Decramastic panels are pressed steel shaped like rows of tiles, coated in bitumen and stone chip 1. The steel isn't the asbestos risk. On older panels, it's the coating. Don't waterblast or paint a suspect roof before it's tested, because disturbing asbestos is what releases the fibres 2.
How much does Decramastic roof replacement cost?
Published 2026 guide ranges (from Auckland jobs; Wellington access and wind can add to it):
| Scenario | Roof area | Typical total |
|---|---|---|
| To COLORSTEEL®, no asbestos | 130–180 m² | $18,000–$28,000 |
| To COLORSTEEL®, asbestos confirmed | 130–180 m² | $22,000–$34,000 |
| To modern pressed-metal tile, asbestos confirmed | 130–180 m² | $28,000–$44,000 |
| Garage or sleepout | 25–50 m² | $6,000–$14,000 |
Source: [[decra_conv]]. Another 2026 guide: Colorsteel long-run $80–$150/m² installed for Decramastic replacement [[rexp_decra]].
How do I know if my roof is Decramastic?
Look for tile-shaped panels about 1.35 m long with a rough stone-chip surface, bald patches where the black bitumen shows through, and dents where people have walked 1.
What happens if asbestos is found?
Over 10 m² of non-friable asbestos has to come off with a Class A or B licensed removalist 5. The job gets planned as asbestos removal plus a re-roof.
See asbestos roof replacement.
Frequently asked questions
Is all Decramastic asbestos?
No. Asbestos was in the bitumen coating of panels made up to the early 1980s. Acrylic-coated tiles from about 1980 were asbestos-free 1. Only a lab test will tell you for sure.
Sources
- Asbestos Roofing NZ — Is my roof asbestos? Super Six, Decramastic and Fibrolite guide (accessed 26 Oct 2026)
- WorkSafe — Asbestos in the home (accessed 26 Oct 2026)
- Automate The Trades — Roof painting cost NZ (2026 guide), updated 11 July 2026 (accessed 26 Oct 2026)
- Class A Asbestos Team — Decramastic roof conversion: guide ranges (Auckland) (accessed 26 Oct 2026)
- Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, reg 56 (accessed 26 Oct 2026)
Prices are published planning ranges, not quotes. See our editorial policy.