 DKK for a detached house.
Examples: what does it cost for your house?
For a typical detached house with 130 m² of roof area:
- New clay tile roof including underlay, battens and installation: 180,000–280,000 DKK
- New concrete tile roof: 130,000–220,000 DKK
- New roofing felt (flat roof): 100,000–180,000 DKK
- New steel roof: 120,000–200,000 DKK
Add 15,000–30,000 DKK for scaffolding, 15,000–40,000 DKK for removal of the old roof, and possibly 25,000–65,000 DKK for additional insulation.
Grants and tax deductions
Insulation of the roof during roof replacement can qualify for grants from the energy renovation fund. The roof covering itself is normally not grant-eligible — but the insulation is.
In addition, the tradespeople’s labour costs can be deducted through the BoligJob scheme (the tradespeople deduction). Check the current rules on the Danish Energy Agency’s website.
When is it time for a new roof?
It is not always obvious. But here are the signs:
- Loose or cracked roof tiles — a single tile can be replaced, but when many are damaged, the roof is approaching its lifespan
- Moisture stains on the ceiling — check after rain. Even small patches can indicate leaks that should be repaired. See also leaking roof
- Moss and algae growth — retains moisture against the material and shortens its lifespan
- Roof tiles that are completely bleached — concrete tiles with completely faded colour have typically lost their surface protection
- Condensation or moisture in the roof structure — may indicate insufficient ventilation or an underlay that has failed
- Age — if your roof is more than 40 years old, it should be inspected by a roofer at least every other year
A professional roof inspection costs 1,500–3,000 DKK and gives you a clear picture of the roof’s condition and remaining lifespan.
Choose the material to suit the house
The material should suit the style, age and local plan requirements of the house. A 1930s house with a clay tile roof should typically keep clay. A 1970s type house with fibre cement can switch to concrete tiles or steel. And a flat roof from the 1960s rarely has any choice but roofing felt — unless you change the roof structure.
Always get at least two quotes, and ask for references from similar projects. A roof should last for decades — it is not the place to compromise on quality.
If you have already noticed signs of leaks, you can read more in our guide to leaking roofs. And if you are unsure whether the roof can be repaired or needs complete replacement, we have a separate article on when the roof should be replaced.
Avoid the classic mistakes
A roof replacement is a major expense — and mistakes in the process can cost even more:
- Do not skip the underlay. A new underlay costs relatively little extra and protects against condensation and penetrating water for decades.
- Check the rafters. While the roof is open, you should check for rot and fungal decay in rafters and battens. Discovering it after the new roof is laid makes repairs significantly more expensive.
- Ventilate the roof structure correctly. Insufficient ventilation causes condensation, which over time damages both insulation and timber.
Sources: Byggefejlregistret (Byggeskadefonden), V&S Prisdata, Bolius roof guide.