This page explains what the job involves, typical replacement options, what affects the price, and what to ask for in quotes.
Before anything: safety basics
If you suspect asbestos cement sheets:
- Don’t drill, cut, sand, scrape, or break the sheets.
- Don’t pressure-wash an asbestos cement roof.
- Treat the roof as fragile (many asbestos cement roofs cannot bear weight safely).
What counts as “asbestos garage roof” in most homes?
In domestic garages, it’s usually corrugated asbestos cement roofing sheets (a “bonded” asbestos product). This is generally lower risk than friable asbestos materials, but it still needs proper controls when worked on or removed.
Do you need a licensed contractor?
Not all asbestos work needs a licence. HSE explains that higher-risk materials (like sprayed coatings, insulation, lagging, and most work on AIB) usually require a licensed contractor, while many asbestos cement tasks can be non-licensed.
However, some asbestos work is classed as Notifiable Non-Licensed Work (NNLW), and HSE includes maintenance work involving asbestos cement products (eg roof sheeting, tiles and rainwater goods) within its NNLW guidance.
Practical takeaway: when you request quotes, ask for contractors who are competent and trained for asbestos cement work, and who include the correct disposal route and paperwork.
What a proper asbestos roof removal + replacement job includes
A good quote should clearly list what’s included, not just “remove and re-roof”.
Typical job stages
| Stage | What happens | Why it matters |
|---|
- Plan & protect | Restrict access, protect nearby areas | Stops debris spreading
- Controlled removal | Sheets removed carefully, ideally intact | Minimises breakage and dust
- Package & transport | Wrapped/bagged properly for movement | Prevents fibre escape in transit
- Disposal paperwork | Hazardous waste moves with a consignment note | Creates an audit trail
- Clean-down | Safe clean of the area (not dry sweeping) | Reduces residual contamination risk
- Install new roof | New covering + correct fixings/edges | Stops leaks for the long term |
Replacement roof options after asbestos removal
Most homeowners replace asbestos cement garage roofs with one of these:
1) Steel corrugated sheets
A practical, durable option that keeps a similar corrugated look.
Best for: long-term durability, straightforward replacement
Things to ask for: correct fixings/washers, proper overlaps, tidy verge/edge detail
2) Bitumen corrugated sheets
Often the budget-friendly choice and lightweight.
Best for: lower upfront cost
Things to ask for: correct overlaps, strong fixings, edge detailing (wind-driven rain)
3) Other options (depends on structure)
Some garages can be re-roofed in different ways, but it depends on the framing and roof design. If you’re unsure, ask your quote provider to recommend the most suitable option for your garage.
Typical costs (guide only)
Costs of asbestos roof replacement depend on garage size (single/double), access, sheet condition, and whether you’re doing removal only or removal + replacement.
Cost components (budgeting view)
| Item | Typical range (guide) |
|---|---|
| Removal + hazardous disposal (single garage) | £900–£1,500+ |
| Removal + hazardous disposal (double garage) | £1,400–£2,400+ |
| New roof covering installation (varies by material/size) | £700–£2,500+ |
Regional note: London and the South East often come out higher due to labour and overheads.
Regional differences across the UK
Expect pricing differences mainly due to labour and disposal logistics.
| Region | Typical effect vs UK average (guide) |
|---|---|
| London | +15% to +30%+ |
| South East (outside London) | +10% to +20% |
| Major cities | Often higher than surrounding areas |
| Many areas in the North / Wales / parts of Scotland | Often lower than UK average (varies locally) |
Common large-city areas where homeowners frequently compare quotes include: London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow, Liverpool, Bristol, Sheffield, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast.
Common “add-ons” worth considering at the same time
Many garages with asbestos cement roofs also have related issues:
| Add-on | Why it’s worth doing together |
|---|---|
| New gutters / downpipes | Overflow can mimic roof leaks |
| Replacing rotten fascia or timbers | Leaks often damage timber edges |
| Improving verge/edge detailing | Helps prevent wind-driven rain getting underneath |
What to write in your quote request (copy/paste)
- Postcode
- “Corrugated cement garage roof (suspected/confirmed asbestos)”
- Single or double garage (or rough length × width)
- Condition: intact / cracked / broken / leaking / debris present
- Access notes (tight driveway, attached garage, height issues)
- What you want: removal only OR removal + new roof installed
- Preferred replacement: steel / bitumen / “not sure — advise”
FAQs
Is asbestos garage roof removal always urgent?
Not always. If asbestos cement is intact and not being disturbed, it can sometimes be managed. If sheets are damaged, leaking badly, or you’re planning works, removal and replacement may be the best long-term option.
Do I need paperwork for asbestos disposal?
Yes. Hazardous waste movements require a correctly completed consignment note, prepared before the waste is moved.
Can I remove asbestos cement sheets myself?
HSE provides guidance on non-licensed tasks, but it still requires correct controls and safe methods. For most homeowners, using a competent professional is the safest route.
Can I pressure-wash an asbestos cement garage roof before replacement?
No — guidance warns against high-pressure cleaning because it can damage the surface and increase the risk of fibre release.