Asbestos Cement Garage Roof Removal, Sevenoaks
Double asbestos cement garage roof removed using wet suppression and whole-sheet technique. Clearance certificate issued the same day, building control approved, garage conversion commenced the following week.
A Garage Conversion Blocked by an Asbestos Roof
Asbestos cement was the default roofing material for domestic garages built in the UK between the 1950s and early 1980s. Lightweight, durable, and inexpensive to install, it was specified by builders and local authorities alike. In Sevenoaks and the wider Kent area, a significant proportion of garages from this period still carry their original asbestos cement roofs — many homeowners are unaware until a conversion or extension project brings them into scope.
The homeowner in this case had purchased the property specifically for the garage conversion potential. The architect's initial survey flagged the roof as asbestos cement and confirmed that building control would require a clearance certificate before approving the conversion. We were contacted to carry out the removal and provide the necessary documentation.
The job was completed in a single day. The garage frame was undamaged and the homeowner's chosen re-roofing contractor — fitting a GRP fibreglass roof — was able to start the following week. The conversion was approved by building control without issue.
Sevenoaks double garage: asbestos cement roof removed in a single day using the wet method. GRP re-roofing followed the next week.
Dry removal of asbestos cement — breaking sheets without suppression — releases chrysotile fibres into the air. In an enclosed garage, these fibres can remain suspended for hours. The wet method binds fibres to the sheet surface before any disturbance, dramatically reducing airborne fibre counts. Any contractor removing asbestos cement roofing without wet suppression is not working to the standard required by the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
How the Removal Was Carried Out
Initial Enquiry & Pre-Removal Inspection
The homeowner in Sevenoaks had purchased a 1960s detached property and was planning to convert the double garage into a home office. The garage had a classic corrugated asbestos cement roof — a standard specification for garages of that era across Kent and Surrey. Before building control would approve the conversion, the asbestos roof needed to be removed and a clearance certificate obtained. Our surveyor attended site, confirmed the roof sheets were asbestos cement, and assessed the structure. The garage frame was in good condition and suitable for re-roofing after removal.
Roof Sheet Removal — Wet Method
Our licensed removal team attended the following morning. The roof sheets were wetted using a low-pressure sprayer before any fixings were disturbed — wet suppression is the primary control measure for asbestos cement removal, as it binds fibres to the sheet surface and prevents them becoming airborne. Sheets were removed whole wherever possible: whole-sheet removal produces far less fibre release than breaking or cutting. Where sheets had to be broken to clear the ridge, this was done carefully by hand with continued wet suppression.
Waste Packaging & Site Clearance
Each sheet was double-wrapped in UN-approved heavy-duty polythene sheeting and sealed with asbestos warning tape before being lowered from the roof. No sheets were dropped or thrown — impact fractures release fibres. Once all sheets were packaged, the site was swept and any debris was collected and bagged. The garage frame was inspected for any residual ACM material — none was found. The site was left clean and ready for the re-roofing contractor.
Licensed Disposal & Documentation
All asbestos waste was transported to a licensed disposal facility in our own vehicle — we do not use third-party carriers for asbestos waste. A consignment note was raised for the load in accordance with the Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005. The homeowner received the consignment note, a copy of our licence, and a written clearance certificate confirming the garage roof was free of asbestos. Building control accepted the documentation and the conversion works commenced the following week.
Everything Included in This Job
We cover all of Kent and the South East. Free quotes, same-week availability, full documentation.
Get a Free Quote07345 062075Asbestos Garage Roof Removal Across Kent
We cover Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Maidstone, Dartford, and all of Kent. Free quotes, same-week availability, full documentation pack included.