Replacing an Asbestos Roof

Topline Roofing has been managing commercial asbestos re-roofing projects across Auckland for around 40 years, working with building owners, property managers, and construction companies to plan and deliver safe, compliant roof replacements. We hold Totika Impac 5 Star Prequalification and SiteWise Gold 100% for 9 consecutive years - the H&S credentials required for sensitive commercial and industrial sites.

Asbestos in commercial roofing is a potentially serious issue present in many older commercial properties across Auckland. Safe removal must be carried out by licensed asbestos removal professionals. Topline Roofing does not carry out asbestos removal itself - we work alongside licensed removal specialists and manage the full re-roofing process once removal is complete, offering a range of quality commercial roofing solutions for the replacement roof.

Re-Roofing When Asbestos is Present

There are a few companies in Auckland who are asbestos removal specialists who will ensure the safety of everyone during the removal process. Even before the asbestos is removed Topline’s experienced commercial roofing team can begin the planning process of replacing your asbestos roofing or cladding. Our roofing project managers will advise you on the best roofing products or systems to replace your asbestos roof with, according to your budget and requirements. Plus, we can project manage the entire job.

Asbestos can be found in roofs, cladding and ceilings of some commercial buildings:

• Asbestos in factories
• Asbestos in industrial buildings
• Asbestos in units
• Asbestos in office blocks
• Asbestos in schools

We also offer a Service For Residential Re-Roofing When Asbestos Is Present > 

Why is Asbestos Such a Problem? 

We now know that asbestos is a dangerous and highly toxic substance, but prior to the 1990’s, it was widely used in New Zealand roofs, ceilings, and wall cladding. Asbestos was a popular material given its heat resistant and durable nature. As such, many commercial properties built between the mid-1940’s and the mid-1980’s could contain asbestos.

Asbestos in Auckland's Commercial Buildings 

Asbestos is a serious health hazard and there is no safe level of exposure. Commercial properties often have frequent minor renovations over the years to meet changing needs of the business and seemingly insignificant actions such as drilling or cutting a hole can release asbestos dust into the air, causing a major health hazard. General wear and tear and foot traffic over the roof will also lead to deterioration of your roof or cladding, exposing the asbestos.

Dealing with Asbestos Removal Safely

The safety of your staff is first and foremost, which is why there are strict regulations in place for the removal and disposal of asbestos. A licensed specialist asbestos remover will assess the situation and formulate a customised plan for your business to remove the material safely. Buildings are usually scaffolded and shrink-wrapped for protection and only the removal specialists would be allowed on your property during this time.

Asbestos Removal and Replacement, Auckland

After removal, sites are investigated by an independent inspector to confirm that all asbestos has been removed and the building is safe to re-enter. Upon clearance, the Topline Roofing team can supply and install a new roof and cladding as required. Topline specialises in long run metal roofs, which are the most popular roofing product used as they are durable, lightweight, and resilient.

Project Managing Asbestos Removal Work

The Topline Roofing team can project manage every aspect of your re-roof and will offer advice on the right solution for your specific needs. We understand that every business and commercial property has unique requirements, so we will guide you through options for insulation, noise control, and whether a warm roof system might be right for you. Warm roofs provide superior noise control, insulation, and regulate humidity, making them an ideal option for commercial buildings.

Auckland’s Commercial Roofing Experts

The Topline team are highly skilled and experienced, so you can rest assured that our workmanship is guaranteed, and all materials come with warranties. If you would like to know more about asbestos removal and re-roofing your home, get in touch with our team of roofing experts.

Commercial Roofing Solutions After Asbestos Removal

Once asbestos has been safely removed, Topline Roofing installs a range of high-performance replacement roofing systems suited to commercial and industrial buildings. See our commercial metal roofing page, our commercial membrane roofing page, and our warehouse and factory roofing page for more on the systems we install. For a full overview of our commercial roofing services, see our commercial roofing overview.

Make the most of Topline Roofing's experience and expertise. Thinking about re-roofing? Request a Quote Now, Enquire Online, or call 0800 555 818.

Commercial Asbestos Re-Roofing FAQs

Does Topline Roofing remove asbestos from commercial roofs?

Topline Roofing does not carry out asbestos removal itself - this must be done by licensed asbestos removal professionals in accordance with WorkSafe NZ requirements. Depending on your preference and project requirements, Topline Roofing can either coordinate the full re-roofing process end to end, including working alongside licensed asbestos removalists to plan and sequence the entire project, or step in once asbestos removal is complete to install the replacement roofing system. Either way, we follow best practice guidelines throughout, never cut corners on compliance, and ensure every aspect of our involvement meets the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016.

How do I know if my commercial roof contains asbestos?

The most reliable way to determine whether your roof contains asbestos is to have it assessed by a licensed asbestos assessor. As a general guide, buildings built, altered, or refurbished between 1940 and the mid-1980s are most likely to contain asbestos-containing materials. Corrugated asbestos cement roofing sheets were widely used on commercial and industrial buildings in New Zealand during this period, particularly on warehouses, factories, schools, and churches. If you are unsure, do not disturb the material - contact Topline Roofing and we can help guide you through the assessment and management process.

Is asbestos roofing illegal in New Zealand?

Having asbestos roofing in place on an existing building is not illegal. What is illegal is importing asbestos-containing products - this has been prohibited in New Zealand since October 2016. However, disturbing, removing, or working near asbestos without following the correct procedures under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016 is a serious legal and safety breach. If your building has an asbestos roof that needs replacing, the removal must be carried out by a licensed asbestos removalist following WorkSafe NZ guidelines. Topline Roofing manages this process to ensure full compliance at every stage.

Can a new roof be installed over an existing asbestos roof or does it always need to be removed first?

In some cases an overlay may be possible - installing a new roofing system over the existing asbestos roof without removal. However this depends on the condition of the existing roof, the structural capacity of the building, local council requirements, and the assessment of a licensed asbestos assessor. Overlaying does not eliminate the asbestos - it encapsulates it, which may be acceptable in some situations but not others. Topline Roofing will advise on the most appropriate approach for your specific building after the necessary assessments have been completed. We follow WorkSafe NZ guidelines and never recommend shortcuts that compromise compliance or safety.

What happens during a commercial asbestos re-roofing project?

A commercial asbestos re-roofing project typically follows this sequence. First, a licensed asbestos assessor surveys the roof and confirms the presence and condition of asbestos-containing materials. An asbestos management plan is prepared. The licensed asbestos removalist safely removes and disposes of the asbestos roofing in accordance with WorkSafe NZ requirements. A clearance inspection is carried out by a licensed asbestos assessor to confirm safe removal. Topline Roofing then installs the new roofing system. Topline Roofing can coordinate all parties throughout the full process if required, or work independently on the roofing replacement once asbestos removal is complete. We maintain clear communication throughout and ensure the project runs smoothly from start to finish.

Who carries out the asbestos removal?

Asbestos removal must be carried out by a licensed asbestos removalist - this is a legal requirement under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016. Topline Roofing works with trusted, licensed asbestos removal professionals and coordinates their involvement as part of the overall re-roofing project where required. We do not carry out asbestos removal ourselves, but we manage the process to ensure the right people are doing the right work at the right time, and that all WorkSafe NZ requirements are met throughout.

Can my business continue operating during an asbestos re-roof?

In many cases yes, but it depends on the scope of the removal, the layout of the building, and the asbestos management plan prepared by the licensed assessor. Topline Roofing works closely with building owners and facility managers to plan the project around operational requirements, staging work to minimise disruption wherever possible. We maintain clear communication throughout so there are no surprises, and we coordinate all parties including the licensed removalist, scaffolders, and our own installation team to keep the project moving efficiently.

What roofing system replaces an asbestos roof?

The most common replacement systems for commercial and industrial asbestos roofs are long-run metal roofing and warm roof systems. Long-run metal roofing is the most widely used solution for warehouses, factories, schools, and churches, offering durability, low maintenance, and a range of profiles and colours. For buildings where energy efficiency, condensation control, and acoustic performance are priorities, a warm roof system delivers significantly better performance than a standard metal re-roof. Topline Roofing will recommend the most appropriate system for your building type, budget, and requirements.

Are warehouse and factory roofs commonly affected by asbestos in Auckland?

Yes - this is one of the most common scenarios Topline Roofing encounters. A significant proportion of Auckland's older warehouse and factory buildings, particularly those built between the 1950s and mid-1980s in areas such as Penrose, Mount Wellington, East Tamaki, Onehunga, Henderson, and Mangere, were roofed with corrugated asbestos cement sheets. These roofs are now reaching or beyond the end of their service life, developing leaks, and in some cases becoming a compliance concern. If your warehouse or factory was built before the mid-1980s and has not had its roof replaced, it is worth having it assessed. Topline Roofing can help guide you through the process from assessment through to a new high-performance replacement roof.

How much does commercial asbestos roof replacement cost?

Topline Roofing is competitively priced and provides detailed, transparent written quotations based on your specific project. Asbestos re-roofing costs vary depending on roof area, the extent of asbestos-containing material, the complexity of removal, building height and access, the replacement roofing system specified, and whether any structural repairs are required. Beyond competitive pricing, you get a company that follows best practice guidelines, never cuts corners on compliance or safety, and manages the full project with professionalism and accountability from start to finish. Request a quote or get in touch to discuss your requirements.

How long does a commercial asbestos re-roof take?

Project duration depends on roof area, the scope of asbestos removal, site access, operational constraints, and the replacement roofing system being installed. Rather than provide a timeframe that may not apply to your building, Topline Roofing provides a detailed project programme as part of the pre-construction process so you know exactly what to expect before any work begins. We communicate proactively throughout and coordinate all parties to keep the project on track.

Does Topline Roofing handle asbestos roof replacement with discretion?

Yes. Topline Roofing understands that asbestos re-roofing on commercial, institutional, and heritage buildings requires a professional and discreet approach. We manage every project by the book - full compliance with WorkSafe NZ requirements, licensed removalists, correct disposal, and all required documentation - while conducting ourselves with the professionalism and respect that sensitive sites demand. We have successfully completed asbestos re-roofing projects on a range of high-profile commercial and institutional buildings across Auckland where discretion and minimal disruption were essential requirements. We do not publicise specific clients without their permission and treat all project information with complete confidentiality.

Who should I contact for asbestos roof replacement in Auckland?

Topline Roofing manages commercial asbestos re-roofing projects across Auckland, coordinating licensed asbestos removal specialists, managing the full re-roofing process, and installing a high-performance replacement roof. With around 40 years of Auckland commercial roofing experience, Totika Impac 5 Star Prequalification, and SiteWise Gold 100% for 9 consecutive years, we bring the credentials, experience, and compliance commitment that asbestos re-roofing projects demand. Request a quote or get in touch to discuss your project.

I suspect my warehouse or factory roof contains asbestos. What should I do?

The first step is not to disturb the roof - do not drill, cut, sand, or damage any roofing material you suspect may contain asbestos. The next step is to arrange a survey by a licensed asbestos assessor who can confirm whether asbestos is present and advise on the appropriate management or removal approach. Once asbestos has been safely removed by a licensed removalist, Topline Roofing can install a high-performance replacement roofing system suited to your warehouse or factory. Many older Auckland industrial buildings in areas such as Penrose, East Tamaki, Henderson, and Mangere have corrugated asbestos cement roofs that are now reaching the end of their service life. Get in touch and Topline Roofing can help guide you through the process and advise on your replacement roofing options.