How Much Does It Cost to Replace an Asbestos Garage Roof

Updated 06/10/2025

Picture this: You’ve just bought a charming 1970s house, complete with a detached garage. The garage roof, a familiar sight of corrugated grey panels, has seen better days. A recent survey confirms your suspicion: it’s asbestos. Suddenly, a cloud of questions descends. How much will this cost? Is it safe? What are the rule? You’re not alone. Thousands of UK homeowners face this exact dilemma every year.

The good news is that replacing an asbestos garage roof is a manageable project, but it’s one where cutting corners can have serious consequences for your health and wallet. This guide will walk you through every aspect of the process, from understanding the real costs and navigating the latest regulations to choosing the right replacement materials and finding a contractor you can trust.

Quick Cost Overview: What You’ll Actually Pay

Let’s get straight to the point. For most UK homeowners, the total cost to replace an asbestos garage roof in will fall between £2,000 and £5,000. This price can be broken down into four key components:

Cost Component	Single Garage (15-20m²)	Double Garage (30-40m²)
Asbestos Survey	£200 – £400	£300 – £500
Professional Removal	£600 – £1,200	£1,000 – £2,000
Disposal (ADR)	£150 – £400	£250 – £600
Replacement Roof	£1,000 – £2,500	£1,500 – £4,000
Total Estimated Cost	£1,950 – £4,500	£3,050 – £7,100

These figures are a solid baseline, but several factors can influence the final price. Your location, the complexity of the job (such as difficult access or a steeply pitched roof), and your choice of replacement materials will all play a role. For example, expect to pay 15-20% more in London and the South East, while costs may be slightly lower in the North of England and Wales.

The Cost Breakdown: Every Penny Explained

Understanding where your money goes is crucial. Here’s a detailed look at each cost component:

Asbestos Survey Costs: The Essential First Step

Before any work begins, you need to know exactly what you’re dealing with. A professional asbestos survey is not optional; it’s a legal requirement. There are two main types:

• Management Survey (£200-£300): This survey identifies the presence and condition of any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that could be disturbed during normal occupancy. It’s suitable if you’re not planning immediate work.
• Refurbishment/Demolition Survey (£300-£500): This is the survey you need before replacing your garage roof. It’s more intrusive and is designed to locate all asbestos in the area so it can be safely removed. For more information on when a survey is needed, see our guide on asbestos surveys.

A qualified surveyor will take samples for laboratory analysis and provide a detailed report. This report is the essential document that any reputable removal contractor will need to see.

Professional Removal Costs: Size and Complexity Matter

This is where the bulk of the cost lies. The price for professional removal depends on the size of your garage, ease of access, and the condition of the asbestos. A standard single garage roof (around 15-20m²) will typically cost between £600 and £1,200 to remove, while a double garage (30-40m²) will be in the range of £1,000 to £2,000. A professional and safe removal process is non-negotiable.

Disposal Costs & Game-Changer: ADR

Here’s a critical update that many online guides have missed. As of January 1, 2025, new regulations for the transport of asbestos waste (ADR) are in full effect. The key change for homeowners is Special Provision 678, which mandates that asbestos waste must be transported directly from the site of removal to a licensed disposal facility. There can be no intermediate stops, and the waste cannot be mixed with other materials. This has a direct impact on disposal costs, which now range from £150 to £400 for a single garage, depending on your proximity to a licensed facility. Always ensure your contractor provides you with a waste consignment note to prove legal disposal.

Replacement Material Costs: Choosing Your New Roof

This is where you have the most control over the final cost. Your choice of replacement material will depend on your budget, aesthetic preferences, and how you use your garage.

Material	Cost/m²	Lifespan	Pros	Cons
Felt	£50 – £80	15-20 years	Affordable, easy to install	Short lifespan, prone to damage
EPDM Rubber	£80 – £120	40-50 years	Very durable, long lifespan	Can be punctured, requires flat roof
Steel Sheets	£40 – £90	30-40 years	Durable, good value, fire-resistant	Noisy in rain, potential condensation
GRP Fibreglass	£90 – £125	25-30 years	Seamless, waterproof, can be walked on	Expensive, requires dry installation weather
Fibre Cement	£60 – £90	30+ years	Similar look to asbestos, fire-resistant	Heavier, requires good support structure

How to Identify a Potential Asbestos Garage Roof

While only a lab test can confirm the presence of asbestos, there are some visual clues that suggest your garage roof may contain it:

• Age: If your garage was built or the roof was replaced before the year 2000, there’s a high chance it contains asbestos.
• Appearance: Look for grey, corrugated sheets with a dimpled or textured surface.
• Texture: Asbestos cement feels hard and brittle. It won’t flex like modern plastic or metal sheets.

If you suspect your garage roof contains asbestos, the safest and most reliable way to confirm is with a professional asbestos identification survey.

The Professional Removal Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Knowing what to expect can demystify the process. A professional removal follows a strict set of procedures to ensure safety:

1. Site Setup & Containment: The area is sealed off with warning signs and barriers.
2. PPE & Preparation: The removal team wears full personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators and disposable coveralls.
3. Wetting Down: The asbestos sheets are thoroughly wetted to prevent fibres from becoming airborne.
4. Careful Removal: Sheets are removed intact, never broken or smashed.
5. Double-Bagging: All asbestos waste is sealed in clearly labelled, heavy-duty bags.
6. Decontamination: The area is cleaned with a special vacuum cleaner, and the team undergoes a full decontamination process.
7. Certification: You receive a certificate of reoccupation and a waste consignment note, proving the job was done safely and the waste was disposed of legally.

Legal Requirements & The Dangers of DIY

While it’s technically legal for a homeowner to remove asbestos cement from their own property, it is an extremely bad idea. The health risks are significant, and the legal requirements for disposal under ADR 2025 are complex and expensive for an individual to meet. A failed DIY attempt can lead to costly professional decontamination and serious legal trouble. For your safety and peace of mind, always hire a licensed professional.

How to Choose a Reputable Contractor & Avoid Cowboys

Your choice of contractor is the most important decision you’ll make. Here are some red flags to watch out for:

• Cash-only deals: This is a major red flag for a contractor who is likely uninsured and operating outside the law.
• No insurance or license: Always ask for proof of their license and insurance.
• Pressure tactics: A reputable contractor will give you time to make a decision.
• Vague quotes: A professional quote will be detailed and transparent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I get a grant to help with the cost?

A: Some local councils offer financial assistance for asbestos removal, but these grants are rare and often means-tested. It’s always worth checking with your local authority’s environmental health department.

Q: Is my home insurance likely to cover the cost?

A: Standard home insurance policies typically do not cover the cost of asbestos removal, as it’s considered a maintenance issue. However, if the roof was damaged in a storm, you may be covered.

Q: What is the best material to replace an asbestos garage roof?

A: This depends on your budget and needs. EPDM rubber offers the best lifespan, while steel sheets provide a good balance of durability and cost. Our comparison table above can help you decide.

Conclusion

Replacing an asbestos garage roof is a significant undertaking, but with the right information and a professional team, it can be a smooth and safe process. By understanding the true costs, the latest regulations, and how to choose a reputable contractor, you can protect your family’s health and your property’s value. If you’re ready to take the next step, our team at FireRisk.io can provide a comprehensive asbestos survey to get you started. Contact us today for a free consultation.