Is my garage roof asbestos? Testing before removal
You cannot tell by looking. Many garage roofs from the 1950s to the 1990s are asbestos cement, but not all of them, and replacing a roof that turns out to be safe is much cheaper than treating it as asbestos.
What testing involves
A trained person takes a small sample from the sheet, taking care to limit dust, and sends it to a laboratory. The result states whether asbestos was found and which type. A sample is the only reliable way to know. A photograph can help the surveyor plan the visit, but it cannot confirm asbestos.
When to presume it is asbestos
If the garage was built or roofed before 2000 and has corrugated or flat cement-style sheets, the safe assumption is that it is asbestos until proven otherwise. Do not drill, saw, scrub or pressure wash the sheets, and do not walk on a weathered roof: both release fibres and cause breakage.
What happens next
If no asbestos is found, an ordinary roofer can replace the roof. If asbestos is found, removal is planned according to the condition of the sheets, and the new roof can be fitted straight afterwards.
Common questions
Can I take a sample myself?
What if the sheets are cracked or weathered?
Tell us about the garage
Send photos, get one price for the roof off and the new roof on.
Send photos, get a quote
Postcode, garage size and a few photos of the roof from the ground are enough to start.