How to tell if your garage roof contains asbestos
If your garage was built between the 1950s and early 1990s, there's a strong chance the roof contains asbestos. Corrugated cement sheets were the default roofing material for garages, sheds, and outbuildings across the UK during this period. Manufacturing only stopped in 1999 when the UK banned all asbestos imports.
The telltale signs:
- Grey, corrugated sheets with a wavy profile — the classic "Big Six" pattern (six corrugations per sheet)
- Weathered appearance — often covered in moss or lichen, with a slightly fuzzy surface texture where the cement has eroded
- Age of the building. Built before 2000? Assume it's asbestos until proven otherwise
- Weight. Asbestos cement sheets are heavy — roughly 15–20kg per square metre
You cannot identify asbestos by sight alone. Even experienced surveyors take physical samples and send them for laboratory analysis. If you're not sure, a bulk sample test costs just £30–£50 and gives you a definitive answer within 48 hours. For full details on testing, see our asbestos survey guide.
Garage roof removal costs in 2026
The cost depends on garage size, roof condition, access, and whether scaffolding is needed.
| Job type | UK average | Birmingham & West Midlands |
|---|---|---|
| Single garage roof removal | £400–£600 | £380–£550 |
| Double garage roof removal | £700–£900 | £650–£850 |
| Garage roof + side panels | £900–£1,500 | £850–£1,400 |
| Full garage demolition (asbestos) | £1,200–£2,500 | £1,100–£2,300 |
| Scaffolding (if needed) | £300–£500 | £250–£450 |
These prices include safe removal, double-bagging, and disposal at a licensed waste facility. They don't include a replacement roof — that's a separate cost (see below).
Why the price range? A roof in good condition with easy ground-level access is the cheapest scenario. A crumbling roof above head height, attached to a house, with restricted vehicle access for waste collection — that's the expensive end. For a complete breakdown of all asbestos removal costs, see our UK cost guide.
The removal process step by step
Professional garage roof removal follows a strict procedure. Here's what happens:
- Survey and assessment. The contractor inspects the roof, confirms it contains asbestos, and checks condition. If sheets are intact and undamaged, this is typically classified as non-licensed work under CAR 2012.
- Notification. For non-licensed work, no HSE notification is required. But the contractor must still complete a risk assessment and method statement before starting.
- Preparation. The area below and around the garage is sheeted with polythene. Warning signs are posted. Operatives wear disposable overalls, RPE (respiratory protective equipment), and gloves.
- Removal. Sheets are removed intact wherever possible — no breaking, no cutting, no drilling. Fixings are unscrewed or cut. Each sheet is lowered carefully, not dropped. Wet wiping is used to suppress dust.
- Wrapping and disposal. Removed sheets are double-wrapped in heavy-duty polythene, sealed with asbestos warning tape, and loaded into a licensed waste vehicle. Consignment notes are completed for the waste transfer.
- Site clearance. The work area is cleaned, polythene is removed, and a visual inspection confirms no debris remains.
- Documentation. You receive waste consignment notes proving legal disposal. Keep these permanently — you'll need them for property sales.
The whole job takes one day for a single garage, sometimes stretching into a second day for double garages or full demolitions.
Can you remove a garage roof yourself?
Legally, yes. Asbestos cement garage roofs are classified as non-licensed work under CAR 2012, which means homeowners can remove them without an HSE licence. But "legal" and "safe" aren't the same thing.
If you choose to do it yourself, the HSE requires you to:
- Wet the sheets before removal to suppress dust
- Remove sheets whole — never break, cut, or drill them
- Wear a minimum FFP3-rated disposable mask and disposable overalls
- Double-bag all waste in labelled asbestos waste bags
- Dispose of waste at a licensed facility (your local council tip may accept small quantities — check first)
Our honest recommendation: don't. You save £400–£600 but risk inhaling chrysotile fibres that cause mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. The HSE recorded 2,268 mesothelioma deaths in the UK in 2022 — many from brief, one-off exposures exactly like garage roof removal. A professional does the job in hours with proper equipment. Get quotes from licensed contractors here.
Replacement options after removal
Once the asbestos roof is gone, you need a new one. Three main options:
| Replacement material | Cost (fitted) | Lifespan | Pros |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fibre cement sheets | £500–£800 | 30–50 years | Looks similar, lightweight, durable |
| Metal box profile sheets | £400–£700 | 25–40 years | Cheapest option, fast to install |
| EPDM rubber flat roof | £800–£1,200 | 40–50 years | Best for flat-roofed garages |
| Polycarbonate sheets | £600–£900 | 15–25 years | Lets light in, good for workshops |
Most homeowners in Birmingham go for metal profile sheeting — it's the cheapest and quickest to install. If your garage is attached to the house, fibre cement gives a cleaner finish. Some contractors offer a combined removal-and-replacement package, which saves on labour costs.
Do you need planning permission?
Removing an asbestos garage roof and replacing it with a new one does not require planning permission in most cases. It's classified as a repair or like-for-like replacement under permitted development rights.
Exceptions:
- Listed buildings — you'll need listed building consent
- Conservation areas — check with your local council; some restrict external material changes
- Changing the roof height or shape — if you're raising the roofline or converting the garage, planning permission applies
Building regulations approval is not required for a simple roof replacement on a detached garage. If the garage is attached to the house, check with your local Birmingham council to be safe.