Older garages across the UK often have corrugated cement roof sheets that contain asbestos. They were widely installed because asbestos cement was strong, weather resistant and relatively inexpensive. However, asbestos use was eventually banned in the UK, and many of these garage roofs are now several decades old.
If an asbestos garage roof remains intact and undisturbed, it does not always need immediate removal. Nevertheless, cracked sheets, leaks, deterioration or plans to renovate the garage may make removal the sensible option.
Removing an asbestos garage roof needs more care than stripping an ordinary felt, metal or tiled roof. Contractors must control asbestos fibres, avoid unnecessary breakage and dispose of the sheets through an appropriate waste route.
As a broad UK guide, removing an asbestos cement roof from a single garage may cost around £400 to £900, while a double garage may cost around £750 to £1,400. However, total costs rise when the project also includes a new replacement roof. A complete asbestos garage roof removal and replacement can therefore run from around £1,750 to £4,500 for a single garage and potentially £3,500 to £7,000 or more for a larger double garage, depending on the new roofing system.
This guide explains how asbestos garage roof removal works, what affects the cost and which materials homeowners can use for the replacement roof.
Why do so many UK garages have asbestos roofs?
Asbestos cement was widely used in British construction during much of the twentieth century.
Manufacturers combined cement with asbestos fibres to create rigid sheets that were:
- relatively cheap
- strong
- weather resistant
- fire resistant
- lightweight compared with some alternatives
- easy to manufacture in corrugated profiles
These characteristics made asbestos cement particularly popular for garages, sheds, workshops, barns and other outbuildings.
Many garages built between the 1950s and 1980s still have their original roofing sheets today.
Asbestos was completely banned in the UK in 1999. Therefore, a corrugated cement garage roof installed before that date may contain asbestos.
How can I tell if my garage roof contains asbestos?
You cannot reliably identify asbestos simply by looking at it.
Older asbestos cement sheets often appear:
- grey
- corrugated
- weathered
- covered with lichen or moss
- similar to modern fibre-cement roofing sheets
However, modern asbestos-free cement sheets can look very similar.
If there is uncertainty, asbestos sampling and laboratory analysis can confirm whether the material contains asbestos.
This may be worthwhile before arranging demolition or roof replacement because the result affects:
- how contractors handle the roof
- disposal requirements
- the quotations you receive
- which contractors are willing to carry out the work
Avoid drilling, snapping or cutting a suspected sheet simply to inspect it.
Is an asbestos garage roof dangerous?
Asbestos presents the greatest health risk when fibres become airborne and people breathe them in.
In asbestos cement products, the asbestos fibres are strongly bonded into the cement. Therefore, intact asbestos cement generally presents a lower fibre-release risk than more friable asbestos materials such as insulation board, sprayed coatings or pipe insulation.
However, the risk rises when asbestos cement is:
- broken
- drilled
- cut
- sanded
- ground
- smashed
- heavily weathered
- handled carelessly
This is why removal methods aim to take sheets down as complete pieces rather than breaking them into smaller sections.
Does an asbestos garage roof have to be removed?
No.
An asbestos cement roof that remains in good condition can sometimes remain in place.
Removal may become more sensible when:
- sheets have cracked
- the roof leaks repeatedly
- fixings have failed
- sheets have become badly weathered
- sections have broken
- you plan to demolish the garage
- you want to convert or refurbish the garage
- you want a modern insulated roof
- selling or renovating the property makes replacement desirable
The condition of the material matters more than its age alone.
Does asbestos garage roof removal need a licensed asbestos contractor?
This is an area that causes a lot of confusion.
Work involving asbestos cement does not automatically require an HSE asbestos licence. Because the fibres are firmly bound within the cement, removal of intact sheets can often fall within non-licensed asbestos work.
However, that does not mean anyone should simply start dismantling the roof.
The contractor still needs to:
- assess the asbestos risk
- use appropriate working methods
- prevent unnecessary fibre release
- use suitable protective equipment
- avoid breaking the sheets
- control waste correctly
- comply with relevant asbestos regulations
If the material is badly damaged or the work is likely to create significantly more fibre release, additional requirements may apply.
Furthermore, a garage roof can contain materials other than asbestos cement. If asbestos insulating board or another higher-risk product is present, the requirements can be very different.
For homeowners, using an experienced asbestos removal contractor is usually the simplest approach.
Why garage asbestos roofs are also a fall risk
There is another important risk that has nothing to do with asbestos fibres.
Old cement roof sheets can be extremely fragile.
They may appear solid but fail suddenly under a person’s weight. Rooflights can also become difficult to distinguish from surrounding sheets as they age.
Therefore, nobody should treat an old corrugated garage roof as a safe walking surface.
Professional contractors plan the removal so workers do not rely on the sheets to support their weight.
How asbestos garage roof removal works
The exact method depends on the garage, but a typical professional job follows several stages.
1. The roof is inspected
The contractor checks:
- roof size
- sheet condition
- access
- roof height
- surrounding buildings
- fixing type
- waste route
- whether the garage remains structurally sound
They may also recommend testing where nobody has positively identified the material.
2. The work area is prepared
The contractor controls access around the garage and prepares appropriate equipment.
This reduces the chance of other people entering the work area while the sheets come down.
3. Sheets are dampened where appropriate
Keeping asbestos cement damp can help reduce dust.
The aim is not to soak the entire structure but to avoid dry, dusty disturbance.
4. Fixings are carefully released
Rather than cutting through sheets with power tools, the contractor aims to remove fixings and release each panel with minimum damage.
5. Sheets come down intact
Where practical, workers remove whole sheets instead of snapping them.
This is one of the most important parts of safe asbestos cement removal.
6. Waste is wrapped and labelled
Large intact asbestos cement sheets are normally wrapped securely rather than broken into ordinary rubbish bags.
Damaged pieces, disposable protective equipment and contaminated cleaning materials also become asbestos waste.
7. The material goes to an appropriate waste facility
Asbestos waste cannot simply go into a normal domestic skip.
The contractor needs to use an authorised waste route.
8. The garage is prepared for its new roof
Once the sheets have gone, the roofer can inspect the remaining structure and prepare it for the replacement covering.
How long does asbestos garage roof removal take?
A straightforward single garage roof can often be removed within half a day to one working day.
A double garage may take around one day, although the project can take longer when:
- access is awkward
- sheets are badly damaged
- the garage structure needs repairs
- additional asbestos materials are present
- the new roof is installed immediately afterwards
A complete removal and reroofing project may therefore take several days even when the asbestos removal itself is relatively quick.
Typical asbestos garage roof removal costs
Current UK guide prices vary considerably because roof size and access make a major difference.
| Work | Typical Guide Cost |
|---|---|
| Asbestos testing/sample | £50–£150+ |
| Single garage asbestos roof removal | £400–£900 |
| Double garage asbestos roof removal | £750–£1,400 |
| Larger asbestos roof removal | £1,000–£3,000+ |
| General asbestos roof removal project | £950–£3,750+ |
| Single garage removal plus replacement roof | £1,750–£4,500+ |
| Double garage removal plus replacement | £3,500–£7,000+ |
These prices should only be treated as starting points.
A contractor will need to inspect the garage before confirming the final price.
What affects asbestos garage roof removal cost?
Garage size
A double garage has considerably more roofing material than a single garage. As a result, it needs more labour, wrapping and disposal capacity.
Number and size of asbestos sheets
Larger roofs contain more sheets and create more asbestos waste.
Condition of the roof
Intact sheets are usually easier to remove carefully.
Badly damaged material can need more controlled handling.
Roof height
A standard low garage is easier to access than a taller workshop or detached building.
Access around the garage
Narrow side passages, neighbouring fences and extensions can make sheet removal more difficult.
Disposal
Asbestos waste has specific disposal requirements, so disposal forms a meaningful part of the quote.
Additional asbestos materials
Some garages have asbestos-containing:
- wall panels
- soffits
- internal boards
- pipework components
These materials may need separate assessment.
New roof specification
Removing the asbestos is only one part of the project if you also want a replacement roof.
The choice between metal sheets, EPDM, GRP, felt or another system can change the total considerably.
Should you remove the asbestos roof or cover it?
Sometimes a contractor may suggest leaving sound asbestos cement sheets in place and installing another system over or around them.
This can appear cheaper because there is less immediate waste.
However, homeowners should think carefully about the long-term consequences.
Possible disadvantages include:
- the asbestos remains on the property
- future roof repairs become more complicated
- contractors still need to manage asbestos risks later
- selling the property may raise questions
- hidden deterioration may continue
- fixing a new system could disturb the old sheets
Where the garage is already receiving major roof work, full removal often provides the cleaner long-term solution.
What are the best replacement materials?
Once the asbestos sheets have been removed, several modern roofing systems are available.
Metal garage roofing sheets
Insulated or uninsulated steel roofing sheets are a popular replacement for corrugated asbestos cement.
Advantages include:
- relatively quick installation
- lightweight construction
- good durability
- similar appearance to traditional profiled garage roofing
- large sheets covering the roof quickly
However, uninsulated metal can suffer from condensation if the roof design does not manage moisture properly.
Fibre-cement sheets
Modern fibre-cement roofing looks similar to traditional asbestos cement but contains no asbestos.
This can make it useful where homeowners want to maintain the original appearance of the garage.
Advantages include:
- familiar corrugated appearance
- resistance to corrosion
- good weather performance
- suitable for many outbuildings
The supporting structure still needs to suit the new sheets.
EPDM rubber roofing
EPDM works well where the garage can support a continuous timber deck and the roof pitch suits the system.
Advantages include:
- seamless or near-seamless finish
- good expected lifespan
- relatively low maintenance
- clean modern appearance
However, the project may require new timber decking, which adds to the cost.
GRP fibreglass
GRP is another option for flat or very low-pitched garage roofs.
It creates a hard continuous surface and can provide a neat finish.
The installer normally needs a suitable timber deck underneath.
Felt roofing
Modern torch-on or reinforced felt can provide one of the more affordable replacement options.
Its advantages include:
- familiar installation
- relatively low material cost
- easy localised repairs
- suitability for many flat garages
Its lifespan generally sits below premium EPDM or some metal systems.
Replacement material comparison
| Material | Relative Cost | Typical Lifespan | Maintenance | Good For |
| Profiled steel sheets | ££ | 25–40+ years | Low | Traditional garage structures |
| Fibre cement | ££ | 30–50+ years | Low | Similar appearance to old cement sheets |
| EPDM rubber | ££–£££ | 30–50+ years | Low | Flat and low-pitched roofs |
| GRP fibreglass | ££–£££ | 20–30+ years | Low | Flat garage roofs |
| Reinforced felt | £ | 15–30 years | Low–medium | Budget flat-roof replacements |
Lifespan depends heavily on product quality and installation.
What if the garage structure is damaged?
Removing the old roof may reveal problems underneath.
Common issues include:
- rotten timber purlins
- rusting steelwork
- cracked concrete sections
- damaged wall plates
- movement in prefabricated garage panels
- poor drainage
The replacement roof needs a sound supporting structure.
Therefore, an asbestos quote should make clear whether structural repairs are included or charged separately.
Asbestos roofs on prefabricated concrete garages
Asbestos cement roofing was especially common on sectional concrete garages.
These buildings often use:
- precast concrete wall panels
- timber or steel roof supports
- corrugated cement sheets
Replacing the roof can significantly improve the appearance and weather resistance of the garage.
However, an installer should check the condition of the whole structure first. If the garage panels, fixings and frame have deteriorated badly, replacing the entire garage could potentially offer better value.
Can you put solar panels on an asbestos garage roof?
Installing solar panels directly onto an asbestos cement roof is generally problematic.
The installation could involve:
- drilling
- fixings
- additional loading
- walking or working close to fragile sheets
If you plan to use the garage roof for solar panels, replacing the asbestos covering first will usually create a much more suitable starting point.
The new roof can then be designed with the intended solar installation in mind.
What happens to the asbestos after removal?
Asbestos cement does not go into ordinary builders’ waste.
The removed material is treated as asbestos waste.
Large sheets should normally remain intact, be securely wrapped and labelled, then travel to an authorised disposal facility.
Homeowners should ask the contractor:
- who removes the waste
- whether disposal is included
- where the waste goes
- whether the contractor supplies relevant waste documentation
Avoid quotes that propose leaving asbestos sheets at the property for the homeowner to deal with later unless you specifically understand and accept the disposal arrangements.
Can homeowners take asbestos cement to the tip?
Some local authorities accept small quantities of household asbestos cement at designated recycling or waste sites.
However, rules vary considerably.
A council may:
- require advance booking
- limit the quantity
- specify how sheets must be wrapped
- use a separate asbestos container
- refuse commercial waste
- charge for the service
Never assume your normal household waste site accepts asbestos.
Check your local council’s current rules before transporting any material.
For a complete garage roof, professional removal and disposal is generally more practical.
Can you remove an asbestos garage roof yourself?
Asbestos cement work can sometimes fall into the category of non-licensed asbestos work. However, that does not mean DIY removal is a good idea.
There are several risks:
- fibre exposure
- accidentally breaking the sheets
- falls from a fragile roof
- incorrect protective equipment
- contamination of clothing or tools
- incorrect waste wrapping
- difficulty transporting the waste legally and safely
- damage to neighbouring properties
For most homeowners, professional removal is the more sensible option.
The cost of the asbestos sheets themselves is not usually the difficult part. Safe access, careful dismantling and correct disposal are what make the job specialist.
What not to do with an asbestos cement garage roof
Avoid:
- pressure washing it
- sanding it
- grinding it
- drilling unnecessary holes
- cutting it with power tools
- breaking sheets into small pieces
- smashing sheets off the roof
- sweeping dry asbestos dust
- putting asbestos into a normal skip
- allowing people to walk directly on the sheets
If the material breaks accidentally, stop work and seek appropriate asbestos advice.
Should you replace the entire garage instead?
Sometimes it makes more sense to remove the whole garage rather than replace only the roof.
Consider complete replacement when:
- concrete panels have cracked badly
- the frame is heavily corroded
- doors and windows also need replacement
- the garage is too small
- you want an insulated modern building
- the structure has several other defects
- the cost of repairing everything approaches the cost of a new garage
On the other hand, a structurally sound garage with a failing asbestos roof can often gain many more years of life from a new roof alone.
Asbestos garage roof removal vs complete garage demolition
| Option | Best When | Main Advantage | Main Drawback |
| Roof removal only | Garage structure remains sound | Lowest overall project cost | Old garage remains |
| Roof removal and new roof | Garage is useful but roof has failed | Extends life considerably | Higher cost than removal alone |
| Complete garage demolition | Whole structure has deteriorated | Clears all old construction | Highest disruption |
| New garage replacement | Existing garage no longer meets needs | Complete upgrade | Highest project cost |
How to compare asbestos garage roof removal quotes
Do not compare asbestos quotes using price alone.
Check whether each quotation includes:
- asbestos roof removal
- sheet wrapping
- waste disposal
- access equipment
- removal of existing fixings
- cleaning of the work area
- new roof materials
- replacement timber where necessary
- gutters and flashings
- labour
- VAT
- waste paperwork where applicable
One quotation may look significantly cheaper simply because it only covers dismantling and leaves the disposal or replacement roof separate.
Questions to ask an asbestos roof contractor
Before choosing a company, ask:
- Have you confirmed that the roof contains asbestos?
- What type of asbestos-containing material is it?
- Does this work fall under licensed or non-licensed asbestos work?
- How will you remove the sheets without breaking them?
- How will you control dust?
- How will the waste be wrapped?
- Who will transport the asbestos?
- Where will it be disposed of?
- Is disposal included in the quote?
- How will workers access the fragile roof safely?
- What happens if damaged timber is discovered?
- What replacement roof do you recommend?
- How long will the project take?
A contractor should be able to explain the process clearly.
Repairing an asbestos garage roof or replacing it?
A small problem does not always mean immediate removal.
Leaving the roof in place may make sense when:
- sheets remain intact
- the roof does not leak
- fixings remain secure
- there is no planned renovation
- the material can remain undisturbed
Replacement becomes more attractive when:
- leaks keep returning
- several sheets have cracked
- edges have broken
- fixings are failing
- the roof needs regular attention
- you want to improve the garage
- the structure will be retained for many years
Repeatedly working around old asbestos cement can eventually become less practical than removing it once and installing a modern roof.
Get asbestos garage roof removal quotes
The cost of removing an asbestos garage roof depends on the size of the garage, condition of the sheets, access and disposal requirements. If you also need a replacement roof, the material you choose can make a substantial difference to the overall budget.
Comparing quotations can help you see exactly what each contractor includes and whether the proposed replacement suits the existing garage.
Use the quotation form on this page to compare asbestos garage roof removal and replacement quotes from local specialists.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to remove an asbestos garage roof?
A single garage asbestos roof may cost around £400 to £900 to remove and dispose of. A double garage may cost roughly £750 to £1,400. Access, size and condition can push prices higher.
How much does it cost to remove and replace an asbestos garage roof?
A complete single garage roof removal and replacement can cost around £1,750 to £4,500 or more. A double garage may cost around £3,500 to £7,000+, depending on the replacement material and structural work.
Does an asbestos cement garage roof need a licensed contractor?
Not necessarily. Intact asbestos cement often falls within non-licensed asbestos work. However, the work still needs proper risk controls, training, safe handling and correct disposal. Higher-risk asbestos materials may have different requirements.
Is an asbestos garage roof dangerous if left alone?
Intact asbestos cement generally presents a lower risk when left undisturbed. The risk increases when sheets break, deteriorate or are drilled, cut or otherwise disturbed.
Can I remove an asbestos garage roof myself?
Although some asbestos cement work can legally fall under non-licensed work, DIY removal carries asbestos exposure, fragile-roof and waste-disposal risks. Professional removal is usually the safer and more practical option.
Can asbestos garage roofing go into a normal skip?
No. Asbestos waste needs an appropriate hazardous or special waste route and should not go into ordinary mixed builders’ waste.
What is the best replacement for an asbestos garage roof?
Profiled steel and modern fibre-cement sheets work well on many traditional garages. EPDM, GRP and felt may suit garages that can support a continuous timber deck.
How long does asbestos garage roof removal take?
A straightforward single garage roof may take around half a day to one working day to remove. Larger roofs, difficult access and replacement work can extend the project.
Can an asbestos garage roof be repaired?
Minor defects can sometimes be managed without full removal, particularly where the sheets remain largely sound. However, drilling, cutting or repeatedly disturbing asbestos cement should be avoided.
Can I pressure wash an asbestos garage roof?
No. Pressure washing can damage the surface and increase the risk of releasing asbestos fibres. Moss and dirt should be managed using an appropriate asbestos-safe method.
Should I replace the whole garage instead?
Complete replacement may make sense when the wall panels, frame, doors and roof all need substantial work. If the garage structure remains sound, replacing only the asbestos roof will usually cost less.
How do I know whether my garage roof contains asbestos?
Appearance alone cannot confirm asbestos. If the roof dates from before 2000 and its composition is uncertain, professional sampling and laboratory analysis can confirm whether asbestos is present.
