Replacing a garage roof is usually one of the smaller and least expensive roof jobs. One thing that does set garage roofs apart from other type of roof conversions is asbestos.
If your garage was built or it's roof was replaced before the year 2000 then it may contain asbestos and this can change the way the replacement work is done and adds extra costs. In this guide we look at the average cost of replacing a garage roof and what happens if asbestos is found.
In the UK you can expect to pay between £700 and £4,600 to get a garage roof replaced. Most standard jobs are in the range of £750-£3,500.
A cost of roof replacement for a single garage is between £750 and £2,000. A larger double garage is mostly between £1,000 and £3,500 range.
If your roof has asbestos and you need to get it removed too, the overall costs will increase significantly. A full asbestos removal and roof replacement job will cost in the region of £1,800 to £4,800 and the final price depends on factors like the size of the garage, access and the new roof material.
The biggest price differences for a garage roof replacement comes from the size and the material you choose and if asbestos is involved, this is usually the largest extra cost.
| Material | Installed cost (per m²) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Felt | £50 to £100 | The cheapest and most common choice for flat garage roofs |
| EPDM rubber | £80 to £130 | Longer lasting and needs less maintenance than felt |
| GRP fibreglass | £90 to £150 | Strong, seamless finish with a higher upfront cost |
| Tiles or slate | Similar to your main roof costs | Usually used when matching an attached house roof |
| Steel or metal sheets | Varies | Common for detached pitched garages |
Felt
Felt is the most popular material for flat garage roofs as it is cheaper and fairly quick to install. The downside to choosing this material is that it has a shorter life span than other materials. If you plan on being in the property for many years, there are other options that may offer better value.
EPDM rubber
Because it is durable and low maintenance, EPDM has become the preferred material for garage roofs. It is more expensive than felt but many homeowners select it as they do not have to worry about replacing it as quickly.
Fibreglass (GRP)
GRP is one of the most effective options as it makes a smooth waterproof surface with no joins for water to get through. The downside is that it costs more than felt or EPDM.
Tiles or slate
If your garage is attached to your home, and has a pitched roof to match the main property then you will probably be looking at similar prices to a standard pitched roof replacement.
What makes garage roof replacements different from other roof jobs is asbestos.
It was banned in the UK in 1999. So older garages, especially those built before the year 2000, may still have asbestos cement roof sheets.
It is not an offence to have asbestos on your property but it becomes a problem when it is damaged or disturbed without the right safety measures.
If you think your garage roof could contain asbestos, it should be inspected by a qualified person and not taken off by contractors as part of a roofing job.
Asbestos survey
If you are unsure whether your roof contains asbestos, you should hire a professional to get a survey done which will often cost around £325 to get your roof inspected.
Removal and disposal
The standard range of cost is around £800 to £1,500 to remove asbestos from a standard single garage. The price can be less or more depending on access, condition of the sheets and handling of the material.
If the asbestos is damaged or broken, it may have to be removed more carefully and this will add to the overall cost as well.
Full removal and replacement
The cost of removing asbestos and fitting a new garage roof in a normal single garage is expected to range between £1,800 and £4,800. The final cost will depend on the material used for the replacement and the difficulty of the job.
The first step if you suspect asbestos in your garage roof is to get it checked out. If it’s in good condition and left alone it may not need to be removed immediately. Cracks, damage or leaks are signs that it needs inspection.
- The old roof covering is removed first.
- Felt, rubber or other materials are removed to expose the underlying roof deck. If asbestos is present this is dealt with separately by a specialist before regular roofing work begins.
- Next, the roof deck is checked for any problems. If there is decaying or damaged timber underneath, it needs to be replaced before the new roof is installed.
- Depending on the selected material, the new covering is fitted. Felt is bonded to the roof, EPDM is laid as a single sheet of rubber and GRP is applied as a liquid which cures to a waterproof surface.
- The edges and trims finishing is done after the main roofing work. Good detailing at the edges avoids leaks and increases the life of the roof.
There are many factors that can affect the final price for a garage roof replacement.
Size. A single garage will be cheaper than a double garage because of the amount of materials and labour involved.
Material. Felt, EPDM and GRP all vary in price. The difference can be pretty obvious on a smaller roof.
Asbestos. If asbestos has to be removed, this can add over £1,000 to the overall cost.
Access. Some garages are easy to work on while others require additional equipment. If scaffolding is needed it usually adds between £300 and £600.
Location. Labour costs in London and the South East can be more expensive than other parts of the UK.
Most garage roof replacements don't need planning permission if you're replacing the roof like for like.
You may need to check further if the garage is attached to a listed building, is in a conservation area or you're changing the height or structure of the garage. For a simple roof replacement, you probably won't need planning permission.
- Asbestos survey and removal. If your garage is older, it is worth checking for asbestos before getting quotes so there are no surprises later when the replacement work starts.
- Roof deck repairs. Damaged timber underneath the old roof may not be visible until the covering has been removed.
- Scaffolding. Not always needed but it can add to the cost if access is difficult.
Prices shown on this page are a representation of typical UK prices. The final quote depends on the size of your garage, the material you choose for the roof and if there is asbestos involved.
Get an estimate for your garage roof with our calculator. Comparing quotes from local roofing companies can give you a feel for what your project will really cost. You are not obligated to hire a professional after getting quotes.