Asbestos Shed Roof Removal in Somerset
Corrugated asbestos cement roofing can still be found on many older sheds, garages and outbuildings across Somerset. Asbestos cement was valued for its strength, weather resistance and fire performance, so it was used extensively on domestic and commercial outbuildings.
A sound asbestos cement roof does not necessarily need immediate removal simply because asbestos is present. However, cracked, badly weathered or damaged sheets require careful assessment because inappropriate cutting, drilling or breaking may release fibres.
Our free quotation service connects property owners throughout Somerset with independent contractors who undertake asbestos shed and garage roofing work. Instead of contacting several companies separately, describe the project once and compare responses from relevant local specialists.
What Homeowners Should Know About Asbestos Cement
Corrugated asbestos cement sheets consist of cement reinforced with asbestos fibres to improve strength and durability. The corrugated profile can look similar to modern fibre-cement sheets that do not contain asbestos.
Visual inspection alone cannot normally confirm whether a cement sheet contains asbestos. Where confirmation is needed, sampling should be undertaken by someone with the knowledge and controls required to avoid unnecessary disturbance.
Does an Asbestos Shed Roof Always Need Removing?
An intact asbestos cement roof does not always need to be removed immediately. A roof should be assessed for cracks, weathering, loose fixings and damage before removal or retention is considered.
Homeowners commonly arrange asbestos roof removal because:
- The sheets are cracked, broken or badly weathered.
- Rainwater is entering around bolts or joints.
- Roof panels have moved or broken during severe weather.
- The supporting roof timbers have deteriorated.
- The building is being converted into a workshop or garden office.
- The roof must be taken down as part of wider redevelopment.
- The owner wants to replace an ageing roof before further deterioration.
Problems with Older Asbestos Roof Sheets
A visual check should only be made from a safe location without walking on the roof or touching damaged material.
Possible signs of deterioration include:
- Visible fractures across individual panels.
- Impact damage caused by branches or other debris.
- Loose or corroded fixings.
- Water entering around sheet joints.
- Visible deterioration across the upper face of the sheets.
- Moss and organic growth covering large areas.
- Weak purlins or rafters beneath the sheets.
- Broken roof sections after severe weather.
- Debris or fragments found around the shed.
Actions That Can Damage Asbestos Roofing
Homeowners should avoid attempting repairs that involve cutting, drilling or breaking the material.
Do not:
- Using a power drill on suspected asbestos cement.
- Sawing through damaged roof sections.
- Breaking sheets into smaller pieces for disposal.
- Grinding damaged edges or fixings.
- Aggressively cleaning moss from the surface.
- Dry sweeping asbestos debris.
- Standing on fragile corrugated sheets.
- Leaving broken sheets for normal rubbish collection.
- Hiring an untrained contractor without checking waste arrangements.
Removal and Replacement Services Available
Asbestos Cement Identification
Where the roof material has not been confirmed, a sample may be taken for laboratory analysis. Homeowners should not break off a piece themselves simply to send it for testing.
Planning the Removal Method
Before asbestos work begins, the contractor should assess the risks and decide how exposure will be controlled.
The contractor should consider:
- Establishing whether the sheets are asbestos cement.
- Determining whether the work is non-licensed, notifiable or licensable.
- Using suitable platforms, towers or access equipment.
- Keeping residents, children and pets away during removal.
- Selecting suitable personal protective equipment.
- Using sufficient workers or lifting equipment.
- Preparing the required waste paperwork.
Controlled Removal of Asbestos Cement Sheets
Careful removal reduces damage to the panels and limits the potential release of fibres.
- Keeping the sheet surface suitably damp without creating slurry.
- Releasing or removing fixings carefully.
- Using enough workers or lifting equipment.
- Keeping the removal process controlled.
- Collecting small fragments and debris promptly.
Wrapping Removed Roof Sheets
Intact sheets may be wrapped securely, while smaller fragments may require approved asbestos waste bags or other suitable containment.
- Wrapping large sheets in heavy-duty polythene.
- Double-bagging small pieces and disposable PPE where required.
- Checking each package before transport.
- Applying the required asbestos warning labels.
- Securing the waste during transport.
Lawful Disposal of Asbestos Roofing
Asbestos waste requires controlled transport and disposal rather than ordinary household or construction waste arrangements.
Before work begins, confirm:
- Which business is responsible for removing the material from the property.
- Whether the carrier is appropriately registered.
- Which authorised facility will receive it.
- Whether the customer will receive a copy of relevant records.
- Whether disposal charges are included.
Asbestos Roof Removal Only
The building should not be left exposed without temporary protection unless demolition is planned immediately.
The quotation should state whether the contractor will remove only the asbestos sheets or also dismantle timber framing, gutters and other roof components.
Removing and Re-Roofing the Shed
The roof structure should be inspected once the old sheets have been removed.
Replacement work may include:
- Dismantling the old roof covering safely.
- Assessing whether the structure suits the new material.
- Replacing rotten or damaged timbers.
- Improving rainwater drainage.
- Completing ridges, verges and perimeter details.
- Adding new gutters and downpipes.
What Can Replace an Asbestos Roof?
Metal Roofing for Sheds and Garages
Corrugated steel sheets are a common replacement for asbestos cement on garages, workshops and larger outbuildings. The contractor should use suitable fixings, seals, ridge pieces and closure details.
Bitumen Roofing for Timber Outbuildings
Corrugated bitumen sheets may suit timber sheds, workshops and smaller garages. The roof pitch must be suitable for the selected product.
Fibre-Cement Roof Replacement
Modern fibre-cement roof sheets provide a similar appearance to traditional asbestos cement without containing asbestos. The contractor should follow the manufacturer's installation requirements.
EPDM for a Boarded Shed Roof
EPDM may be suitable where the asbestos sheets are removed and a continuous timber deck is installed. Purpose-made edge trims and compatible adhesives complete the system.
Mineral Felt Shed Roofing
Traditional or heavy-duty felt may be installed where new timber boarding is fitted after asbestos removal. Correct overlaps, edge finishing and ridge details are essential.
Hard-Finish Flat Roofing
GRP may suit some small garages, workshops and garden rooms after a suitable deck has been installed. Edge trims and drainage details need careful installation.
Lightweight Plastic Roofing
Plastic or polycarbonate sheets may be considered where natural light is useful inside the building. Thermal movement should be allowed for during installation.
Repairing the Roof Frame
The condition of the roof frame may only become fully visible after the asbestos sheets have been removed.
- Renewing horizontal supports beneath the roof sheets.
- Replacing timbers damaged by long-term water ingress.
- Replacing wall plates and edge timbers.
- Repairing steel frames and fixings.
- Creating a continuous base for membrane roofing.
- Improving the roof pitch or fall.
- Renewing roof edge components.
Outbuildings with Asbestos Cement Roofs
Asbestos cement roof removal is not limited to small timber sheds.
- Older wooden storage sheds.
- Prefabricated garage structures.
- Garden workshops.
- Masonry stores and utility buildings.
- Rural corrugated-roof buildings.
- Carports and lean-to roofs.
- Small industrial workshops.
- Detached service buildings.
- Garages joined in blocks.
Stages of Asbestos Roof Removal
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Providing information about the building
The homeowner provides the building location, approximate dimensions and roof condition.
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Surveying or sampling the roof
Laboratory results may be used to plan the work.
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Assessing risk and planning the work
Access, fragile roof risks and waste arrangements are considered.
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Setting up safe roof access
The immediate area is controlled to keep other people away.
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Lowering panels carefully
The material is lowered rather than thrown or dropped.
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Packaging and clearing debris
Small debris is collected using controlled methods.
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Using an authorised disposal route
Packaged asbestos waste is transported by an appropriate carrier.
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Replacing damaged supports
The roof fall and perimeter details are prepared for the replacement material.
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Installing the replacement roof
Ridge, verge, edge and drainage details are completed.
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Providing relevant records
The work area is cleared and the completed roof is inspected.
Time Required for Removal and Re-Roofing
The actual timescale depends on the roof size, sheet condition and removal controls required.
Installing the replacement roof may add another day or longer depending on the material and structural repairs.
Strong winds and heavy rain may make fragile roof work unsafe.
Cost of Removing an Asbestos Shed Roof
The cost of asbestos shed roof removal in Somerset depends on the roof size, sheet condition, access and disposal arrangements.
The contractor may consider:
- The number and size of roof panels.
- The condition of the sheets.
- How easily the sheets can be reached.
- The amount of working space around the structure.
- Garden and driveway access.
- Whether the project is non-licensed, notifiable or licensable.
- The method used to contain the removed material.
- Waste transport and disposal fees.
- Whether structural repairs are required.
- The specification and expected lifespan of the new roof.
- New gutters, fascias and edge trims.
- Whether the building needs covering between removal and replacement.
A very low quote may exclude waste transport, disposal, timber repairs or the new roof covering.
Complete the free enquiry form to request asbestos shed roof removal quotes across Somerset.
Information to Give an Asbestos Roofing Contractor
A good description may also help contractors prepare more accurate initial responses.
- The approximate length and width of the roof.
- Whether the building has a mono-pitch or apex roof.
- Whether the property has previous asbestos records.
- Whether asbestos has been confirmed by testing.
- Any visible cracks, broken edges or missing panels.
- When water ingress was first noticed.
- The condition of the supporting frame.
- Whether removal only or re-roofing is required.
- Obstacles around the outbuilding.
- The proximity of neighbouring properties.
- Whether damage requires urgent attention.
Do not climb onto or disturb the sheets to obtain closer photographs.
How to Compare Asbestos Roof Removal Quotes
The contractor should understand the specific work category and controls required for the roof.
- Check that training is appropriate for the work being undertaken.
- Ask whether the project is non-licensed, notifiable or licensable.
- Confirm that the insurance does not exclude asbestos-related activities.
- Avoid relying only on a verbal price.
- Ask how the sheets will be removed.
- Confirm that workers will use suitable access equipment.
- Verify carrier details where appropriate.
- Ask where the asbestos waste will be taken.
- Ask for the sheet profile, membrane or felt specification.
- Agree how additional work will be authorised.
- Agree the start date and expected duration.
- Confirm what workmanship or material cover applies.
Local Asbestos Roof Removal Coverage
Our contractor network covers many towns, villages and rural locations throughout Somerset. Choose your location for more details about services available in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my shed roof contains asbestos in Somerset?
Modern non-asbestos fibre-cement sheets can look very similar to asbestos cement. Laboratory analysis of a representative sample is the reliable way to identify the material.
Does every asbestos cement roof require a licensed contractor?
Some work involving asbestos cement may be classed as non-licensed when the material can be removed carefully without substantial breakage. The contractor should explain how the project has been classified and what training or notification is required.
Can an intact asbestos shed roof be left in place?
An intact roof does not always require immediate removal simply because it contains asbestos. Periodic visual checks can identify deterioration or storm damage.
Can I remove an asbestos shed roof myself?
Fragile roof access creates an additional risk of falling through the sheets. Homeowners should not attempt the work unless they fully understand and can meet all applicable requirements.
Can asbestos cement roof sheets be cut or broken?
Cutting, drilling, grinding or deliberately breaking asbestos cement can increase fibre release. Power tools should not be used simply for speed or convenience where they damage the material.
Can an asbestos shed roof be pressure washed?
High-pressure washing can damage the cement surface and spread contaminated debris. In some cases, leaving sound material undisturbed is safer than attempting cosmetic improvement.
How is asbestos roof waste disposed of?
It must be delivered to a facility authorised to accept asbestos waste. Required consignment paperwork should accompany applicable waste movements.
What can replace an asbestos shed roof?
The best material depends on the building frame, roof pitch, budget and intended use. Ridges, verges, gutters and fixings should be included in the specification.
Can the old roof frame be reused?
Existing purlins, rafters and wall plates may be retained if they are structurally sound and suitable for the replacement material. Additional battens or boards may be needed for a different roofing system.
How long does asbestos shed roof removal take?
Broken panels and complex working areas may require more time and additional controls. Installing a replacement covering may add another day or longer.
Is asbestos shed roof removal covered by home insurance?
Sudden insured damage, such as some storm events, may be treated differently from planned replacement of an ageing roof. Do not delay urgent safety measures while waiting for an insurance decision.
How much does asbestos shed roof removal cost in Somerset?
The cost depends on the roof size, sheet condition, access and disposal requirements. Replacement roofing should be priced with its trims, fixings and drainage details.
How do I get asbestos shed roof removal quotes in Somerset?
Include the approximate building size, condition of the sheets and whether replacement roofing is required. We will try to match the enquiry with up to four relevant contractors covering Somerset. You can compare the proposed methods and quotations before appointing anyone.