Garage Roof Repair Costs (Felt, Fibreglass & Rubber Options - UK 2025 Guide)
- Daniel Cunliffe
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
A clear, local guide for Lancashire & Greater Manchester homeowners
If your garage roof is starting to leak or crack, you’re probably wondering whether it needs a small repair or a full replacement. The truth is, both options can make sense - depending on the material, age, and how much damage the weather’s done over the years.
In this 2025 guide, we’ll walk you through average garage roof repair and replacement costs, what affects the price, and how to choose between felt, fibreglass (GRP), and rubber (EPDM) roofing systems.
Key Takeaways – Garage Roof Repair & Replacement Costs
Minor garage roof repairs: from £250–£600 for felt or patch work.
Full replacements: typically £800–£2,000+, depending on size and material.
Rubber (EPDM) lasts the longest - up to 40+ years with minimal maintenance.
Felt remains the cheapest but may only last 10–15 years before needing attention.
Fibreglass (GRP) offers a sleek, durable finish ideal for garages used as workshops or conversions.
Tip: If your garage roof is over 20 years old, a full replacement usually gives better long-term value than ongoing repairs.
Typical Garage Roof Costs (2025 Averages)
Before deciding between repair or replacement, it helps to understand what’s typical for each material.
Minor Repairs
Not every leaking garage roof needs ripping off and starting again. If the damage is small or localised, a quick repair can often buy you several more years of use without major expense.
Material | Typical Repair Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Felt | £250–£600 | Patching small splits or resealing seams |
Fibreglass (GRP) | £400–£900 | Crack re-lamination or edge resealing |
Rubber (EPDM) | £350–£800 | Tear patching or re-bonding sections |
Full Replacements
When repairs keep failing or the roof covering has simply reached the end of its life, it’s time to start fresh. A full garage roof replacement costs more upfront but gives peace of mind for decades - especially with modern rubber or fibreglass systems.
Material | Single Garage | Double Garage |
|---|---|---|
Felt | £750–£1,000 | £1,200–£1,600 |
Fibreglass (GRP) | £1,000–£1,400 | £1,600–£2,200 |
Rubber (EPDM) | £1,200–£1,600 | £1,800–£2,500 |
All prices include removal of the old covering, surface preparation, new roof installation, and waste disposal. Complex access or additional insulation can add around 10–15% to the total.
Felt vs Fibreglass vs Rubber – What’s Best?
Each material has its place. Felt wins on price, fibreglass on appearance, and rubber on lifespan. Here’s how the three compare so you can choose the right balance between cost and durability for your garage.
Felt Garage Roofs
Still the go-to choice for homeowners on a budget. Quick to install and easy to repair, but generally only lasts 10–15 years before needing major work.
Pros: Cheapest upfront, simple to patch.
Cons: Short lifespan, more prone to leaks and weather damage.
Fibreglass (GRP) Garage Roofs
A popular modern upgrade. It’s seamless, long-lasting, and gives a neat, high-gloss finish. Ideal for homeowners converting garages into usable rooms.
Pros: Sleek finish, durable, resistant to standing water.
Cons: Higher initial cost, needs professional installation.
Rubber (EPDM) Garage Roofs
The premium choice for longevity. Rubber systems can last over 40 years with minimal upkeep, making them a smart long-term investment for flat garage roofs.
Pros: Long lifespan, flexible, excellent weather resistance.
Cons: More expensive to install, repairs can be visible if not done carefully.
💡 Tip: For garages used as workshops or connected to your home, investing in rubber or fibreglass helps avoid future leaks, heat loss, and maintenance costs.
When to Repair vs Replace
Sometimes a patch will do - other times it’s throwing good money after bad. Here’s how to tell the difference:
Repair makes sense if:
Damage is limited to one small area.
The roof is under 10 years old.
There’s no visible sagging or soft decking beneath.
Replacement is better if:
The roof has multiple cracks, blisters, or dips.
Water is pooling after rainfall.
Repairs keep failing or new leaks keep appearing.
The underlying structure feels spongy when walked on.
💡 Rule of thumb: Once repairs start costing more than £600–£700, a full replacement usually delivers better long-term value.
Signs You Need to Replace Your Garage Roof
It’s not always easy to tell when a roof’s beyond repair - especially if it’s still holding up after a few quick fixes. But certain warning signs mean the covering or structure has had its day.
Common red flags include:
Persistent leaks or damp patches inside the garage, especially after heavy rain.
Pooling water that doesn’t drain away within 48 hours - a sign the surface has lost its slope.
Blisters, cracks, or exposed patches on the roof surface where water can creep in.
Sagging or soft spots underfoot that suggest the decking beneath has started to rot.
Mould, musty smells, or daylight visible through the roof boards.
This is common on older felt garage roofs around towns like Blackburn or Bury, where years of frost and heavy rain eventually cause cracks and ponding
If you’re seeing more than one of these, ongoing patch repairs will only delay the inevitable.
Replacing the roof gives you a watertight, long-term solution - often completed in just a day or two by an experienced local team.
What Affects Garage Roof Repair Costs?
No two garages are the same. Here’s what really drives the price:
Material Choice – Felt, fibreglass, or rubber each vary in cost and lifespan.
Garage Size – Single vs double garages can double material use and labour time.
Access & Height – Detached garages are simpler; attached ones may need scaffolding.
Waste Disposal – Old roof removal, skip hire, and landfill charges often add £150–£300.
Insulation & Drainage – Upgrading insulation or improving drainage slope adds to costs but pays off in durability.
Asbestos Removal – Garages built before 2000 may have asbestos cement panels. Only a licensed contractor can test and remove them safely.
Poor drainage is a common reason older flat garage roofs fail. During replacement, we build in a slight slope to prevent standing water and extend the roof’s lifespan.
How Long Does the Job Take?
Most single garage roof replacements take 1–2 days. We keep disruption minimal - old materials are removed and cleared the same day, and new coverings are watertight before we leave site.
Building Regulations & Planning Permission
Most garage roof repairs and like-for-like replacements fall under permitted development - meaning you won’t need planning permission.
You’ll only need building control approval if you’re:
Upgrading insulation, or
Changing the roof structure or height.
A competent, insured roofer can guide you through this and provide the paperwork if needed.
Local Insight – Lancashire & Manchester Homes
Garage roofs take a beating in the North West - heavy rain, frost, and debris all shorten their lifespan. We often see felt roofs fail early around towns like Accrington, Bury, and Manchester simply because the materials can’t cope with the weather long-term.
One recent job in Lancashire involved replacing an ageing felt roof with a new EPDM rubber system. The job took one day, cost under £1,500, and came with a 20-year guarantee - proof that quality materials pay off.
Every garage roof we install is backed by clear pricing, written guarantees, and tidy workmanship - because being reliable shouldn’t be rare in roofing.
FAQs - Garage Roof Repairs & Replacements
Still unsure what’s right for your garage? These quick answers clear up the most common questions we hear from homeowners across Lancashire and Greater Manchester.
How long does a garage roof last?
Felt: 10–15 years.
Fibreglass (GRP): 25–30 years.
Rubber (EPDM): 35–40+ years.
Can I repair a garage roof myself?
Small patches might look simple, but most DIY jobs fail fast. Professional roofers use specialist tools and adhesives that ensure waterproof seams and correct drainage slope.
How long does it take to replace a garage roof?
Usually 1–2 days for flat garage roofs, slightly longer for pitched or tiled versions.
Do I need scaffolding for a garage roof?
Single-storey garages often only need safe ladder access. But scaffolding may be required for awkward or attached garages, especially near boundaries or conservatories.
What if my garage roof has asbestos?
Don’t touch or try to remove it. A licensed specialist can test and remove asbestos safely. Once cleared, your roofer can replace the roof with a modern, compliant system.
What’s the cheapest option for a new garage roof?
Traditional felt is still the cheapest upfront, but rubber (EPDM) and fibreglass often work out cheaper over time thanks to their longer lifespan and lower maintenance.
Can you insulate a garage roof?
Yes - insulation can be added beneath flat roof decking to improve energy efficiency, especially useful for converted garages or workshops.
Do I need to remove the old felt before fitting a new roof?
Yes - a proper replacement involves removing the old material, checking the timber deck, and repairing any rot before the new roof goes on. Simply layering over old felt can trap moisture and shorten the lifespan of the new system.
Will a new garage roof improve insulation or reduce condensation?
Yes - especially with fibreglass or rubber systems that include insulation boards. Proper insulation helps prevent condensation build-up inside garages used as workshops or utility spaces.
Local Garage Roof Repairs & Replacements
From Bolton and Burnley to Rochdale, Preston, and Rossendale, Daniel Roofing & Guttering provides expert garage roof repairs and replacements that stand up to the North West weather.
We handle everything - from patch repairs to full re-roofing - using high-quality felt, fibreglass, and rubber systems backed by clear guarantees.
For honest advice and a free site quote, call 07922 564912 or learn more about our garage roof replacement services in Lancashire & Manchester.
