If your garage roof is letting in water, looking tired, or simply past its best, you are not alone. It is one of the most common roofing jobs we carry out across Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire. The good news is that replacing a garage roof is usually straightforward, and there are several options to suit different garages and budgets.
This guide walks you through the main choices and explains what will influence the final price, so you know what to expect before anyone comes out to look.
What Are Your Options for a New Garage Roof?
Most garages have either a flat roof or a pitched roof, and the replacement options follow on from that.
Flat roofs are the most common on garages. There are three materials we fit regularly, each with its own strengths.
EPDM rubber is a single-ply membrane that goes on in large sheets with very few joins. It is lightweight, flexible in cold weather, and has a long lifespan when fitted correctly. If you want to know more about how it compares to other materials, our post on EPDM vs GRP fibreglass roofing covers the detail.
GRP fibreglass is laid as a liquid and cures to form a seamless, hard surface. It looks clean and tidy and handles foot traffic well.
Torched-on high-performance felt uses modern reinforced felt bonded with heat, a big step on from the older felt roofs that gave flat roofs a poor reputation. When laid properly by an experienced team, it is a reliable and cost-effective solution.
All three are well suited to garages. You can read more about each of them on our flat roofing page, and if you are not sure which construction method is right for your roof, our post What Is a Warm Flat Roof? explains the difference between warm and cold deck builds in plain English.
Pitched roofs are less common on garages but not unusual, particularly on older or larger garages attached to period properties. Where the structure allows it, a tiled pitched roof is a durable, low-maintenance option. Our new roofs page covers this in more detail.
What Affects the Cost of a Garage Roof Replacement?
No two garage roofs are quite the same, so the only reliable figure is a quote. Here are the main factors that will influence what you pay.
Size and access. A small single garage with easy access from all sides is a simpler job than a large double garage that backs onto a fence or wall. Restricted access takes more time and sometimes more equipment.
Stripping and disposing of the old roof. The existing covering has to come off before the new one goes on, and the waste needs to be taken away and disposed of properly. This forms part of the overall job.
The condition of the deck and timbers. Once the old covering is stripped, we can see clearly what lies beneath. If the roof deck or any of the supporting timbers have rotted or suffered water damage, they will need to be replaced before the new covering goes on. This is not always possible to confirm until work begins.
The material you choose. EPDM, GRP and high-performance felt all sit at different price points, and a pitched tiled roof involves more labour and materials than a flat roof replacement.
Gutters and fascias. A garage roof replacement is often a good opportunity to look at the guttering and fascias at the same time. If they are old, damaged or pulling away, replacing them as part of the same visit makes sense. Take a look at our guttering and fascias and soffits pages to see what we cover, and our fascias and soffits guide is worth a read if you are unsure what to look for.
A Word on Asbestos in Older Garage Roofs
This is an important one. Many older garages were roofed with corrugated cement sheets, and some of these contain asbestos. Asbestos was used in buildings right up until it was banned in 1999, so if your garage was built before 2000 there is a possibility the roof material contains it.
If you are not sure what your garage roof is made of, please do not drill it, cut it, break it, or jet wash it. Any of these actions can release fibres into the air, which is a serious health risk. The right step is to have the material tested by a specialist before any work begins. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has clear guidance on this.
If testing confirms asbestos is present, it will need to be dealt with safely by a suitable asbestos specialist before the replacement roof goes on.
Ready for a Free Quote?
We are a family-run roofing team with over ten years of experience, and we cover Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire. Whether your garage needs a straightforward flat roof replacement or something more involved, we will come out, take a proper look, and give you a clear, no-obligation quote with no pressure attached.
All our roofing work is fully guaranteed. Get in touch today or call us on 07951 017425 and we will arrange a time that suits you.
