Garage Roof Replacement Cost: Pricing Factors and Estimates

A leaky garage roof is one of those things that doesn’t get better the longer you wait.

Wood rots away. Decay spreads. Pretty soon a small repair becomes a complete replacement.

So how much does garage roof replacement actually cost?

That depends on a few important things…

Jump Ahead:

1. What Affects Garage Roof Replacement Cost?
2. Flat vs Pitched: Cost Breakdown
3. Garage Roof Materials and Their Costs
4. Labour Costs: What To Expect
5. Hidden Extras That Can Catch You Off Guard
6. How To Get The Best Price

What Affects Garage Roof Replacement Cost?

Garage roof replacement costs vary greatly. It depends on the size of your garage and roof type as well as material options and how much preparation work needs to take place prior to installation.

Real garage roof replacement cost examples from completed projects are helpful for seeing what realistic budgets look like. For a standard job in the UK, you can expect to pay somewhere between £1,500 and £5,000 on average — single garages will usually fall near the centre of that range.

Here’s what pushes the price up (or down):

• Roof size — a double garage costs considerably more than a single
• Roof style — flat roofs are cheaper to replace than pitched
• Material choice — felt is cheapest; fibreglass and EPDM rubber are more expensive initially but have far greater longevity
• Timber condition — rotted or damaged roof joists add significantly to the bill
• Asbestos — old cement sheets require specialist removal, which increases costs fast
• Access — if scaffolding is required, that adds to the final price too

Simple enough. Now let’s compare flat and pitched roofs by price.

Flat vs Pitched: What’s The Price Difference?

The majority of garages in the United Kingdom are constructed with flat roofs. Flat roofs are less expensive, easier to maintain and can be replaced quicker than other styles. Therefore they are the most popular choice with budget conscious homeowners.

Flat garage roof replacement can cost between £700 to £1,400 on average. That’s for materials and labour for a standard single garage.

Pitched garage roof replacement is a whole other discussion. Due to the extra complexity involved as well as structural necessities and materials, prices range from £2,500 – £4,500. However it is worth weighing up — a pitched roof lasts much longer, adds kerb appeal and can add value to your property.

Here’s the quick comparison:

• Flat roof replacement: £700 – £1,400
• Pitched roof replacement: £2,500 – £4,500

Choosing your roof style eats up most of your budget before you even buy your first nail.

Garage Roof Materials and Their Costs

Selecting your material is arguably the most crucial decision you will make during your project. Every option varies in cost, longevity, and performance. Don’t mess this up and wind up paying for two roofs.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common materials used in garage roof replacement:

Bitumen felt is the cheapest option by a clear margin. But here’s the thing…

It has the shortest lifespan of any material on that list. Spending a little more money on EPDM rubber or fibreglass now will save you money in the long term. They’re both extremely weather-resistant, require very little maintenance and are vastly stronger than regular felt in the UK.

Labour Costs: What To Expect

Labour is consistently the biggest chunk of any garage roof replacement bill.

Professional roofers usually work for an hourly wage of £20 – £30 per hour. Because teams are normally small, you can expect labour rates to fall between £200 – £300 per day. Replacing a single garage flat roof usually takes one to two days.

That equates to labour alone being able to add £200 – £600 to your total quote before material costs.

Location is another factor. Contractors based in London and the South East will invariably charge more than those located in the North or Midlands. It pays to get at least three quotes before agreeing to anything.

Hidden Extras That Can Catch You Off Guard

There are some common add-ons that inflate the final bill beyond what homeowners anticipate. Knowing what they are upfront ensures there are no surprises when the bill comes.

Timber replacement is by far the most common add-on. Should the rafters or decking boards underneath your roof covering have become rotten — a very common occurrence on older garages — these will need replacing prior to laying down any new material. Expect to pay an extra £500 to £1,500 for this.

Asbestos removal is another one. Garages built pre-1990 will probably have cement sheeting containing asbestos. Specialist contractors are required to remove this safely. Allow another £500 to £1,000 for this if necessary.

Scaffolding may also be required depending on height and access. This can add several hundred pounds on top.

And here’s something worth sitting with…

Almost 40% of homeowners have delayed necessary roof repairs because of rising costs. Delaying seldom saves money. Typically the underlying damage worsens and replacement costs grow even higher.

How To Get The Best Price

Choosing the best price for your garage roof replacement isn’t difficult. There are some simple things you can do to ensure you get a great deal.

Get multiple quotes. Contact three or four roofers in your area and compare. Prices can vary greatly for the same job.

Think long-term on materials. Something cheaper upfront may cost more in the long run. Fibreglass and EPDM rubber are both great buys if thinking long term.

Consider the timing. Roofing prices may be more competitive when there is less demand, such as autumn and winter months.

Verify credentials. Employing a tradesperson signed up to an accredited trade scheme gives you more security.

Statistics show that 33% of homeowners replace their roof due to leaking. The vast majority of those situations are entirely preventable. Taking action at the first sign of damp patches, sagging felt or visible cracks will always be cheaper than waiting for things to get worse.

Before Calling A Roofer, Read This

Expect to pay anything from £700 for a basic flat roof replacement to £4,500+ for a complete pitched roof overhaul. The total price will vary depending on size, style, material and existing condition, as well as location within the UK.

Quick recap:

• Flat roof replacement: £700 – £1,400
• Pitched roof replacement: £2,500 – £4,500
• Labour: £200 – £300 per day
• Timber repairs (if needed): £500 – £1,500 extra
• Asbestos removal (if applicable): £500 – £1,000 extra

Shop around for quotes, invest in quality products and don’t wait until water is dripping from the ceiling. A small leak today will equal a large bill tomorrow.