Asbestos Roof Replacement in Adelaide: Complete 2025 Guide

If your Adelaide home was built between the 1940s and 1990, there’s a strong chance your roof contains asbestos. This is especially true in Adelaide’s northern suburbs like Elizabeth, Salisbury, and Para Hills, where thousands of Housing Trust homes were built with asbestos cement roofing.

Here’s what you need to know about safely replacing your asbestos roof.

How to Identify Asbestos Roofing

Asbestos cement roofing (also called “fibro” or “Super Six”) was widely used in South Australia until the late 1980s. It looks like:

• Corrugated sheets - Similar profile to Colorbond but greyer
• Flat sheets - Often on eaves, gables, and fences
• Shingles - Rectangular tiles on some homes

High-Risk Areas in Adelaide

These suburbs have the highest concentration of asbestos roofing due to their development era:

Elizabeth & Playford Council Area:

• Elizabeth Vale (1960s Housing Trust)
• Elizabeth Downs (1950s-60s development)
• Elizabeth North (1960s-70s estate)
• Davoren Park (formerly Elizabeth Field)

Salisbury & Northern Suburbs:

• Salisbury Heights (1970s estate)
• Para Hills (1960s-70s development)
• Salisbury East (mixed era)
• Parafield Gardens (older sections)

Other Areas:

• Modbury and Hope Valley (1960s-70s)
• Parts of Tea Tree Gully
• Older sections of Gawler

Important: You cannot identify asbestos by looking at it. If your home was built before 1990, assume it contains asbestos until tested by a professional.

Is Asbestos Roofing Dangerous?

Asbestos roofing that’s in good condition and undisturbed poses minimal risk. However, it becomes dangerous when:

• Deteriorating - Weathering releases fibres
• Damaged - Cracks, breaks, or holes
• Disturbed - Drilling, cutting, or pressure washing
• Aging - Most 50+ year old asbestos is now deteriorating

Signs Your Asbestos Roof Needs Replacement

1. Surface erosion - Rough, fibrous texture appearing
2. Moss or lichen growth - Indicates moisture retention
3. Cracking or breaking - Sheets becoming brittle
4. Leaks - Water penetration through deteriorating material
5. Visible fibres - Serious - avoid disturbing further

Legal Requirements for Asbestos Removal in SA

In South Australia, asbestos removal is strictly regulated by SafeWork SA.

Who Can Remove Asbestos Roofing?

For roof replacement, you almost always need a licensed removalist - residential roofs exceed 10m².

What Licence Should Your Contractor Have?

• Class B Licence - Can remove non-friable (bonded) asbestos, including roofing
• Class A Licence - Can remove all asbestos types including friable

At BarossaRoofWorks, we hold appropriate licensing for asbestos roof removal and work with licensed disposal facilities.

Documentation Required

Your contractor must provide:

1. Asbestos removal control plan
2. Notification to SafeWork SA (5 days before work)
3. Waste tracking documentation
4. Clearance certificate (after removal)

Asbestos Roof Replacement Costs in Adelaide

Asbestos roof replacement costs more than standard re-roofing due to removal, disposal, and compliance requirements.

Typical Price Ranges (2025)

What Affects Asbestos Removal Costs?

• Roof accessibility - Single vs two-storey, pitch
• Condition - Brittle asbestos requires more care
• Disposal distance - Travel to licensed facilities
• Amount of asbestos - Roof plus any eaves, gables
• Contamination cleanup - If fibres have spread

The Asbestos Roof Replacement Process

Here’s what to expect when replacing your asbestos roof:

Step 1: Assessment and Quote (Day 1)

We inspect your roof to assess:

• Total area of asbestos
• Condition and fragility
• Access requirements
• Structural condition underneath
• Your preferences for replacement material

Step 2: Permits and Notifications (1-2 weeks)

• Lodge notification with SafeWork SA
• Arrange disposal booking at licensed facility
• Schedule the work (weather-dependent)

Step 3: Safe Removal (Day 1-2 of work)

• Erect barriers and warning signs
• Wet down asbestos to minimise fibre release
• Carefully remove sheets whole (no breaking)
• Wrap and label for transport
• Decontaminate work area

Step 4: Structural Inspection and Repairs (Day 2)

With the old roof off, we inspect:

• Rafters and trusses
• Battens and fixings
• Any rot or termite damage
• Make necessary repairs

Step 5: New Roof Installation (Day 2-4)

• Install insulation blanket
• Lay new Colorbond sheeting
• Install flashings and ridging
• Replace or upgrade gutters
• Final cleanup and inspection

Step 6: Documentation

You receive:

• Asbestos clearance certificate
• Waste disposal receipts
• New roof warranty documents
• Before/after photos

Replacement Options After Asbestos Removal

Colorbond Steel (Most Popular)

Advantages:

• Lightweight (reduces structural load)
• 25-30 year warranty
• Low maintenance
• Energy efficient with insulation
• Wide colour range

Best for: Most Adelaide homes, especially Housing Trust properties

Tile Roofing

Advantages:

• Traditional appearance
• Long lifespan (50+ years)
• Good thermal mass

Considerations:

• Heavier (may need structural assessment)
• Higher cost
• More maintenance

Best for: Homes where appearance must match neighbours

Metal Deck Roofing

Advantages:

• Lower cost option
• Durable and reliable

Considerations:

• Fewer colour options
• Basic appearance

Best for: Budget-conscious projects, rental properties

Financing Asbestos Roof Replacement

A complete asbestos roof replacement is a significant investment. Options include:

SA Government Assistance

Check current programs - the SA Government has occasionally offered:

• Low-interest loans for asbestos removal
• Rebates for Housing Trust property improvements
• Energy efficiency incentives (when adding insulation)

Home Equity

If you have equity in your home, this is often the lowest-cost financing option.

Payment Plans

Some roofing contractors (including us) offer payment plans to spread the cost.

Insurance

Standard home insurance doesn’t cover asbestos replacement. However, if your roof is damaged by storm or other covered event, the claim may include asbestos removal costs.

Choosing an Asbestos Roof Contractor

Essential Requirements

Your contractor must have:

1. Current asbestos removal licence (Class A or B)
2. Public liability insurance ($20M minimum recommended)
3. Workers compensation insurance
4. SafeWork SA compliance history

Questions to Ask

• “Can I see your asbestos removal licence?”
• “Who handles the disposal and where?”
• “Will I receive a clearance certificate?”
• “What happens if you find more asbestos than expected?”
• “Do you have references from similar projects?”

Red Flags

Avoid contractors who:

• Can’t produce licensing documentation
• Offer prices significantly below others
• Suggest “DIY removal to save money”
• Don’t mention SafeWork SA notification
• Want full payment upfront

Case Study: Elizabeth Vale Asbestos Replacement

The situation: 1965 Housing Trust home with original asbestos cement roof showing significant deterioration. Homeowners concerned about health risks.

The solution:

• Full asbestos removal by licensed team
• Structural repairs to two damaged rafters
• New Colorbond Surfmist roof with insulation
• Matching Colorbond gutters and fascia

The result:

• Completed in 4 days
• $28,500 total cost
• Modern, weatherproof roof
• Peace of mind for the family

“We’d worried about that roof for years. The team made the whole process straightforward - handled all the permits, the removal was done safely, and our new roof has transformed the house. Should have done it years ago.” - Kevin & Sandra M., Elizabeth Vale

Your Next Steps

If you have an asbestos roof in Adelaide’s northern suburbs, here’s what to do:

1. Don’t disturb it - Avoid pressure washing, drilling, or climbing on it
2. Get a professional assessment - We provide free inspections
3. Understand your options - Repair, encapsulation, or replacement
4. Plan your budget - Get multiple quotes
5. Choose a licensed contractor - Verify credentials

Free Asbestos Roof Assessment

We provide obligation-free assessments for asbestos roofs across Adelaide, including Elizabeth, Salisbury, Para Hills, Modbury, and surrounding suburbs.

Our assessment includes:

• Visual inspection of roof condition
• Identification of all asbestos-containing materials
• Assessment of urgency
• Replacement options and recommendations
• Detailed written quote

Ready to deal with your asbestos roof? Contact us or call 08 7093 7290 to schedule your free assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my roof is asbestos?

If your home was built before 1990 and has grey corrugated or flat cement sheeting, it likely contains asbestos. The only definitive way to confirm is laboratory testing. We can arrange testing or provide assessment based on age and appearance.

Can I remove asbestos roofing myself?

Legally, homeowners can remove less than 10m² of non-friable asbestos with appropriate precautions. However, for roof replacement (typically 100m²+), you must use a licensed removalist. DIY removal of large amounts is illegal and dangerous.

How long does asbestos roof replacement take?

Most residential asbestos roof replacements take 3-5 working days. This includes removal (1-2 days), any structural repairs, and new roof installation (2-3 days).

Will my home be safe during removal?

Yes, when done correctly. Licensed removalists use containment barriers, wet methods, and air monitoring. You can stay in your home during most of the process, though you may need to keep windows closed during active removal.

What happens to the old asbestos?

Asbestos must be disposed of at licensed facilities. In Adelaide, this is typically ResourceCo in Edinburgh Parks or other EPA-approved sites. You should receive waste tracking documentation.

Is it worth replacing an asbestos roof that’s still in good condition?

If your asbestos roof is genuinely in good condition (no deterioration, cracks, or weathering), replacement isn’t urgent. However, consider that:

• It will eventually need replacement
• Asbestos adds complications if you sell
• New roofing improves energy efficiency
• Peace of mind has value

Many homeowners choose to replace proactively rather than wait for deterioration.

Related Resources

• Elizabeth Roofing Services - Asbestos specialists for Housing Trust homes
• Salisbury Roofing Services - Northern suburbs asbestos replacement
• Roof Repair vs Replacement Guide - How to decide what your roof needs
• Storm Damage & Insurance Claims - If your asbestos roof was storm damaged