The cost to replace asbestos roof can vary widely, but these are some general estimates:
Small roof (100-150 m²): $10,000-$20,000.
Medium roof (150-250 m²): $20,000-$45,000.
Large roof (250-400 m²+): $45,000-$60,000+.
There are a lot of factors that influence asbestos removal costs, and it’s also important to understand what’s actually involved in asbestos roof removal and the breakdown of expenses. The last thing you want is to deal with hidden costs, which is why working with a reputable asbestos removal company that provides a transparent, itemised quote upfront makes all the difference.
Many residential and commercial properties built before the 1990s contain asbestos, and disturbing these materials without proper care can release dangerous asbestos fibres into the air. If you’ve got an asbestos removal project on the horizon, understanding asbestos removal costs upfront is essential. Here are some of the big cost considerations every property owner should be aware of, and why choosing the right asbestos removal company can save you money, time, and a whole lot of stress.
Key takeaways
Here’s a clear breakdown of some of the common costs associated with replacing an asbestos roof:
Cost to replace asbestos roof breakdown
Asbestos removal: $30-$160 per m².
Disposal costs: $300-$600 per tonne.
New roof: $50-$200 per m².
Factors that affect the cost to replace asbestos roof
It can be tricky to estimate asbestos removal costs for replacing an asbestos roof because there are several factors that affect the final price. The type and condition of the asbestos material, the size of the roof, accessibility, and local regulations all play a role. Here are some of the big ones to keep in mind.
Roof size and pitch
The larger the roof, the more asbestos material needs to be removed, and you’ll also need more materials to replace it. This is the clearest cost and one of several factors that can influence the final price. A steep roof pitch can make the job more difficult to carry out and require greater safety measures to protect workers on site. A particularly steep roof may attract an additional fee to cover the cost of specialised equipment needed to get the job done safely.
Condition of the asbestos
Asbestos may be friable or non-friable. Friable asbestos material has loose fibres. Loose fibres crumble easily. That increases the risk of inhalation, which may lead to serious health issues. Since friability makes it a more hazardous material, it will likely increase the asbestos removal cost.
What’s the opposite of friable asbestos? The non-friable kind. This has bonded asbestos fibres mixed with cement or resin. This makes it lower risk since there aren’t fibres floating around (if the asbestos is intact). However, it may get brittle with age. Things like storm damage can also be a problem. Non-friable materials may include asbestos cement sheeting and asbestos shingles. Roofing materials are generally non-friable.
New roofing materials
Once the asbestos is gone, the material you replace it with will contribute to the cost to replace asbestos roof. Here are general estimates for some common roofing materials:
New metal roof: $50-$80 per m².
Terracotta tiles: $80-$120 per m².
Concrete tiles: $40-$80 per m².
Disposal costs
Asbestos waste is a tricky thing. You need the right safety measures for protection. An asbestos roof removal company will typically charge a fee for the legal disposal of the material. This fee is determined by factors, such as:
How much asbestos is being removed
This is usually priced by weight. You can expect to pay approximately $300-$600 per tonne for non-friable asbestos roof. Friable sources are typically more expensive and priced according to the project.
Transportation fees
These depend on the distance travelled. These fees are typically $130-$310 per trip for safe disposal.
What's included in asbestos roof replacement
Here’s a basic rundown of what to expect from the asbestos roof replacement process.
Thorough inspection. An important first step is to have a trained professional inspect the existing roof to assess visible damage and the underlying structural integrity.
Asbestos removal. Queensland law permits a DIY approach to non-friable asbestos removal, as long as you’re only dealing with less than 10 m² of it. But do you have proper containment? Can you ensure safe handling? No matter how much asbestos removal you’re dealing with, it’s best to hire a licensed professional. These are the people with the proper training for the job.
Necessary repairs. Structural issues have to be fixed to ensure the new roof’s long-term durability.
New roof installation. Once all asbestos has been safely removed, the new roof can be installed.
Safe disposal. The asbestos removal from the roof has to be transported away from the property to a licensed waste facility.
From our clients
I loved working with Austin and his team. He has done a great job. I would definitely use Infinite Roofing again.
- Heidi Stone
Austin is very friendly, even his work off time he has come to our site to give us some really useful advice during the storms.
- Aura K
Conclusion
Australian homes built between the 1950s and 1990s may contain asbestos roofing materials, and many of these are older fibro homes that need careful attention. Safely removing asbestos-containing materials is a delicate process that requires special precautions to protect your family and anyone on site, especially in unpredictable weather conditions.
The total cost to replace asbestos roof can vary depending on the following factors: the size and condition of the roof, the type of asbestos present, and how complex the job is. Larger projects naturally come with higher costs, so it pays to get quotes from different providers to find the most cost effective solution without cutting corners on safety.
A general breakdown of prices and what’s involved can help you understand the final costs associated with roofs that require asbestos removal. If you have an older house, getting any asbestos removed sooner rather than later is one of the best things you can do for your family’s safety.
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