Asbestos Roof Sheets
removal
Asbestos cement roof sheets and wall panels were commonly used on garages, barns, warehouses, workshops and industrial buildings due to their durability and weather resistance. While asbestos cement products are considered lower risk when when left undisturbed, damage, drilling or removal can release harmful asbestos fibres into the air. Safe removal and disposal should always be carried out by trained professionals using compliant methods to protect both occupants and the surrounding environment.
What are asbestos Roof Sheets & panels?
Facts:
Asbestos Type: Chrysotile (most common)
Amosite (less common)
Crocidolite (less common)
Colour: White, Brown, Blue
Commonly Found: Garages, Sheds, Industrial Buildings, Farms, Workshops, & Outbuildings
Popular In: Residential Garages & Sheds, Workshops, Barns, Warehouses, & Commercial Buildings
Good to know: Asbestos Cement roofing is usually considered Non-friable and is a lower risk, weathered roofs can release more fibres
Risk: Low
hugely becoming popular after World War II. Manufacturers marketed asbestos cement roofing as a 'miracle material' due to its fireproofing, long lasting and being maintenance free. Many asbestos cement roofs survive 40 - 70+ years.
If left undisturbed, roofing can be left in place. Removal should be considered if the roof is deteriorating, leaking badly, if any renovations are planned or structural replacement needed.
Asbestos Roof Sheets & Panels
CAN YOU IDENTIFY IT BY SIGHT?
Many non-asbestos fibre cement products look nearly identical. Possible clues include corrugated cement sheets, older buildings, grey weathered appearance, manufacturer markings, age before 2000.
UKAS accreditted analysis is the only reliable confirmation.
- Old asbestos roofs requently develop moss, algae and lichen. These trap moisture and can accelerate surface deterioration.
- One of the worst things you can do is pressure wash asbestos roofing. This can blast fibres into the air, spread contamination, and damage the cement surface.
types of asbestos found in roof sheets/Panels
Decorative Textured Coatings is the most commonly used asbestos type in roof sheets & panels. Chrysotile is part of the Serpentine asbestos family. It contains curly fibres and is usually present in asbestos cement roofing, around 10 - 35% by weight in some products.
Chrysotile (White Asbestos)
is less common than Chrysotile but occasionally present in panels, insulating products, and some industrial roofing systems.
Amosite (Brown Asbestos)
Crocidolite (Blue Asbestos)
is less common but sometimes found in older cement roofing products and industrial applications. It contains very fine needle like fibres and more hazardous when airborne with a strong association with asbestos disease.
What You Should Know
Always check the building age and assume asbestos until tested. Avoid drilling, cutting, and pressure washing. Roof bolts and fixings often corrode before the sheets themselves fail. Cracking commonly starts around bolt holes, edges and overlaps. Never walk directly on fragile sheets.
Generally, many asbestos cement roofing works are non-licensed. Risk increases if the sheets are badly damaged, a large scale breakage occurs, and significant fibre release is likely.
our projects
See some of our asbestos roof sheets & panels removal projects, completed safely, professionally and fully compliant for our domestic and commercial clients.
Asbestos Roof Sheet Removal, Hainault
Removal of asbestos cement roof sheets from a domestic shed at a residential property in Hainault.
The client required the existing shed to be dismantled and removed, however the roof was identified as containing asbestos cement sheets which needed to be safely removed prior to demolition works commencing.
Our team carefully removed the asbestos roofing materials under controlled conditions, ensuring the surrounding areas were protected throughout the works. All asbestos waste was securely packaged, removed from site, and disposed of in accordance with current asbestos regulations, allowing the shed removal project to continue safely.
Asbestos Roof Sheet Removal, Romford
Removal of asbestos cement roof sheets from a residential property in Romford as part of a roof replacement project.
The existing roof consisted of asbestos-containing cement sheets which required safe removal prior to installation of the new roofing system. Works were carried out using controlled asbestos removal procedures, with careful handling of the roofing materials to minimise disturbance and maintain site safety throughout.
All asbestos waste was securely packaged, removed from site, and disposed of at a licensed facility in accordance with current asbestos regulations, allowing the new roof installation works to proceed safely and efficiently.
Asbestos Roof Sheet Removal, Gillingham
Removal of asbestos cement roof sheets from a single garage at a residential property in Gillingham.
Due to subsidence affecting the structure, the garage required demolition to allow for corrective structural works to be carried out. Prior to demolition, the asbestos-containing roof sheets needed to be safely removed and disposed of in accordance with current regulations.
Our team carefully removed the roofing materials under controlled conditions, ensuring the surrounding area remained protected throughout the works. All asbestos waste was securely packaged, removed from site, and transported to a licensed disposal facility, allowing the demolition and remedial works to proceed safely.
Asbestos Roof Sheet Removal in Reading
Removal of asbestos cement roof sheets from a church hall in Reading as part of a full building renovation project.
The existing asbestos-containing roof sheets were carefully removed under controlled conditions to allow for the installation of a new replacement roof as part of the refurbishment works. Due to the size and nature of the building, works were planned and carried out methodically to ensure safe handling and removal of all roofing materials.
All asbestos waste was securely packaged, removed from site, and transported for disposal in accordance with current asbestos regulations, allowing the renovation project to continue safely and on schedule.