A garage is a multipurpose space where you can place your tools, store old things and, most importantly, your car. Therefore, it is necessary to keep this place up to the mark. Any damage to the garage roof can cause harm to your valuables. However, a garage roof replacement is not a DIY project; it requires professional-level skill and experience.
There are several roofing companies in the UK offering premium quality services. However, before choosing any of these services, ensure that the company follows current rules and regulations. Moreover, we have estimated the garage roof replacement cost in 2022, so you can proceed with your plans.
Comparing Quotes Could Save You Upto 33%:
How Much Does a Garage Roof Replacement Cost?
We have mentioned here the minimum size of a garage described by the Garageplans. You can have a garage of any size; this table is just for your reference to calculate the replacement cost of your garage roof.
| General Size | Material | Estimated Cost Per M2 | Total Estimated Cost |
| Single Garage 3mx5m (15m2) | Fibreglass | £125 | £1875 |
| EPDM Rubber | £90 | £1350 | |
| Bitumen Felt | £75 | £1125 | |
| Double Garage 5.5mx5m (27.5m2) | Fibreglass | £125 | £3450 |
| EPDM Rubber | £90 | £2475 | |
| Bitumen Felt | £75 | £2060 |
Additional Costs
In addition to the costs mentioned above, do consider extra charges. During garage roof repair or replacement, you may encounter other issues that were not visible before.
Scaffolding: Scaffolding allows easy reach to the top. The average charges for scaffolding range from £30 to £40/m2.
Waste Removal: The waste removal charges vary depending on weight and place. The costs are £110 for roof material, £130/tonne for landfill, and £50 for road permits.
Comparing Quotes Could Save You Upto 33%:
Factors Affecting the Price of Garage Roof Replacement
Although necessary, garage roof replacement is an expensive home-improvement task. Hence, it is vital to understand the key features that affect the total roof replacement cost. In general, different factors influence the roofing price, but the following are the most notable ones:
Location
Firstly, the labour charges for roof replacement vary in different parts of the country as some locations of the UK are more expensive than others. For instance, the labour charges may cost 20% higher in London and Southeastern England.
On average, you may have to pay £250 per day, and this labour cost covers the daily wage of a roofer and a labourer.
Asbestos Removal
Many old properties built between the 1930s and 1990s have asbestos panels as roof coverings. Construction companies commonly used this material for construction back in the day. Although asbestos is an excellent building material, research has revealed its hazardous effects on human health. Thus, removing this material from all parts of your house is important.
You must hire a licensed asbestos removal company to take off the asbestos. In this regard, you can consult Bark, which offers you a registered and reliable platform to interact with professional and skilled roof repairs in town.
Removing this asbestos material increases the labour charges of garage roof replacement. Usually, asbestos removal in the UK ranges between £8 to £50/m2 per day.
Roof Timbers
Some garage roofs require repair or replacement of defective roof timbers, including rafters and joists. Thorough assessment and careful removal of faulty roof timbers is one of the most difficult tasks. Thus, employing professional and experienced workers for reinstatement or removal of these roof timbers is essential.
To be on the safe side, you can consult Bark, as this company will get you in touch with the legally registered and trustworthy companies in your area. If you’re looking for other services like tree surgeons, you can find them on Bark as well.
Plywood
Applying plywood is not always necessary in the garage roof replacement process. The roofers sometimes learn about some additional tasks after starting the job. For instance, after removing the upper layer of the roof, the roofers may detect damaged plywood. In such cases, it is necessary to install new plywood sheets.
The roofers consider plywood an excellent base to put on the roof joists. Commonly used plywood sheet measures 24 mm x 610 mm x 610 mm and costs around £30 to £40 per sheet.
Overall, in addition to ensuring an excellent timber structure of the roof, a good base for the waterproofing material is also necessary.
Waterproofing Material
Correct installation of high-quality waterproofing material is essential to protect your garage roof from water leakage.
- Cold Bitumen Felt: Bituminous roofing is one of the most widely popular roofing materials. The roofers cover the plywood base sheet with cold bitumen (asphalt) material, then top it off with felt. One of its most lucrative qualities is that it is easy to install, and anyone can install it as a DIY project. However, cold bitumen is not as durable as other waterproofing materials. Regarding the cost of bitumen, it is available at £12 to £25/5L tin and the cost of felt ranges from £15 to £60 per 10mx1m roll.
- Hot Bitumen Felt: Another common method of bitumen application is pouring hot bitumen on the roof and sticking felt on top of it. After a while, this waterproofing material will cool off, and the felt will stick to its place. This method is one of the most effective, durable, reliable and cheap waterproofing methods. But for proper installation of the material, it is essential to ask for professional help to avoid future problems. Moreover, you can check premium companies by reaching out to Bark.
- EPDM Rubber: EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) rubber is one of the most common roofing materials, known for its multiple advantages. One of EPDM’s biggest advantages is that it is weatherproof, thus perfect to install outdoors. Hence, this material will safeguard your roof against UV rays, water, abrasion and other drastic weather conditions. Moreover, EPDM does not require excessive maintenance and is durable. Besides its natural rubber characteristics, EPDM does not crack and is flexible. Also, EPDM does not require heat for its application, and you can apply it using adhesives. But, it is essential to get services from a specialist company to apply this material correctly. In particular, EPDM is the best waterproofing material for flat roofs. For its many advantages, EPDM is a little pricier than other waterproofing materials mentioned above. Generally, EPDM costs about £90/m2.
- GRP Fibreglass- Glass Reinforced Plastic or GRP fibreglass is a lightweight, strong, durable, and highly versatile material. In general, this material may last for 25 years. This waterproofing material is also corrosion and temperature resistant. So, it can withstand harsh weather conditions without damaging the garage roof. This material’s seamless finish and easy detailing make it one of the most common choices for roofing. Also, fibreglass does not require heat for its installation and thus is easy to install. Apart from its many advantages, some people may find it an expensive waterproofing material. Typically, the fibreglass costs around £125/m2. Also, it is vital to hire a professional service to install this material properly.
Comparing Quotes Could Save You Upto 33%:
Types of Garage Roofing
There are two types of garage roofs, flat roofs and pitched roofs. Both types of roofs are great, and you can choose any one depending upon your personal choice and requirements.
Flat Roof
Flat roofs are excellent for garages as they look simple, efficient, and are low maintenance. However, depending on your personal preference, many people prefer it for their homes or commercial spaces.
Although the name suggests they are perfectly flat, the contractors give them a slight slope for the flow of rainwater. In compliance with the code of practice the British Standard Institution devised, the flat roofs must have a slight incline for easy water flow.
The flat roofs have horizontal joists upon which the roofers place wedge-shaped pieces, thus making a slight incline. Then, the roofers stick thick sheets of plywood as a base for the waterproofing material. In the last step, roofers cover these plywood sheets with water-resistant materials.
Depending on your personal choice, the contractor’s opinion and your budget, you can choose any of these materials. Overall, a flat roof is affordable compared to a pitched top. The price range of flat roofs requires low labour costs and less construction and building time.
Pitched Roof
Most domestic customers prefer pitched roofs as compared to flat roofs. The main reasons behind the popularity of pitched roofs are their durability and weather resistance. Moreover, the material used to construct pitched roofs is better than that of flat roofs.
Most domestic garages have these roofs made with timber rafters or roof trusses. The roofers cover these timber rafters with plywood sheets and waterproof material for added stability and strength. Also, most pitched roofs have tiles or slates covering the top.
Overall, in addition to being sturdy and durable, the pitched roof’s structure and appearance look more appealing to the eyes.
Comparing Quotes Could Save You Upto 33%:
EPDM Rubber
For its durability and water-resistance qualities, constructors use it in various places, including roofing.
Pros
- Rubber is waterproof and durable.
- You can easily repair this material using readily available patches.
- This material is weather-resistant as it offers insulation against the cold weather and heating sun rays. Moreover, it will keep your roofing safe from rainstorms as well.
- Some contractors also use rubber made with recycled materials, thus making it environmentally sustainable.
- Rubber is available in a variety of sizes. Hence, depending upon your roof’s dimensions, you may need fewer sheets.
Cons
- Rubber is not easy to handle and requires professional skills for proper installation. Thus, it is not a feasible material for DIY projects.
- As rubber is susceptible to temperature changes, this may cause expansion or contraction in this material. This displacement may cause loosening of up the adhesive between the layers.
GRP Fibreglass
Fibreglass is a lightweight but highly strong material.
Pros
- Fibreglass is popular for its incredible durability. If installed correctly, it may remain intact for more than 25 years.
- Installation of fibreglass is simple, quick and easy for a professional.
- This material is entirely waterproof, as proper fibreglass installation does not require any joints.
- There is a wide variety of colours available in the fibreglass material. Thus, allowing you to choose as per your home’s colour scheme.
Cons
- Fibreglass is more expensive than other roofing materials.
- Fibreglass naturally expands and contracts after exposure to very high or low temperatures, making it unfit for large spaces.
- For its heat-absorbing quality, fibreglass is only suitable for dry weather conditions.
Comparing Quotes Could Save You Upto 33%:
Corrugated Iron
Corrugated or galvanised iron is one of the most popular roofing materials in the UK.
Pros
- Painting this material in any colour of your choice is super easy.
- The installation of corrugated iron is quick and easy for professionals.
- With proper maintenance, this material can last a long time.
Cons
- Difficult to move.
- It is a conductor of heat and thus becomes very hot in summers and freezing in cold weather.
Roofing Felt
Pros
- There is a wide range of colours available in this material.
- This material is easy to use on both flat and pitched roofs.
- You can easily perform small repairs on this material without professional help.
- Roofing felt is the cheapest material available in the UK.
Cons
- It is not advisable to repair or replace hot bitumen yourself as it requires special tools and training for proper handling.
- In hot weather conditions, this material absorbs heat and becomes sticky.
Hiring A Roofing Company: Pro Tips
- Well-known and reliable contractors are members of prominent organisations. These organisations only offer their membership to those reputable contractors who completely comply with the governmental rules and regulations for construction. Two honoured organisations include the Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) and the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC). All the members of these and similar organisations strictly follow the guidelines. Thus, pick those contractors who are members of such groups.
- Check the contractor’s previous work profile. In the roof repair or replacement process, the outcome matters the most. The roof must not only look the best but also be leak-proof. Hence, look for their previous jobs and check if the clients are satisfied with the results.
- The contractor and the roofer need to know the current equipment and modern roofing processes. Thus, you should check if the contractor has relevant training, knowledge and practice in roofing.
- The UK Government has introduced the Competent Person Schemes (CPS), where contractors can self-register themselves if they follow Building Regulations. The registered people are part of the schemes approved by the (Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government). So, before hiring any contractors, check that their name is on this list.
- Do get quotes from at least three contractors. Plus, it is preferable that the contractors visit your property first and then make an offer. Also, it is not advisable to confirm the deal on the phone. Bark is an exceptional platform where you can reach out to several contractors within your area and compare their offers.
Comparing Quotes Could Save You Upto 33%:
Garage Roof Replacement Process (Step by Step)
Whether using EPDM rubber, bitumen, or fibreglass, properly handling and installing materials need professional roofers.
However, if you have construction knowledge and are a pro at handling home improvement jobs, check out the following process.
With the help of the following points, you will be able to install wooden timbers and boards below the waterproof material of your garage roof.
Planning Permission
First of all, familiarise yourself with the planning permission. The planning permission lays out the rules and regulations for people who wish to alter the structure or dimensions of their garage significantly. Plus, these people must ask for permission from the local authorities to do these alterations.
However, if you only need to repair part of the garage, there is no need for permission from the authorities. Still, keeping these rules in mind is best so you won’t stray from your initial repair plan. Otherwise, you may get in trouble as you may have to go through lengthy, expensive documentation work.
Inspect Structural Timber
Next is the inspection process. Before starting the repair job, check the roofing situation and the material you will have to work with.
- Strip off the top covering of the roof. Then dispose of all this waste as per the rules mentioned by the national and local authorities.
- After removal of the upper covering, check the plywood sheets and roof timbers. If these layers look fine, then leave them as is. Else, you need first to repair or replace these layers.
- Remove the damaged boards and replace them with good ones.
Clean Existing Surfaces
Cleanliness of the roof layers is crucial at every step of the process. Roofing is not a simple job, so ensure you thoroughly look for all the surfaces.
- The plywood surface must be clean and in good condition, providing a base for the water-resistant material. Ensure that all plywood sheets are in good condition.
- The right placement of timber boards is important for the smooth fall of the rainwater. Hence, fix the timber boards correctly to pave the way for the rainwater.
Cover Plywood
Covering the plywood is not a simple job; it is best to let the professional do it. Different types of plywood sheets are available in the market, all best suited for different types of rooftops.
Plus, the installation process of these plywood sheets requires utmost training and experience, and it is better not to make mistakes at this point. The proper installation of plywood covering is essential to avoid any water leakage in the future. Thus, it is best to hire a professional for this job.
Comparing Quotes Could Save You Upto 33%:
UK Garage Roofing Requirements (Compliance)
There are specific rules, regulations, and guidelines regarding the authorities’ safe and permitted roofing requirements. You can check out the detailed Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (No. 2) (England) Order 2008 to find out these requirements in detail.
Here we have simplified some of the basic regulations for you:
Building Regulations
You must follow building regulations if your garage is built per the following points. These points include:
- The garage has sleeping spaces.
- The height of the garage is 4 metres.
- The garage is structurally attached to your home or your neighbour’s home.
- The distance between the garage and the boundary is less than 1 metre.
- The floor area of the garage is greater than 30m2.
The building regulations advise you to correctly repair or replace your garage space as per permitted guidelines. Hiring a professional contractor can help you precisely understand and comply with these regulations.
Planning Permission
Planning permission rules and guidelines apply to greenhouses, sheds, playhouses, garages, and other similar indoor structures. You can consult your Local Planning Authority (LPA) to get more legal information about repair or replacement on your property. Depending on the number of alterations you plan to do on your property, you may have to pay a certain amount of charges to your local authority. Presently, the application fee for planning permission is £206. You are required to submit this fee if:
- The height of the eaves of your garage roof exceeds the maximum of 2.5 metres.
- The overall garage roof height is more than 4 metres (for the roof having two slopes and a single ridge), or the height exceeds the permitted 3 metres for all other types of roofs.
- The garage is within 2 metres of the boundary, and the garage height exceeds 2.5 metres.
- You wish to extend the garage forward.
- You require extended platforms and balconies.
In all the scenarios mentioned above, you must pay the local authorities the fee.
British Standards Codes of Practice
The British Standards Institution (BSI) is a global organisation that shares innovative practices and knowledge with people worldwide to improve every industry. BSI has also offered innovative and beneficial codes of practice to advance the construction industry. According to this code of practice, the constructors must follow BS 6229 and BS 8217 to construct or repair flat roofs.
- The BS 6229 code of practice offers information about the best pitch gradient for the flow of rainwater and debris off the roof.
- The BS 8217 code informs about using vapour control membranes to shed water from the roof.
Comparing Quotes Could Save You Upto 33%:
What Is the Difference Between DIY vs Hiring a Pro?
Indeed, performing home improvement or repair tasks seems easy, and many people interested in DIY projects love doing them. But it is better to leave the job for the professional when it comes to repairing garage roofs. Roof repair or replacement requires considerable knowledge about construction work, familiarity with the tools and relevant experience.
Moreso, roofing material does not come cheap; thus, by doing the repair work yourself, you will be wasting your time and putting your money at risk. Plus, the real test comes after the first rainstorm, and you cannot fathom the helpless feeling of not finding the leaking point in case of water leakage.
Professional roofers have relevant experience and guidelines to perform the job skillfully and perfectly. Moreover, the roofers have the appropriate knowledge to avoid any danger to the property at present and in the future. You can consult the Bark platform to get in touch with skilled and professional roof repairers near you to get the best job done.
FAQs Regarding Garage Roof Replacement
Do you need planning permission to change your garage roof?
Alterations to the house roofs come under the Permitted Development category. Thus, you do not require planning permission from the local authorities if you are repairing your garage roof.
On the other hand, if you are changing the structure, dimensions, or appearance of the top, it is advisable to consult local authorities. Also, you can check the detailed rules and regulations regarding the permitted development at the official legislative website.
Which one is preferable, a flat roof or a pitched roof?
Both types of roofs have their pros and cons. But pitched roofs are far better than flat roofs because pitched roofs offer sloped angles and prevent pooling. Thus, pitched roofs increase the material’s durability and reduce the maintenance cost.
What is the best material for a garage roof?
Several great roofing material options are available in the market, and all have advantages and disadvantages. Hence, it is advisable to research the pros and cons of all these materials by yourself.
Moreover, you must also seek a professional opinion from reliable and experienced contractors. Depending on your preference and the contractor’s guidance, you can pick any durable and strong roofing material.
GRP fibreglass is one of the most popular materials for garage roofs. Furthermore, fibreglass is the best roofing material because of its longevity, strength, and fine appearance.
What is the cheapest method of garage roof replacement?
The cheapest method for garage roof replacement is covering the flat garage roof with cold bitumen paint and then topping it with roofing felt. You can hire professionals to do this job. Otherwise, if you are up for a DIY project, you can save the service charges and do the job yourself. However, reaching out to the professional is better to get the job done correctly.
Find Local Roofers
Getting your roof fixed or replaced is necessary as soon as possible, especially with the incoming rainy season. Roofing is not something you do every once in a while; it is an expensive process. Hence, it is crucial to find a reliable and prestigious contractor to perform a quality job within a short time. Bark is a dedicated platform to get in touch with trustworthy roof repairers in your area. By providing basic information about your property and local area, you can find several registered and renowned roofers on the Bark platform without any hassle.
Comparing Quotes Could Save You Upto 33%:
