What does a bitumen roof cost in 2026? Repair, overlay or replace

What does a bitumen roof cost? According to the Dutch review platform Werkspot, you pay on average €50 to €90 per m² for bitumen roofing. A new layer over the existing roof (overlaying) usually costs €45 to €70 per m², and removing the old roof and building it up again €60 to €90 per m². If only a seam or corner is damaged, a repair is often enough.

In this article you can read what a bitumen roof costs in 2026 per m² and in total, which extra costs may come on top and how to choose between repairing, overlaying and replacing. You can also read how long bitumen lasts, in what weather no work is done, how EPDM compares with bitumen and how Klusbedrijf MSZ charges for roofing work on bitumen roofs.

What does a bitumen roof cost per m²?

On average €50 to €90 per m², with outliers from €30 to €110 per m². Those are the amounts Werkspot gives (updated 21 August 2026).

• Overlaying (new layer over the existing roof): usually €45 to €70 per m².
• Removing the old roof and building it up again: usually €60 to €90 per m².
• The bitumen itself (APP or SBS): €50 to €55 per m².
• Removing and disposing of old roofing felt: €10 to €20 per m².
• Adding roof insulation: €25 to €40 per m².

According to Werkspot, larger roofs often have a lower price per m². For a small extension or garage, the price per m² therefore usually works out higher than for a large flat roof.

What does replacing a bitumen roof cost in total?

Werkspot reckons on €2,500 to €3,000 for a 50 m² roof and €5,000 to €6,000 for 100 m². Extra costs may come on top, depending on your roof.

• Roof edge finishing: €10 to €15 per metre.
• New rainwater outlet: €100 to €250 each.
• Scaffolding or cherry picker: €100 to €150 per day.
• Roofer’s hourly rate: €45 to €55 per hour.

What also determines the price: the type of bitumen, the surface area, roof windows, corners and other obstacles, how easy the roof is to reach and the condition of the current roof. According to Werkspot, prices can also be lower outside busy periods.

What does a repair to a bitumen roof cost?

A repair is usually much cheaper than a new roof, because only the damaged part is repaired. For repairing a flat roof, Werkspot gives €225 to €285 per m², including VAT.

With a small repair, such as a loose seam or a crack around a roof penetration, in practice you mainly pay for the time the work takes. That is why it is smart to send a photo beforehand, so that the professional can estimate how much work it is.

Repair, overlay or replace: which do you choose?

That depends on the age and condition of the roof. If the problem is local, a repair is enough. If the roof is worn in many places, overlaying or replacing is better.

Repairing

Choose a repair if the roof is not yet old and the problem is in one place: a loose seam, a blister, a small crack at the roof edge or around a roof penetration. The rest of the roofing must then still be in good condition.

Overlaying

With overlaying, a new layer of bitumen goes over the existing roof. That is cheaper than replacing everything, because the old roofing felt does not have to be removed and disposed of. Do have a professional check first whether the old layer is still firmly attached and whether there is no moisture underneath, because you do not want to trap that in.

Replacing

Replacing is the best choice if the roof is at the end of its life, leaks in several places, the insulation is wet or you want to insulate the roof at the same time. According to Werkspot, adding insulation costs €25 to €40 per m² extra.

How to assess the condition of your roof

Look from a safe spot, for example from an upstairs window, and do not go onto the roof yourself in wet weather or wind. Watch out for:

• puddles that are still there after a dry day;
• blisters, cracks or loose seams in the roofing;
• moss or plants on the roof and around the outlet;
• loose roof edges;
• damp patches on the ceiling below.

You can read how to recognise a leaking roof from the inside in our article on recognising a roof leak.

How long does a bitumen roof last?

With good maintenance, often 20 to 30 years, Werkspot writes. If your roof is already that old and you see more and more defects, replacing it is often better value in the long run than repairing it again and again.

There are two commonly used types of bitumen. According to Werkspot, APP is more resistant to UV radiation and high temperatures. SBS is more elastic and performs better at low temperatures. Which type suits best depends on your roof.

Good maintenance extends the lifespan. Keep the roof outlet and the gutter free of leaves, so that no water stays on the roof. Also read our article on cleaning the gutter in autumn.

Can a bitumen roof be laid in any weather?

No. Bitumen is often applied with a torch, and according to the Dutch comparison site Homedeal, torching is never done in rain, fog or strong wind, and never on a wet roof. Those conditions increase the risk of poor adhesion.

So plan replacing or overlaying in consultation, with room to reschedule if the weather turns. If you already have a leak now, a temporary solution can limit the damage until the weather allows.

Working with an open flame on a roof brings a fire risk. Homedeal itself calls torching harder than many people think: a small mistake can lead to leaks or even fire damage. So leave this to a professional.

Is EPDM an alternative to a bitumen roof?

Yes, EPDM is a rubber roofing for flat roofs and is often compared with bitumen. It costs more to buy, but lasts longer.

According to Homedeal (June 2026), bitumen costs on average €50 to €90 per m² and lasts 20 to 30 years. EPDM costs €70 to €110 per m² and lasts 40 to 50 years. EPDM stays supple with large temperature differences and is resistant to UV radiation.

Klusbedrijf MSZ works on flat roofs with bitumen. If you are in doubt between bitumen and EPDM, get in touch, and we will discuss what we can do for you.

Can I repair a bitumen roof myself?

You can do small maintenance jobs yourself, but leave torching and repairing seams to a professional. Safety comes first: never go up on the roof in wind or rain or when the roof is slippery.

• Yourself: removing leaves and dirt from the roof outlet and the gutter, as far as you can reach them safely, and checking the roof regularly.
• Professional: repairing seams, blisters and cracks, refinishing roof penetrations and roof edges, overlaying and replacing.

After a storm, there may also be damage to other parts of the roof. Read what to do then in our article on roof tiles displaced after a storm.

What does a bitumen roof cost at Klusbedrijf MSZ?

Klusbedrijf MSZ works on an hourly basis and has no fixed price per m² or per package. For a repair, you pay for the time the work takes. For overlaying or replacing, we first make an estimate based on your roof.

Send a few photos of the roof and, if you have them, the dimensions via WhatsApp. Then we will give you a free remote estimate. If you live in Lelystad, also have a look at roofing in Lelystad.

When should you call a professional?

• Water comes in when it rains, or damp patches appear on the ceiling.
• You see blisters, cracks or loose seams in the roofing.
• Water is still standing on the roof after a dry day.
• The roof edge or a roof penetration is loose.
• The roof is 20 years old or more and you want to know whether repairing it still makes sense.

Frequently asked questions

What does a bitumen roof cost per m²?

According to Werkspot, on average €50 to €90 per m². Overlaying usually costs €45 to €70 per m², and removing the old roof and building it up again €60 to €90 per m².

What does a 50 m² bitumen roof cost?

Werkspot reckons on €2,500 to €3,000 for 50 m². Extra work, such as insulation, a new roof edge or scaffolding, comes on top of that.

Is overlaying cheaper than replacing?

Yes, because the old roofing felt stays in place. Overlaying is only possible if the old layer is still firmly attached and there is no moisture underneath. Have a professional check that first.

How long does a bitumen roof last?

With good maintenance, often 20 to 30 years. Keep the roof outlet clear and have small damage repaired in good time, and you will get the most out of your roof.

Which is cheaper: bitumen or EPDM?

Bitumen is cheaper to buy: according to Homedeal €50 to €90 per m², against €70 to €110 for EPDM. EPDM does last longer, though: 40 to 50 years against 20 to 30 years for bitumen.

Can a bitumen roof be laid in the rain?

No. Torching is not done in rain, fog or strong wind, and not on a wet roof, because the adhesion then becomes poor. With an acute leak, a temporary solution can help until it is dry.

Having a bitumen roof repaired or replaced in Almere?

The answer to the question of what a bitumen roof costs depends, in your case, on the surface area, the condition of the roof and the choice between repairing, overlaying or replacing. Klusbedrijf MSZ is a family business from Almere and available 24/7. On our page about roofing you can read what we do with roof tiles, bitumen and gutters.

The first hour on site costs €181.44 incl. VAT (€149.95 excl. VAT) and is the minimum per visit. After that you pay €108.84 incl. VAT (€89.95 excl. VAT) per hour. In Almere we charge no call-out charge, and elsewhere in our service area one fixed amount of €42.35 incl. VAT (€35 excl. VAT). For evenings, nights or weekends we agree the rate on the phone in advance. See our prices or ask for a free quote. Call or WhatsApp 06 19 74 36 78 and feel free to send a WhatsApp photo of your roof.