A solid, watertight garage roof is essential for protecting your car, tools, and belongings from the elements. Over time, garage roofs can develop leaks and sagging, while older garage roofs may even contain asbestos. 

Replacing your garage roof not only improves its appearance and functionality but can also increase your home’s value and safety. But how much will it cost?

How much does a new garage roof cost?

The cost of replacing a garage roof depends on the size of the garage, the roofing material, accessibility, and whether asbestos removal is required:

Type of garage roof	Average cost per m2	Single garage roof cost	Double garage roof cost
Felt garage roof	£65 per m2	£1,250	£1,800
EPDM rubber roof	£100 per m2	£1,900	£2,800
Insulated GRP fibreglass roof	£115 per m2	£2,200	£3,200
Corrugated metal roof	£65 per m2	£1,250	£1,800
Tiled or slate roof	£95 per m2	£1,825	£2,600
Asbestos garage roof removal (no roof covering included)	£50 per m2	£950	£1,400

These prices are based on the hourly and daily rates of our roofers across the UK. To get an idea of how much a new garage roof will cost in your area, take a look at our garage roof replacement cost table.

Common problems with garage roofs

Garages often face wear and tear faster than other parts of a property because they’re exposed to the elements and often lack insulation. Here are the most common issues homeowners encounter and how to spot and deal with them:

Sagging 

You’ll be able to tell that your garage roof is sagging if there are pools of water on it after rainfall. When it’s seriously sagging, you may be able to physically see the dips even when there hasn’t been any recent rain.

A sagging garage roof usually indicates weakened timbers or excessive water damage. If left untreated, it can lead to structural instability and leaks. Your roofer may be able to replace the damaged joists, but in many cases the entire roof deck needs to be replaced to restore stability.

Leaks and water damage

Felt or corrugated roofs are prone to cracking and lifting over time, allowing water to seep through. You should regularly inspect your garage roof and replace damaged sections to prevent costly structural damage.

Moss and vegetation growth

Moss can trap moisture, speeding up deterioration of the roof surface and encouraging leaks. Your or a professional should clean your garage roof regularly, and you could have a protective roof coating applied to prolong the life of your garage roof.

Rust or corrosion

Metal roofs, particularly older galvanised steel sheets, can corrode due to exposure to moisture and pollutants. You may be able to repaint or replace affected panels to resolve this, but if the garage roof is severely rusted it may require a full replacement.

Asbestos

Many garages built before the late 1990s used asbestos cement sheets for roofing. While generally safe if left undisturbed, asbestos becomes hazardous when fibres are released into the air due to damage or drilling.

It’s worth getting your asbestos garage roof replaced if you are having a garage conversion or other work that may disturb the fibres.

How to tell if a garage roof has asbestos

It’s extremely difficult to tell whether a garage roof has asbestos because cement fibre roof panels look almost identical to ones with asbestos in them. But there are a few signs to look out for that can suggest that your garage roof has asbestos:

• It’s made from corrugated roofing panels 
• The panels look cracked or fragile
• Your garage was built before 1999

Before you have any work done on or around your garage roof, you should have an asbestos test done by a licensed professional if you are concerned that it may contain asbestos.

Can I sell a house with an asbestos garage roof?

Yes, you can sell a property with an asbestos garage roof, but you’re legally required to disclose its presence to potential buyers. Some buyers may want you to remove it before you exchange contracts, or they may want to negotiate a reduced price.

Can I cover an asbestos garage roof?

In some cases, you can cover an asbestos garage roof, but it must be done by a licensed professional. If the asbestos is in good condition and undamaged, you can encapsulate it with a special coating or overcladding system. This seals the fibres and prevents them from deteriorating. 

However, this is only a short- to medium-term solution. The safest long-term option is to have the asbestos garage roof removed and replaced with a high-quality roofing material.

Types of garage roof

There are several materials to choose from when replacing your garage roof. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages, and you’ll need to weigh up the pros and cons of each depending on your situation:

Felt garage roof

Average cost: £1,000-£1,800

A felt roof is one of the most common and affordable choices for garages. Made from bitumen layers bonded with heat, it’s quick to install and easy to repair.

Pros:

• Budget-friendly and widely available
• Quick installation - often completed in a day
• Good waterproofing if properly maintained
• Suitable for most flat roofs

Cons:

• Shorter lifespan than other materials - only 10-15 years
• Can crack or lift in extreme weather
• May require periodic maintenance and re-felting

EPDM rubber roof

Average cost: £1,500-£3,000

EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) rubber is a modern, flexible material that’s ideal for flat or slightly sloped garage roofs. It’s laid in large sheets, meaning fewer seams and a watertight finish.

Pros:

• Very long-lasting - up to 30 years
• Resistant to UV damage, frost and leaks
• Minimal maintenance required
• Environmentally friendly and recyclable

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost than felt
• Professional installation is recommended for a neat finish
• Can be punctured by sharp objects if not protected

GRP fibreglass roof

Average cost: £2,000-£3,500

GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) fibreglass roofs are a premium choice for homeowners wanting a sleek, modern appearance. Applied in layers over a solid base, they create a fully seamless waterproof surface.

Pros:

• Excellent waterproofing with no seams or joints
• Highly durable, with a lifespan of 25-30 years
• Available in different colours and finishes
• Ideal for garages used as workshops or conversions

Cons:

• Higher cost than felt or EPDM
• Requires dry, mild weather for installation
• Slippery when wet unless a non-slip finish is applied

Corrugated metal roof

Average cost: £1,000-£2,000

Corrugated steel or aluminium sheets are often used on garages due to their strength and relatively low cost. They’re especially popular for detached or commercial-style garages.

Pros:

• Durable and long-lasting - around 15-25 years
• Resistant to rot, insects and mould
• Quick to install
• Often recyclable at end of life

Cons:

• Can be noisy during rain or hail
• Prone to rust if protective coating wears away
• May not suit all property styles aesthetically

Tiled or slate garage roof

Average cost: £1,700-£3,000+

If your garage adjoins your home, you may prefer a tiled or slate roof to match. This type of roof provides a high-end finish and excellent longevity, making it a strong investment for homeowners looking to add value.

Pros:

• Visually attractive and matches many homes
• Very long lifespan - up to 60 years with proper care
• Low maintenance and excellent weather resistance
• Increases property value and kerb appeal

Cons:

• Most expensive option
• Heavier than other materials, so it may need structural reinforcement
• Longer installation time

What is the cheapest way to roof a garage?

The cheapest way to reroof a garage is with torch-on felt roofing, costing around £65 per m² installed. It’s an economical choice for flat or slightly pitched roofs and provides adequate waterproofing, though it won’t last as long as rubber or fibreglass alternatives.

If your budget allows, EPDM rubber is often a good choice for long-term investment - it’s low maintenance and can last up to three decades.

How long does it take to reroof a garage?

Most single garages can be reroofed within 1-2 days, while double garages or complex projects, such as asbestos removal, may take up to 3-5 days. Weather conditions, accessibility, and structural repairs can also impact the timeline.

Do I need planning permission to change my garage roof?

In most cases, you don’t need planning permission to replace or repair a garage roof, provided the structure remains the same size and height.

You may need permission if:

• You’re changing the roof height or pitch
• Your property is a listed building or in a conservation area
• You’re converting the garage into living space

It’s always wise to check with your local planning authority before work begins to make sure planning permission isn’t required.

How long should a garage roof last?

The lifespan of a garage roof depends heavily on the material. A felt roof might last as little as 10 years, while a tiled garage roof could last 60 years.

Roof type	Average lifespan
Felt	10-15 years
EPDM rubber	25-30 years
GRP fibreglass	20-30 years
Corrugated metal	15-25 years
Tiled or slate	40-60 years

Regular maintenance, such as clearing gutters, repairing minor leaks, and treating moss growth, will extend the life of your roof and prevent costly damage later on.

Ready to get your garage roof replaced? Post a job on HaMuch now to get in touch with roofers in your area.

Estimates for common roofer jobs;

	Job	Estimate
	Cost to build a new roof	£9,000
	Roof vent installation	£400
	Replace a lead roof valley	£400
	Install a small roof lantern on a flat roof	£1,675
	Cost to replace roof ridge tiles	£180
	Cost to replace a gutter	£241
	Repair or replace lead flashing	£600
	Cost to replace fascia and soffits	£301
	Cost to repair a chimney	£200
	Cost to repair a leaky roof	£100
	Replace a garage roof with felt	£1,000
	Cost to replace a flat roof	£700

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