Garage Roof Replacement After Asbestos Removal
Once the asbestos roof has been removed, we can fit a new roof in the same visit — giving you a complete remove-and-re-roof service from a single contractor. GRP fibreglass is our most popular choice: lightweight, durable, maintenance-free, and with a clean modern appearance.
The Risk You Can't See
Asbestos cement roofing, common on UK garages and outbuildings built before 2000, degrades over time. Weathering from rain, frost, and UV light breaks down the cement matrix, exposing the asbestos fibres within. This makes the material brittle and prone to releasing fibres, especially when disturbed.
For homeowners, a deteriorating asbestos roof is more than just an eyesore; it is a direct health risk. Inhaling airborne asbestos fibres can cause fatal diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis years after exposure. Delaying replacement allows the material to degrade further, increasing the risk of fibre release and compromising the building's weather protection, leading to damp and structural decay.
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) sets out the legal duty to manage asbestos. While primarily for non-domestic premises, Regulation 4 establishes the principle of assessing and managing risk. For domestic properties, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) strongly advises using a licensed contractor for removal to ensure fibres are not released, protecting both the household and the environment.
How Asbestos Cement Degrades and Why Fibre Release Accelerates
Asbestos cement is a composite material where asbestos fibres, usually chrysotile (white asbestos), are suspended in a Portland cement binder. When new, the fibres are locked in, but decades of exposure to the UK climate cause the cement surface to erode. This process, accelerated by acid rain and freeze-thaw cycles, gradually exposes the fibres, making the sheets more friable and likely to release fibres if broken or drilled.
Any disturbance, from a stray football to a contractor walking on the roof, can then cause a significant release of fibres. The risk is quantified by the Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL) for asbestos, which under EH40 is set at 0.1 fibres per cubic centimetre (f/cm³). Uncontrolled work can easily exceed this limit, creating a serious hazard. Professional removal involves wetting the material and using specialised tools to prevent fibre release, ensuring the site passes a clearance test with a level below 0.01 f/ml.
Legally, all asbestos waste must be double-bagged, labelled, and transported by a licensed carrier to a hazardous waste facility, as mandated by CAR 2012. Failure to do so can result in significant fines and legal action. This cradle-to-grave responsibility ensures that the asbestos from your property does not become a future public health problem.
The HSE estimates 5,000 workers die each year from asbestos-related diseases — more than any other single work-related cause.
A Complete, Compliant Service
Get Your Free Quote Today
No obligation. We'll assess your job, explain the process, and give you a clear written quote — usually within 24 hours.
How We Work
Survey & Quote
We assess the existing roof structure and provide a combined quote for removal and replacement.
Asbestos Removal
The old asbestos roof is removed safely with licensed disposal.
Structural Preparation
Roof timbers are inspected and any damaged sections replaced.
New Roof Fitted
The replacement roof is fitted to current standards, with guttering reinstated.
When You Need to Act
You see cracks, breaks, or damage on the roof sheets.
Act NowYou risk immediate fibre release and water ingress, leading to property damage and health hazards.
You are planning to sell your home in the next year.
This MonthYou lose potential buyers and devalue your property, as an asbestos roof is a major red flag on any survey.
The roof is covered in moss or showing significant ageing.
This MonthYou allow moisture to accelerate the degradation of the cement, increasing the likelihood of future fibre release and higher removal costs.
You plan to renovate or repurpose the garage.
Plan AheadYou miss the opportunity to safely remove the asbestos before work begins, risking costly delays and cross-contamination during the project.
The Most Expensive Mistake We See
The most expensive mistake is hiring a general builder or roofer to remove an asbestos roof. This often leads to uncontrolled fibre release, contaminating the garage and garden, which then requires a specialist environmental clean-up costing thousands. It also leaves the homeowner liable for improper disposal of hazardous waste.
Why Pro Asbestos Removal
We see roof replacement not just as a construction job, but as a public health task. Our process begins with the meticulous, compliant removal of the hazardous material, followed by a structural assessment and the installation of a high-performance new roof. By managing the entire project, we provide a single point of accountability and ensure your property is safe, secure, and fully compliant from start to finish.
Common Questions
How long does GRP fibreglass last?
A properly installed GRP fibreglass roof has a lifespan of 25 years or more. We provide a 10-year guarantee on all GRP installations.
Is GRP fibreglass more expensive than corrugated metal?
GRP is typically slightly more expensive than corrugated metal but provides a superior finish and requires no maintenance. We will provide a quote for each option so you can compare.
Further Reading
What Is Asbestos?
Foundational guide to asbestos types, risks, and where it is found in UK homes.
Do I Need an Asbestos Survey?
When a survey is legally required and what to expect from the process.
Asbestos Removal Cost Guide
Typical price ranges for common jobs across Surrey and London.
Asbestos Regulations UK
CAR 2012, HSE licensing, and the legal duties of duty holders.
Ready to Get This Sorted?
We cover Surrey, London, and the South East. Call us or request a free quote online — we'll get back to you the same day.
Pro Asbestos Removal · Surrey, London & South East · Mon–Sat 7am–6pm