Quick answer
Corrugated garage roofs installed on UK homes between the 1950s and 1999 are almost always asbestos cement, containing 10–15% chrysotile bound in cement. Left intact, they are low-risk. Cutting, drilling or breaking them releases fibres and is unlawful without proper controls under CAR 2012.
How to identify them
Look for corrugated sheeting (typically 3-inch profile), a slightly rough grey-white surface, moss growth, and cement (not metal) at the eaves. Post-2000 replacements are usually fibre-cement (still cement but without asbestos) or steel/plastic profile — visually similar but weight and age are the clues.
Is it dangerous?
Left in place and unbroken, asbestos cement is low-risk. It is non-friable, meaning fibres are locked into the cement matrix. Risk rises sharply when the material is cut, drilled, broken, jet-washed or scraped — all of which release respirable fibres.
Removal
Asbestos cement is 'non-licensed' work — a competent contractor can remove it without an HSE licence, but must comply with CAR 2012, use appropriate PPE and RPE, and dispose of the waste at a licensed facility. Typical residential garage roof removal: £550–£950 including disposal.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
Can I remove it myself?+
It is not illegal for a homeowner to remove asbestos cement from their own home, but you must comply with CAR 2012 and use a licensed disposal site. In practice, we strongly recommend a competent contractor.
Does it need a survey first?+
If you already know it is asbestos cement, a sample is often unnecessary — but written confirmation is useful for waste transfer notes.
Can I paint over it to seal it?+
Yes — sealing intact material with proprietary encapsulant paint is a valid short-term management option.