*Updated March 2025
When replacing an asbestos garage roof, safety and compliance with the law should be your top priorities. As the UK’s leading specialists in asbestos garage roof replacements, Excel Asbestos is committed to educating homeowners on the importance of proper asbestos roof removal, disposal, and replacement.
Today we’ll outline the steps required to ensure your asbestos garage roof is handled and disposed of safely, legally, and with minimal environmental impact. We strongly discourage attempting a DIY approach and instead recommend hiring professionals for this hazardous task.
Why DIY Disposal is Not Recommended
⚠️Attempting to dispose of asbestos yourself puts you and those around you at significant health, legal, and financial risks.
Handling asbestos without proper training, equipment, and permits increases the likelihood of releasing harmful fibres into the air, endangering yourself, your family, and your community.
UK laws regulate asbestos handling and disposal under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. Failing to comply with these regulations can lead to severe fines, legal action, and even criminal charges.
DIY asbestos removal and disposal should never be attempted – the risks far outweigh any perceived time or cost savings.
Requirements for Asbestos Disposal in the UK
Proper disposal of asbestos is strictly regulated to prevent health hazards and environmental contamination. Understanding and following these legal requirements ensures safety and compliance when handling asbestos materials.
Identification of Asbestos
Before any work begins, you must identify whether your garage roof contains asbestos. This typically involves an asbestos survey conducted by a qualified professional. At Excel Asbestos, we have a dedicated team of surveyors who visit sites before any work begins.
Licensing
High-risk asbestos, such as damaged or fragile roofing sheets, must be removed by a licensed asbestos contractor like Excel Asbestos. Attempting to remove it yourself is illegal.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Workers must wear suitable PPE, including overalls, gloves, and a respiratory protective device (breathing mask) with a filter to protect against asbestos fibres.
Controlled Roof Removal
Removing an asbestos roof requires a careful, controlled process to prevent fibre release. Professional removal teams use specialized techniques and equipment to minimize risks and ensure safe disposal.
Dampening: Asbestos sheets are wetted with a mixture of water and detergent to suppress the release of fibres.
Non-Powered Tools: Hand tools like guillotines and hand saws minimize vibrations and fibre disturbance.
Handling with Precision: Sheets are lifted carefully to prevent breakage and fibre release.
Waste Packaging: Damaged asbestos tiles are securely bagged in heavy-duty plastic, while intact sheets are secured for transport.
Transport and Disposal: Asbestos waste is transported by licensed carriers and disposed of at authorized facilities.
Environmental Considerations
Improper disposal of asbestos can have severe environmental consequences. Asbestos fibres can remain airborne for long periods and contaminate the soil and water if not contained properly.
The Role of Professional Asbestos Removal Services
At Excel Asbestos, we have the expertise and equipment needed to manage asbestos garage roof replacement safely and efficiently. Here’s what you can expect when you hire our team:
- Initial Survey and Assessment: We conduct a thorough survey to confirm the presence of asbestos and evaluate its condition.
- Safe Removal: Our trained professionals follow stringent safety protocols to remove the asbestos without releasing fibres.
- Waste Management: We handle the packaging, labelling, transport, and disposal of asbestos waste, ensuring full compliance with UK regulations.
- Replacement: Once the asbestos roof is removed, we can install a modern, durable, and safe replacement roof.
Costs of Asbestos Removal and Disposal
The cost of asbestos garage roof removal varies depending on factors such as the size of the roof, the type and condition of the asbestos, and the complexity of the removal process. While DIY might seem like a cost-saving option, the risks and potential fines far outweigh the initial savings.
Investing in professional removal ensures your safety and compliance with the law. To help you understand the costs involved, read our guide explaining the cost of replacing an asbestos garage roof.
