Many garages and outbuildings built before the mid-1980s have corrugated asbestos cement roofing sheets, which contain chrysotile (white asbestos) as a reinforcing component. While chrysotile asbestos cement in good condition is considered a lower-risk asbestos type than friable asbestos insulation, it still requires careful handling and licensed or notifiable non-licensed removal depending on the condition and extent of the work.

Types of Asbestos Removal Work

Asbestos removal work is categorised under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 as licensed work, notifiable non-licensed work, or non-notifiable non-licensed work depending on the type and condition of the asbestos and the nature of the work. Removal of asbestos cement roofing sheets in good condition with limited dust exposure is typically notifiable non-licensed work, meaning the removal contractor must notify the relevant enforcing authority before starting but does not need to hold a full asbestos licence for this specific category. Damaged, friable, or degraded asbestos cement may require a fully licensed contractor.

Typical Costs

For a standard single garage with approximately 20 to 25 square metres of asbestos cement roof sheets in reasonable condition, removal and disposal by a specialist contractor typically costs five hundred to one thousand two hundred pounds. This includes the contractor's risk assessment and method statement, appropriate personal protective equipment for the workers, careful removal of the sheets to minimise fibre release, double-bagging and labelling of the asbestos waste, transport to, and disposal at, a licensed asbestos waste facility, and a waste transfer note confirming legal disposal.

For a larger double garage or outbuilding with 40 to 60 square metres of roof area, costs are typically one thousand to two thousand pounds. Additional costs arise where the sheets are damaged and require more careful handling, where access is restricted, or where other asbestos-containing materials are found during the work.

Why You Cannot Do This Yourself

Removing asbestos cement yourself is not prohibited for homeowners in domestic settings under UK regulations, but it is strongly discouraged and carries significant health risks if done incorrectly. Even the notifiable non-licensed category requires the work to follow specific controls to prevent fibre release. Licensed waste contractors must handle and dispose of the material legally. The risk of inhaling asbestos fibres during removal of damaged or brittle sheets is the primary hazard. Using a specialist contractor removes the health risk and ensures legal compliance with waste disposal requirements.

After Removal

Once the asbestos roof is removed, the garage structure can be reroofed with conventional materials. Corrugated fibre cement panels without asbestos, steel sheets, or felt on timber boarding are common replacement options. Reroofing costs are separate from the asbestos removal cost.

Summary

Removing an asbestos cement garage roof costs five hundred to one thousand two hundred pounds for a standard single garage, carried out by a specialist contractor. The price includes safe removal, bagging, transport, and legal disposal at a licensed facility. An asbestos survey confirms the presence and condition of asbestos before removal planning. Do not attempt to remove asbestos yourself without specialist knowledge and equipment.