Asbestos garage roofs: How to spot one and what removal involves

• September 1, 2026|
• News

If you have an older garage with a corrugated grey roof, there is a chance the sheets contain asbestos cement. Asbestos was widely used in UK buildings before its use was banned in 1999, and it can still be found in garages and outbuildings today. 

There is no need to panic if you suspect your garage roof contains asbestos. The main risk comes when asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed, releasing harmful fibres into the air. Knowing what to look for and understanding the correct removal process can give you peace of mind if you are considering a new roof. 

At Weather Shield North West, we provide professional asbestos removal across Bolton, Preston, Bury, Stockport and surrounding areas, handling the process from assessment through to safe disposal. 

How can you tell if a garage roof contains asbestos?

You cannot confirm the presence of asbestos simply by looking at a roof. However, its age, appearance and the type of material used can provide useful clues. 

Asbestos cement was commonly used for garage roofs and other outbuildings because it was durable, relatively inexpensive and resistant to fire. Older sheets are often grey and corrugated, although flat asbestos cement products were also manufactured. 

Look for: 

• Older corrugated grey cement sheets 

• A weathered or slightly chalky surface 

• Moss or lichen that has built up over the years 

• Sheets that appear worn, cracked or damaged 

• An older garage that has not had its roof replaced 

These signs do not prove that asbestos is present. If you need certainty, asbestos testing or a professional asbestos survey is the appropriate way to establish what material you have. 

What should you do if you suspect asbestos?

The safest approach is to leave the roof undisturbed until it has been properly assessed. Asbestos cement is considered a lower-risk material when it remains intact because the asbestos fibres are bound within the cement. HSE guidance states that carefully removing asbestos cement roof sheeting without breaking it up can generally fall into non-licensed work. 

Do not drill, cut, sand, break or walk on a suspected asbestos roof to investigate it further. If sheets are already cracked or crumbling, keep your distance and seek professional advice. 

What are the health risks of asbestos?

Asbestos becomes a health concern when fibres become airborne and are inhaled. Exposure can cause serious diseases including mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer and asbestosis. 

The Health and Safety Executive estimates that around 5,000 people die each year in Great Britain from asbestos-related diseases. This is why asbestos remains an important health and safety issue despite its use having been banned in new applications for decades. 

An intact asbestos cement garage roof may present a relatively low risk when left alone. The situation changes if the material is damaged or needs to be disturbed during building work. Professional removal can reduce the risk of unnecessary fibre release and ensure asbestos waste is handled correctly. 

Can you remove an asbestos garage roof yourself?

There are circumstances where non-licensed asbestos work can legally be carried out without an HSE licence. However, whether a particular job is non-licensed, notifiable non-licensed work or licensed work depends on the type and condition of the asbestos and how the work will be carried out. 

Carefully removing intact asbestos cement sheets without breaking them can generally fall into non-licensed work. If the sheets are substantially damaged or the removal process is likely to create significant dust and debris, different requirements may apply. 

Higher-risk asbestos materials such as asbestos insulating board, sprayed coatings or pipe lagging can require licensed work. 

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 set out requirements for protecting people from exposure. Even non-licensed asbestos work requires appropriate controls, risk assessment and suitable training. 

For most homeowners, professional removal is the sensible option. DIY removal can expose you and others to harmful fibres while also leaving you responsible for the correct asbestos waste disposal. 

What does asbestos garage roof removal involve?

The exact removal process depends on the roof, its condition and the type of asbestos present. However, a professional job will generally involve several stages. 

1. Assessing the roof

The first step is establishing what material is present and assessing its condition. Depending on the circumstances, this may involve asbestos testing or a professional asbestos survey carried out by a qualified surveyor. 

The assessment can also identify factors such as roof size, access and whether other asbestos materials are present. 

A demolition survey is different from a management survey and is normally used where a building or structure is going to be demolished. The appropriate survey depends on the work being planned, so it is important to establish what is actually required rather than assuming every garage removal needs the same survey. 

2. Preparing for removal

Before work starts, the area needs to be made safe. Appropriate safety precautions, personal protective equipment and controlled working methods help reduce the risk of asbestos fibres spreading. 

We cover the asbestos removal process from the initial survey through to safe disposal, following strict health and safety procedures throughout the work. 

3. Removing the asbestos sheets

Where the material is suitable for non-licensed removal, asbestos cement sheets should be handled carefully to avoid unnecessary breakage. 

They should not simply be smashed or dropped from the roof. The aim is to keep the sheets intact where possible and minimise fibre release during the removal work. 

If the material or condition of the roof means licensed work is required, a suitably licensed contractor must be used. 

4. Packaging and disposing of the waste

Once removed, asbestos materials need to be handled as asbestos waste. They cannot simply be put into an ordinary household bin or mixed with general building waste. 

Asbestos waste disposal must follow the relevant requirements and be taken to an appropriate licensed facility. A professional contractor should be able to explain how the waste will be packaged, transported and disposed of. 

We provide safe packaging and disposal as part of the asbestos removal process, with an asbestos removal certificate provided on completion. 

5. Installing a new roof

Once the asbestos has been safely removed, you can replace the old roof with a modern alternative. 

We offer EPDM rubber roofing for flat and gently sloped roofs. We also install galvanised steel roofing, with sheets available to suit the individual dimensions of your roof. 

Both options can be suitable for garages and outbuildings, giving homeowners the opportunity to deal with the old asbestos roof and replacement in one project. 

How much does asbestos garage roof removal cost?

There is no single average cost for asbestos removal because every garage is different. The asbestos removal cost depends on several factors, including: 

• Roof size: A double garage will generally involve more labour and waste than a single garage. The area may also be considered in square metres. 

• Condition of the asbestos: Intact asbestos cement can be more straightforward to handle than damaged or substantially broken sheets. 

• Type of asbestos: Different asbestos materials have different levels of risk and may require different working arrangements. 

• Ease of access: A garage with clear driveway access is generally simpler than one with difficult access or limited space around it. 

• Labour costs: The complexity of the job, equipment required and time spent on site can all affect the final price. 

• Disposal costs: Asbestos waste requires specialist handling and disposal, which forms part of the overall cost. 

• Replacement roof: If you are installing a new roof at the same time, the material and specification will affect the final project price. 

Because these factors vary between properties, it is better to get an individual assessment than rely too heavily on an advertised average cost. We offer free on-site quotes for asbestos removal projects. 

What can replace an asbestos garage roof?

Removing an old asbestos roof gives you the opportunity to replace it with a modern roofing system suited to your garage. 

We offer EPDM rubber roofing as a seamless membrane for flat and gently sloped roofs. We are a Firestone-approved EPDM installer, and the system provides a low-maintenance option for garages and outbuildings. 

We also offer galvanised steel roofing, particularly for garages with pitched or corrugated roof profiles. We can provide steel sheets made to measure, with anti-drip felt available to help combat condensation. 

You can also find out more about our wider garage roofing services before deciding which replacement is right for your property. 

Get a quote for asbestos garage roof removal

If you suspect your garage roof contains asbestos, there is no need to guess what to do next. A professional assessment can establish the condition of the roof and help determine the safest way forward. 

We provide asbestos removal across the areas we serve, including Bolton, Preston, Bury, Stockport and surrounding areas. Our service covers the removal process through to safe packaging and disposal, with replacement EPDM rubber or galvanised steel roofing also available. 

We have over 20 years of industry experience and offer a 10-year installation guarantee on our roofing work. 

If you’re concerned about an asbestos garage roof, request a free, no-obligation quote from us to discuss your options.