Garage Roof May Be Asbestos.

[annieigma]

Hi,

I i have a dilapidated garage roof, which is convoluted type grey stuff, that may be many years old, looks very fiberous, now splitting all over, and needs replacing. I am concerned that it may contain asbestos. Can i get this checked out, or is this a bucket load of money looming? I saw a sign at my local tip that said" if you have asbestos to dump, please inform a site operative" Is it that simple, or is this " hold on, i will call the office" and bells ring all over the county? Is their any one that could test a sample for me?

[Psybbo]

I'll be interested in the replies, same situation here.

[tonyav]

http://www.rochdale.gov.uk/pdf/2011_10_12_asbestos_advice_v1.pdf

Have a look at this.


We had an old garage demolished to be replaced with a new one approx 5 years ago, the roof on the old garage was that corrugated cement ( that contains a low percentage of asbestos ) and asbestos panels, the guys that demolished the old garage just through it in a skip and took it away.

[Gizmonster]

I don't know about the testing of the asbestos, but I can tell you my experiences of taking it to my local tip.
I had to dismantle a small shed that had an asbestos roof, so I made enquiries at my local tip. They provided me with bags to double-bag the asbestos. If I remember correctly, the asbestos went into a red bag first, then this went into a clear bag. I think they gave me 5 red bags and 5 clear bags, as they'd only take 5 bags of asbestos per customer, per day. Each day I dropped 5 bags of asbestos off, they provided me with more bags, so I could return the next day. I've absolutely no idea why they had this restriction ....anyway I got rid of it all in a few days, so no problem :)
This was approx 6 - 7 years ago ..... I've no idea if things have changed since ......

[Old_Geezer]

It ought not cost a fortune. When I needed an asbestos garage roof replaced I just got a local builder to do it. Have to say I did find small uncleared bits afterwards though.

[EDDIE51]

It will be asbestos cement , cement with about 15% asbestos. It needs to be double bagged as said but your local council 'tip' should take it in small amounts.
Go and ask them first though. Do not bother with any of the asbestos removal companies they will charge a fortune. Asbestos cementis not dangerous as long as you don't try to saw it up or drill it ( which would make dust) just remove it and bag it up breaking it by hand if nessesary to fit it in the bag. Wear gloves and a dust mask for safety.

[Zacs-Master]

Please follow this guide from the HSE
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/a14.pdf

[buildersmate]

This type of clearance task does not need a licensed asbestos contractor and you can DIY or engage a decent builder who knows what he is doing. HSE has produced a best practice guide sheet and the link for this is at the end. What you do have a responsibility to do is to dispose of it correctly and your local authority may charge to take the double bagged material.
It will be chrysotile or white asbestos within a cement based material.
As per usual there is much bull spoken about asbestos by those who don't know what they are talking about.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/a14.pdf

[EDDIE51]

buildersmate ^^ I worked as process control engineer for 18 years with the company that produced the asbestos cement. I do understand your point about the bullsh!t though, many people panic as soon as they see the word 'asbestos'

[annieigma]

Thanks everyone, most informative. i will ask at my local tip and go from there.