Thinking about replacing your old asbestos roof? Good call.


In Brisbane, thousands of homes still have asbestos cement roofs installed before the late 1980s — and while they may have stood the test of time, they also come with significant health risks, legal requirements, and limitations. Whether you’re planning a renovation, concerned about safety, or just ready for a modern upgrade, this blog will walk you through everything you need to know about asbestos roof replacement in Brisbane.

I’m a licensed roofing contractor who’s worked with Brisbane roofs for over 20 years, and this post is designed to help you make an informed decision — safely, legally, and cost-effectively.

What Is Asbestos and Why Was It Used in Roofing?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once hailed for its fire resistance, insulation properties, and strength. It was heavily used in Australia between the 1940s and 1980s — especially in roofing materials like:

If your home was built before 1990, there’s a good chance some part of your roof contains asbestos.

asbestos sheet removal

Why Replace an Asbestos Roof?

Here’s why many Brisbane homeowners are deciding to replace their asbestos roofs:

  • Health Risk: If disturbed, asbestos fibers can become airborne and, when inhaled, may lead to fatal diseases like mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer. There’s no safe level of exposure.

  • Storm Damage Risk: Our Brisbane storms are brutal. Hail, tree branches, or even tradespeople walking on the roof can crack asbestos sheets and release fibers.

  • Limited Insurability: Some insurers won’t fully cover homes with asbestos roofs — or charge higher premiums.

  • Reduced Property Value: Buyers and valuers often see asbestos as a red flag.

  • Illegal Maintenance Methods: You legally can’t pressure wash or grind an asbestos roof — making it hard to maintain or restore.

Bottom line: even if the roof isn’t leaking, leaving it there is a ticking time bomb — and modern roofing options are safer, more energy-efficient, and longer lasting.

Step-by-Step: How Asbestos Roof Replacement Works

1. Inspection & Identification

Not sure if your roof is asbestos? We start with a visual inspection — looking for classic Super Six sheeting, brittle cement slates, or asbestos ridge capping.
If in doubt, we take a sample and send it for lab testing. You can’t confirm asbestos by sight alone — testing is the only way to be sure.

Pro tip: If your roof was installed before 1990, it’s safest to assume it’s asbestos until proven otherwise.

2. Planning & Legal Requirements

In Queensland, replacing an asbestos roof comes with strict regulations:

  • Over 10m² of asbestos? It must be removed by a licensed asbestos removalist (Class B licence minimum).

  • Friable asbestos (loose or crumbly)? Must be removed by a Class A licence holder (not common in roofing, but sometimes found in roof cavities).

  • Workplace Health & Safety QLD must be notified 5 days prior to licensed removal.

  • You’ll also need building approval from a private certifier before installing the new roof.

We handle all permits and paperwork for you — including WHS notifications, asbestos removal control plans, and certifier coordination.

3. Site Preparation & Safety

Safety is the highest priority.

  • We cordon off the work area, put up signage, and inform neighbours.

  • Our team wears full PPE: P2 respirators, disposable coveralls, gloves, boots.

  • The asbestos sheets are dampened to reduce dust, removed intact, and carefully lowered to the ground (never dropped or broken).

  • We wrap all asbestos in 200-micron plastic, tape it tight, label it “Caution — Asbestos,” and prepare it for licensed disposal.

We also protect your garden, air conditioning, pool filters, and solar panels (if needed).

4. Disposal

You can’t take asbestos to your local tip or chuck it in a skip bin. We transport it to a licensed asbestos landfill like Rochedale, Swanbank or New Chum, with full waste tracking and disposal dockets.

Disposal is included in our quotes — we don’t leave any mess or surprises.

5. Clearance Inspection

After removal, we engage an independent licensed asbestos assessor to inspect the site and confirm:

  • No asbestos dust or debris remains

  • The roof cavity is safe (especially if insulation or stored items were exposed)

  • Airborne fiber levels are below safe limits

You’ll receive a Clearance Certificate — essential for peace of mind and resale value.

6. New Roof Installation

Once the site is cleared, we install your brand-new roof — usually Colorbond® steel, which is:

  • Durable (40–70 year lifespan)

  • Lightweight and easy to install

  • Energy-efficient (with reflective colours and insulation)

  • Resistant to rust, rot, mould, and fire

  • Designed to handle Brisbane’s heat, storms, and humidity

We include new flashing, sarking (foil insulation), batten upgrades (if needed), and guttering if requested.

Cost of Asbestos Roof Replacement in Brisbane

Every home is different, but here’s a realistic breakdown:

Item Estimated Cost
Asbestos removal $40 – $80 per m²
Disposal fees $300 – $600 (weight-based)
New Colorbond® roof installation $100 – $160 per m²
Scaffolding (if required) $1,500 – $2,500
Certifier approval & paperwork $500 – $1,000
Independent clearance inspection $250 – $500

For a standard 150m² roof, total project cost is typically $18,000 – $28,000, depending on complexity and material choice.

How Long Does It Take?

  • 1–2 days for asbestos removal and site clearance

  • 3–5 days for new roof installation

  • Add a buffer for weather delays or scaffolding setup

We provide a clear timeline and stick to it — keeping you informed every step of the way.

Why Choose Us?

Here at Brisbane Roofing Co, we’ve completed hundreds of asbestos roof replacements across South East Queensland. We’re not just roofers — we’re licensed asbestos removalists, qualified builders, and locals who care about getting the job done properly.

✔ QBCC Licensed
✔ Class B Asbestos Removal Licence
✔ Fully insured for asbestos and roofing
✔ All paperwork handled
✔ Transparent, fixed pricing
✔ Friendly, experienced team
✔ We clean up — and we show up

Final Thoughts

Replacing an asbestos roof in Brisbane isn’t just a renovation — it’s an investment in your family’s health, safety, and long-term property value. It’s also a legal responsibility, and something that’s best handled by experts who know how to do it by the book.

If you’re ready to get rid of that old asbestos roof — or even just want to find out what’s really up there — we’re here to help.

Book a free roof inspection today.
We’ll come to your place, assess the roof, answer your questions, and provide a detailed quote — no obligation, no pressure.

👉 Contact Brisbane Roofing Co


📍 Proudly servicing Brisbane, Ipswich, Redlands, Logan & Moreton Bay