Even small structures deserve proper care – especially when asbestos is involved. One of our recent roof replacements took place in a quiet Leicestershire garden, where a weathered shed had stood for years with an ageing asbestos cement roof. The homeowner had plans to refurbish the space into a potting shed and wanted to start with a clean, safe foundation.
Although smaller in scale, asbestos removal from sheds carries the same health considerations as any larger job. With careful planning and a focus on safety, we handled this one swiftly and thoroughly.
The Background
The shed sat at the back of a modest garden, framed by a hedge on one side and a fence on the other. The asbestos roof had been in place for decades – corrugated sheets, discoloured and brittle, with signs of moss growth and edge crumbling. The owner had initially considered replacing it themselves, but after doing some research, wisely opted for professional replacement.
The Removal Process
We arrived with a two-person team – more than enough for a job of this size, but every removal is treated with full HSE compliance regardless of scale. The shed was emptied beforehand, and we laid protective sheeting around the immediate work area to catch any unexpected debris.
The asbestos sheets were misted with water to suppress fibres, then gently unfastened using hand tools. Each one was removed intact and placed directly into the transport. Given the proximity to garden beds and soft ground, we placed timber boards to ensure safe footing and avoid disturbing the soil.
Once the roof was fully removed, the team carried out a detailed check of the timber frame, cleaning surfaces with equipment to remove any potential residue. We then performed a sweep of the surrounding garden path and access route to ensure a fibre-free environment.
No Fuss, No Delays
The removal itself took under three hours from start to finish. There was no need for scaffold or specialist lifting equipment due to the shed’s low height and accessible positioning, a rare luxury in many of our jobs. The waste was removed from the property via a direct rear gate, meaning the house itself remained undisturbed throughout.
Ready for a New Purpose
With the asbestos safely gone, the customer was left with a clean, timber-framed shed ready for transformation. Whether it becomes a potting shed, tool storage space, or even a mini art studio, it now stands free from risk and ready for a fresh chapter.
Asbestos in Your Shed? Don’t Risk It
Even small amounts of asbestos can pose serious long-term health risks if mishandled. If you’ve got an old shed, garage, or outbuilding with a cement sheet roof, it’s worth checking whether it contains asbestos.
Call Excel Roofing & Asbestos today on 0800 0996 558
Email: info@excel-asbestos.com
Fully licensed, fully insured, fully dependable.
