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Garage Roof Replacement Nottingham
A tired garage roof rarely fails on its own schedule. It shows up as a brown ring across the ceiling, a sagging felt covering, or crumbling asbestos sheets nobody wants to touch. This page covers materials, real costs, and what a proper garage roof replacement in Nottingham actually involves. As a roofing contractor working across the city, we replace garage roofs the way we'd want one built on our own property — properly detailed, in the right material, with nothing rushed.
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What's the Best Garage Roof Material for Your Nottingham Property?
For most Nottingham garages, EPDM rubber — a synthetic rubber membrane laid as a single sheet — is the best all-round choice, typically lasting 40 to 50 years with almost no upkeep. Felt, made from layered bitumen sheets, is the cheapest to install but needs replacing every 15 to 20 years. GRP fibreglass, a resin-and-glass-fibre surface that cures into a hard, seamless shell, sits in the middle. If your garage already has a pitched roof, concrete or clay tiles matching your house often make more sense than switching to a flat system. The right choice depends on your garage's roof shape, its age, and your budget. A free survey settles it properly — see the comparison table further down this page.
Flat, Pitched or Asbestos Cement: What Kind of Garage Roof Do You Actually Have?
Most garages built before the 1980s across Nottingham suburbs like Wollaton, Beeston, and Carlton were topped with corrugated asbestos cement sheets. Knowing what you've actually got changes the whole job.
- Flat felt or asbestos cement roof: the most common setup on older garages, usually a low-pitch or fully flat deck covered in either material
- Modern flat roof (EPDM or GRP): found on garages already re-covered in the last 20-30 years
- Pitched roof: less common on standalone garages but standard on many integral garages built into the house
- Converting flat to pitched: a growing option for homeowners who want less maintenance and extra headroom for storage — it isn't a like-for-like swap, so it usually needs planning permission, unlike a straight material replacement
If you're weighing up a pitched conversion or planning a fresh roof structure from scratch, our pitched roof construction page covers the build process in more depth.
Asbestos cement sheeting is not automatically dangerous while it's intact and undisturbed. It becomes a health risk once it's cracked, drilled, jet-washed, or broken up during removal, when fibres can release into the air. We use licensed, trained crews for any asbestos garage roof, following HSE guidance on safe asbestos handling, and we bag and dispose of the material through a properly licensed waste route rather than a standard skip. If you're not sure what's on your garage, a photo sent to our office is usually enough for an initial view, and our free drone survey confirms it without anyone climbing a ladder to poke at it.
What Happens Before We Touch Your Garage Roof
Every job starts with a clear look at what's actually going on, not a guess from the driveway.
- We carry out a free drone survey of the roof surface, deck, and edges — no ladders needed
- You get clear photos showing exactly what condition your garage roof is in
- We confirm whether the covering contains asbestos and flag it before any work is booked
- We tell you honestly whether you need a repair or a full replacement
- We check whether permitted development rules cover your job, or whether you'll need planning permission — this usually only applies if you're raising the roof height or converting flat to pitched
- We check whether the timber deck underneath is sound enough to build on
- You get a firm quote and an agreed scope before any tool comes out of the van
How We Replace a Garage Roof That Lasts Decades, Not Years
Most garage roof failures trace back to poor detailing at the edges, not poor material. Here's how we install one properly.
- Strip the old covering back to the deck, using a licensed removal process first if asbestos cement is present
- Inspect the timber joists and deck boards, replacing anything soft, rotten, or sagging
- Fit new insulation and decking where needed, particularly on older garages never built with any
- Lay the chosen material — felt, EPDM, GRP, or tiles on a pitched structure — with enough fall to shed water cleanly
- Give extra attention to edges, verges, and the junction where the garage roof meets the house wall, where rushed jobs fail first
- Fit new guttering or fascia if the old roofline hardware is past its best
- Clear the site and remove all waste, typically finishing a single garage in 1 day and a double in 1 to 2 days, weather allowing
If you're planning to replace the roof over the whole house at the same time, not just the garage, our new roof installation page covers that larger process.
Spot the Warning Signs, Then Check the Work
Whether you're worried about an existing garage roof or checking a job we've just finished, here's what to look for.
Signs Your Garage Roof Needs Replacing
- A brown stain or damp patch spreading across the ceiling boards
- Standing water still sitting on a flat roof 48 hours after rain
- Cracked, curling, or crumbling felt, or crazing across a GRP surface
- Visible daylight showing through gaps when you look up from inside
- A sagging or dipping roofline, which usually means rotten timber underneath
- Moss or algae building up in low spots, holding moisture against the surface
- A roof covering older than 20 years with no record of any work done to it
- Cracked or broken asbestos cement sheets, which need a licensed assessment rather than a DIY fix
How to Check a Garage Roof Job Was Done Properly
- The finished surface should sit completely flat and taut, with no ripples or soft spots underfoot
- Edges, verges, and the wall junction should be neatly trimmed and fully bonded, not just tucked in place
- Ask to see photos of the deck taken before it was covered — proof the timber underneath was sound
- You should receive written details of your guarantee, the exact material and thickness used, and a waste transfer note if asbestos was removed
- We back every garage roof we fit with a 10-year workmanship guarantee, in writing, from day one
Stopping Small Problems Before They Wreck Your Garage Roof
A little maintenance once or twice a year keeps small problems from turning into a soaked garage full of tools and boxes.
- Clear leaves and debris from the roof surface and any gutters twice a year
- Check for standing water a couple of days after heavy rain — if it's still pooling, the fall has likely dropped
- Watch for moss building up in shaded corners, especially on north-facing garages tucked behind the main house
- Trim back overhanging branches that drop debris or scuff a felt or GRP surface
- Avoid dragging ladders or heavy items across the roof surface when accessing gutters
- Give the roof a five-minute check after any storm, catching small damage before it becomes a bigger repair
Cost & Pricing Guidance
Garage roof replacement pricing across the UK for 2025/26 typically runs like this:
- Single garage flat roof replacement: £750-£2,000
- Double garage flat roof replacement: £1,000-£3,500
- Converting a flat garage roof to a pitched roof: £2,500-£4,500
- Felt: £50-£80 per m²
- EPDM rubber: £70-£100 per m²
- GRP fibreglass: £90-£130 per m²
The overall average across the UK sits around £1,500 for a straightforward single garage. If the timber deck underneath needs replacing, add roughly £500-£1,500 depending on how much has rotted.
Asbestos garage roofs cost more to deal with, because the old sheets need licensed removal and disposal rather than a standard strip-off. Expect £400-£900 extra for a single garage and £750-£1,400 for a double, on top of the new roof material and labour.
What pushes the price up or down: garage size, access for skips and materials, whether asbestos is present, the condition of the timber deck, and whether you're switching from flat to pitched rather than a like-for-like swap.
These are general ranges, not a quote. A fixed price needs a proper survey — and our drone survey is free, with no obligation.
Comparison Table: Garage Roof Systems
| System | Typical Lifespan | Best For | Relative Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Felt (torch-on) | 15-20 years | Budget garages, quick like-for-like swaps | £ (lowest) |
| EPDM Rubber | 40-50 years | Low-maintenance flat garage roofs of any size | ££ |
| GRP Fibreglass | 25-35 years | Garages doubling as a walk-on store or plant deck | £££ |
| Concrete or Clay Tile (Pitched) | 40-60 years | Integral garages matching the main house roof | £££ |
| Asbestos Cement Removal & Replace | N/A — replacement only | Pre-1980s garages needing safe, licensed removal | £££ (extra on top of new material) |
Why Choose Tate & Sons for Your Garage Roof
Garage roof work is led by Daniel Oakland, Project Manager and Lead Roofer, who has 20+ years in the trade. He specialises in EPDM, GRP, and flat roof systems, and runs every garage roof job day to day, from a single asbestos strip-out in Wollaton to a full flat-to-pitched conversion out towards Arnold.
Tate & Sons was founded by James Tate on a simple idea: find out what's genuinely wrong, use the right materials, and leave something that holds for years, not months. That founding approach shapes every garage roof we quote, however small the job looks on paper. Read more on our About page.
Our roofers are directly employed, not subcontracted. They hold NVQ Level 2 and 3 qualifications in Roofing Occupations and carry CSCS cards. Every garage roof comes with a free drone survey up front and a 10-year workmanship guarantee once the work is finished.
Garage Roof Replacement Across Nottingham and the Wider County: Areas We Serve
We replace garage roofs right across Greater Nottingham and out into the wider county. Wherever your property sits, our crews know the local garage stock, the older asbestos cement roofs, and the access.
- Nottingham City Centre (NG1)
- The Park (NG1)
- West Bridgford (NG2)
- Sneinton (NG2)
- Wollaton (NG8)
- Lenton (NG7)
- Beeston (NG9)
- Chilwell (NG9)
- Stapleford (NG9)
- Arnold (NG5)
- Sherwood (NG5)
- Mapperley (NG3)
- Carlton (NG4)
- Gedling (NG4)
- Hucknall (NG15)
- Long Eaton (NG10)
- Mansfield (NG18)
- Sutton-in-Ashfield (NG17)
Got Questions?
Your Garage Roof Replacement Questions, Answered Properly
How much does garage roof replacement cost in the UK?
Most Nottingham garage roof replacements cost £750-£3,500, depending on size and material. A single garage typically runs £750-£2,000, while a double garage runs £1,000-£3,500. Felt is the cheapest material at roughly £50-£80 per m², EPDM runs £70-£100 per m², and GRP runs £90-£130 per m². Converting a flat roof to pitched costs more, usually £2,500-£4,500. A survey gives you an exact figure.
What's the best material for a garage roof — felt, EPDM, or GRP?
EPDM rubber is generally the best all-round choice, lasting 40-50 years with almost no maintenance once it's fitted properly. Felt is the cheapest upfront but lasts only 15-20 years and needs closer monitoring. GRP fibreglass cures into a tough, seamless surface that suits garages used for storage decks or occasional foot traffic. Your budget and how long you plan to stay in the property both matter to the decision.
Do I need planning permission to replace my garage roof?
Most straightforward garage roof replacements fall under permitted development rights and don't need planning permission. This changes if you're raising the roof height by more than 150mm, converting a flat roof to pitched, or your property sits in a conservation area like The Park. Building Regulations compliance still applies even when planning permission isn't needed, covering things like structural safety and weatherproofing. We flag anything that applies during your survey.
How do I know if my garage roof has asbestos, and is it dangerous?
Corrugated grey cement sheeting on a garage built before the early 1980s is very likely to contain asbestos. Intact, undamaged asbestos cement is generally low risk left alone, but it becomes dangerous once it's cracked, drilled, or broken up, releasing fibres into the air. Removal needs a licensed, trained contractor following HSE safety procedures, not a DIY strip-off with a hammer. A photo sent to our office usually gives us an initial view before we confirm it on site.
Can I convert a flat garage roof to a pitched roof?
Yes, converting a flat garage roof to a pitched structure is a common upgrade, and it usually costs no more than a full flat roof replacement once you account for the longer lifespan. Pitched roofs generally need less maintenance and can add useful headroom for storage above the garage. Because it changes the roof's shape rather than swapping like-for-like material, it usually needs planning permission. Our drone survey and site visit confirm whether your garage structure can take the new roof shape.
How long does a garage roof replacement take?
A single garage roof replacement typically takes one day, and a double garage usually takes one to two days, weather allowing. Jobs involving asbestos removal, rotten decking, or a full flat-to-pitched conversion take longer, sometimes stretching to three or four days. We confirm a realistic timeline once we've surveyed the roof and agreed the scope of work with you.
Does Building Regulations apply to a garage roof replacement?
Building Regulations generally apply if you're recovering more than 25% of the roof area or making structural changes, such as converting flat to pitched. A straightforward like-for-like material swap on a small single garage often falls outside these requirements, but it's worth checking rather than assuming. We handle any notification needed as part of the job and give you the paperwork to keep with your property records.
Can a garage roof be reinforced to carry solar panels?
Yes, a garage roof can often be strengthened to carry solar panels, particularly if you're already replacing the covering and can address the deck and structure at the same time. The garage needs a sound timber deck, adequate joist spacing, and a covering rated for the added weight and fixings, which rules out ageing asbestos cement without further work. We check load capacity and orientation during survey if solar is part of your plan, so the new roof is built ready rather than needing further reinforcement later.
What happens to old felt or asbestos waste after it's removed?
Standard felt, GRP, and EPDM waste goes to a licensed waste transfer facility and is sorted for recycling where possible, the same as any construction skip waste. Asbestos cement sheeting follows a stricter route — it's double-bagged or wrapped on site, transported by a licensed carrier, and disposed of at a permitted hazardous waste site, with a waste transfer note issued as proof of legal disposal. Keep that note with your property paperwork, since it can matter if you sell the house later.
Book Your Free Drone Garage Roof Survey Today
A free drone survey shows you exactly what's happening on your garage roof — no ladders, no scraping at old felt to guess what's underneath, just a clear picture from a local Nottingham team. A cracked asbestos sheet or a lifted felt edge won't improve by waiting, and standing water left through another East Midlands winter usually turns into a soaked deck, damaged contents, and a much bigger bill. Book now and get an honest quote before the problem grows.
Get in Touch
Tate & Sons Roofing — Nottingham
57 Cyril Avenue, Nottingham, NG8 5BA
📞 0115 647 4455
✉️ [email protected]