Roof Renovation in Luxembourg: Costs & 2026 Aid

Why renovate your pitched roof in Luxembourg?

Luxembourg's temperate oceanic climate, with cold and wet winters, puts roofs under severe strain. A poorly maintained pitched roof can lead to leaks, significant energy loss, and deterioration of the roof structure. Renovating your roof is not just about aesthetics: it is an investment in your home's energy performance and its asset value.

Since January 2026, the Klimabonus Wunnen programme has replaced PRIMe House. This new scheme, managed by Klima-Agence and Guichet.lu, offers substantial aid for energy renovation, particularly for roof insulation. Luxembourg homeowners can thus benefit from support of up to 50% of the cost of works, capped at 15,000 EUR for insulation.

This article guides you through the key steps of a pitched roof renovation in Luxembourg, from initial diagnosis to financing, including technical aspects and detailed budgets.

Preliminary steps: diagnosis and permits

Before any intervention, a full roof diagnosis is essential. A professional roofer will examine the condition of the roof structure, battens, underlay, and covering. They will also check for the possible presence of asbestos in old materials, particularly fibre-cement slates installed before 1990.

In Luxembourg, some roof works require a planning permit. If you modify the external appearance of the building (change of material, modification of pitch, addition of dormers), you must submit an application to the local commune. For listed buildings or those in protected areas, the opinion of the Commission des Sites et Monuments Nationaux is required.

• Structural diagnosis: check the roof structure, joints, and any sagging.
• Energy diagnosis: assess existing insulation and heat loss.
• Asbestos diagnosis: mandatory before removal if the building dates from before 1990.
• Communal permit: required if modifying the external appearance.
• Comparative quotes: at least three quotes from local craftsmen to assess the market.

For projects subject to authorisation, the processing time can vary from 4 to 8 weeks. It is therefore advisable to submit the file early, ideally in spring for summer works.

Roofing works: removal and structure

The first phase of works consists of removing the old covering. This step is delicate and must be carried out by equipped professionals (harnesses, compliant scaffolding). The removed materials are sorted and sent to approved recycling channels in Luxembourg.

Next, the roofer examines the roof structure. If it is sound, a simple fungicide and insecticide treatment may suffice. Otherwise, replacement of certain timber pieces (rafters, purlins, ridge beams) is necessary. The cost of partial roof structure replacement varies from 50 to 120 EUR per m2.

The next step is the installation of an underlay (rain and wind barrier), which protects the insulation and roof structure from leaks. This underlay is mandatory according to Luxembourg building standards (CRTI-B).

Roof insulation: sarking or attic?

Insulation is the heart of energy performance. In Luxembourg, two main techniques are used:

• Sarking insulation: rigid insulation boards installed from the outside, on the rafters, before the covering. This method is ideal for pitched roofs and allows achieving R >= 6. Cost: 80 to 150 EUR/m2.
• Attic insulation: installation of roll or loose insulation between and over the joists. Suitable for unused attics, it requires R >= 7 to qualify for aid. Cost: 30 to 70 EUR/m2.

The choice depends on your roof configuration and your project. Sarking is more efficient but more expensive. However, it allows keeping the roof structure exposed inside and avoiding thermal bridges.

To benefit from the Klimabonus Wunnen 2026, insulation must be carried out by a qualified professional and meet the thermal resistance thresholds. The aid covers up to 50% of the cost, with a cap of 15,000 EUR.

Choosing roofing materials

Luxembourg offers a variety of roofing materials, each with its advantages and cost:

The choice must take into account the architectural style of your house, the roof pitch, and your budget. Note that some materials, such as slate, are subject to urban planning rules in certain communes.

Detailed budget for a pitched roof renovation

The budget for a pitched roof renovation in Luxembourg depends on several factors: surface area, condition of the roof structure, chosen materials, insulation, and labour. Here is an estimate for a typical 100 m2 project:

• Removal and disposal: 15 to 25 EUR/m2, i.e., 1,500 to 2,500 EUR.
• Roof structure repair: 50 to 120 EUR/m2, i.e., 5,000 to 12,000 EUR (if necessary).
• Underlay: 10 to 20 EUR/m2, i.e., 1,000 to 2,000 EUR.
• Sarking insulation: 80 to 150 EUR/m2, i.e., 8,000 to 15,000 EUR.
• Covering (tiles or slate): 60 to 200 EUR/m2, i.e., 6,000 to 20,000 EUR.
• Zinc work and rainwater drainage: 2,000 to 4,000 EUR.

The total cost before aid is between 20,000 and 35,000 EUR for 100 m2. With the Klimabonus Wunnen 2026, insulation can be subsidised up to 50%, i.e., potential savings of 4,000 to 7,500 EUR. The super-reduced VAT of 3% also applies to labour and materials for homes older than 2 years.

It is important to note that these amounts are estimates and may vary depending on the companies and the complexity of the project. A personalised quote remains essential.

Financial aid: Klimabonus Wunnen 2026

Since January 2026, the Klimabonus Wunnen programme replaces PRIMe House. It is managed by Klima-Agence and Guichet.lu. Here are the main aids available for roofing:

• Roof insulation: up to 50% of cost, capped at 15,000 EUR (R >= 6 for sarking, R >= 7 for attics).
• Photovoltaic panels: up to 10,000 EUR (about 8,300 EUR for 10 kWp, maximum reached from 15 kWp).
• Home battery: up to 2,250 EUR.
• Roof windows: 70 EUR per m2 of glazing replaced.

To benefit from these aids, the works must be carried out by approved companies and meet technical requirements. The application is made online via the Guichet.lu portal or with Klima-Agence. It is advisable to submit the application before the start of works.

The super-reduced VAT of 3% applies to renovation works on homes older than 2 years. This measure concerns both labour and materials. To benefit, the company must be registered in Luxembourg and the works must be invoiced separately.

Key steps and typical schedule

A pitched roof renovation project generally spans 2 to 4 months, depending on complexity and permits. Here is a typical schedule:

• Month 1: diagnosis, request for quotes, check aid, submit permit if necessary.
• Month 2: obtain permits, sign quotes, schedule works.
• Month 3: removal, roof structure, insulation, covering, zinc work.
• Month 4: finishing, cleaning, acceptance of works, subsidy application.

It is recommended to allow a safety margin for unforeseen events (bad weather, discoveries during removal). A good craftsman will keep you informed of progress and any adjustments.

Mistakes to avoid and best practices

To ensure your project's success, avoid these common mistakes:

• Neglecting insulation: this is the ideal opportunity to improve energy performance. Don't just replace the covering.
• Choosing only the cheapest quote: the quality of labour and materials is paramount for durability.
• Forgetting the aid: the Klimabonus Wunnen can significantly reduce your bill. Find out before you start.
• Not checking insurance: ensure the craftsman has liability and ten-year insurance.
• Ignoring urban planning rules: unauthorised modification can lead to penalties.

Finally, consider integrating complementary equipment such as roof windows, solar panels, or suitable ventilation. These elements can also benefit from Klimabonus Wunnen aid.