Whether you’re planning a garage roof replacement or an asbestos survey has indicated a removal is needed, safety comes first. Many households and commercial property managers feel apprehensive about how to spot an asbestos garage roof or what to expect during a removal. Without the right protective equipment and safe asbestos removal techniques for garages, it puts anyone nearby at risk, and accidental exposure to asbestos fibres can be life-threatening.

Here’s our guide to how dangerous an asbestos garage roof is and what happens next.

Are garage roofs containing asbestos dangerous?

Many garages in the UK still contain ACMs (asbestos-containing materials) if they were built pre-1999, but an official inspection by a professional can confirm this.

Asbestos garage roofs are often made from corrugated grey materials, cement sheets with craters on the surface or boarding panels. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean a removal is required, as some of the thickest asbestos roofing sheets may even last 50-80 years.

Unless there are signs of damage or deterioration that make the roof materials ‘friable’, asbestos roofs may remain in situ, although you may want to consider encapsulation, where a sealant is applied to ACMs.

Professional asbestos surveys & risk assessments for asbestos garage roofs

If you feel concerned about your garage roof containing asbestos, identifying its presence, type and condition is the first step. This should only be completed by a professional asbestos company, who can advise you about its management.

If removal is preferred or necessary (e.g., the garage roof is damaged), further risk assessments and asbestos audits will be required to plan the job in accordance with guidance from the HSE (Health and Safety Executive). ACMs need to be assessed for potential exposure, ensuring the removal methods manage the risks as well as possible.

What to expect during asbestos garage roof removals

While a fast and efficient asbestos removal is desired to minimise disruptions, a methodical approach is key, whatever the project size. An expert asbestos contractor will bring all the safety equipment needed and wear protective clothing, such as safety suits and masks.

There may be some site preparation to complete first, such as watering down the garage to help stop the fibres from getting into the air. Depending on the job, your asbestos removal team may work closely with other contractors, such as qualified electricians if power supplies need disconnecting in the garage beforehand.

During the work, each ACM is carefully removed, and the asbestos waste is taken away from the site to be properly disposed of as recommended by official legislation. At job completion, reputable asbestos companies will always leave the site in a neat and tidy condition, taking their waste with them. They may also be able to remove other parts of the structure for you, such as concrete bases or replace asbestos sheeting with a modern garage roof.

Arrange a local asbestos removal

Are you looking for a professional asbestos removal expert? We offer our expert services across London, Surrey and the Home Counties, working on projects in Berkshire, Bexleyheath and beyond.

For more information or to request a free quote, contact Goodbye Asbestos.