Asbestos roof replacement in brief
Asbestos roof replacement is a two-part job: a licensed asbestos removalist safely removes and disposes of the asbestos cement roof sheeting, then a roofing contractor installs a new roof, usually pre-painted steel. In Newcastle and Lake Macquarie it is arranged through independent local contractors, with a free inspection and a written quote that names who does each part.
Where asbestos roofs turn up here
Corrugated asbestos cement sheeting was widely used on houses, garages, sheds and verandahs built from the 1940s until the late 1980s. In Newcastle that means many post-war fibro cottages in suburbs such as Mayfield, Wallsend and around the lake, plus countless garages and outbuildings. Some tiled houses have asbestos cement in the eaves, gable ends or a back verandah roof.
Weathered sheeting is often grey and rough, with lichen and moss, cracked corners at fixings and brittle edges along gutters.
Why the sequence matters
The order of work protects you, your neighbours and the crew:
- Identify. If the roof material is uncertain, a sample is tested by an accredited laboratory.
- Plan. A licensed removalist assesses the job and explains notification, exclusion zones and any air monitoring.
- Remove. Sheets are wetted, unfixed carefully, wrapped and taken away to a facility licensed to accept asbestos waste.
- Clear. The removalist arranges clearance in line with their obligations before other trades continue.
- Re-roof. Battens, sarking and the new covering go on, followed by flashings and gutters.
Our guide to preparing your home for a roof replacement covers what you need to do on your side.
Licensing in NSW
SafeWork NSW is the regulator. As SafeWork NSW explains it, removing more than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos, which includes cement roof sheeting, requires a Class B or Class A asbestos removal licence; friable asbestos requires Class A. Check the current requirements directly with SafeWork NSW before work starts.
The roofer installing the new roof is separately doing residential building work, so NSW Fair Trading licensing and home building compensation rules apply depending on the value. We ask the contractors we work with to hold the licences and insurance their part of the job needs. Ask to see each one, and check them on the NSW Government licence check. Our licences and insurance guide explains more.
Things not to do with an asbestos roof
- Do not walk on it. Weathered sheets are brittle and falls through them cause serious injuries.
- Do not drill, cut, sand or water-blast it.
- Do not let anyone install solar panels, aerials or air-conditioning through it without proper asbestos controls.
- Do not dump broken pieces in household bins.
Choosing the new roof
Most fibro-era frames were built for a light roof, which is part of why pre-painted steel is the usual replacement. In coastal areas such as Stockton and the beach suburbs, ask about steel grades rated for marine exposure. If the house is in a heritage conservation area, talk to the council about colour and profile before ordering.
Neighbours and asbestos removal
Neighbours often worry when they see asbestos removal next door. A short note or conversation explaining that a licensed removalist is doing the work under SafeWork NSW requirements, with the dates, usually helps. The removalist can explain the controls they use.
Costs
Asbestos removal adds to the cost of a re-roof because of licensed labour, containment, transport and disposal. Planning ranges for 2026 are on the Newcastle cost page.