How to Identify Asbestos in your Garage Roof

Before 1999, asbestos was used with abundance in both domestic and commercial buildings, particularly in the construction of garages. Due to its hard-wearing and fireproof properties, it was the ideal material for roofing sheets, walls and even flooring.

Despite the fact that many garages have been rebuilt and upgraded in renovation projects, there is one area where you are most likely to find asbestos in your garage: its roof. Whilst this might seem like a rather harmless place to find asbestos, its presence anywhere on your property, particularly as the material wears down over time, must be investigated. That’s why Cordtape Environmental have outlined how you can identify asbestos in your garage roof, and what to do if you suspect its presence.

Where asbestos might be found in your garage  

Before we explain how to identify asbestos in your garage roof, it is important to recognise the other areas where it may be present. This is because, if it was used in the construction of your roof, then the chance of it being elsewhere is highly likely.

If your garage was previously investigated for the presence of asbestos, or updated in a renovation, then every aspect would have been surveyed.

Asbestos in garages can be found in the following places:

• Corrugated roof sheets
• Corrugated walls
• Cement guttering
• Internal boarding
• Cement sheets
• Spray on fireproofing
  
  

How to tell if your garage roof is made of asbestos

There is no way to identify asbestos in your garage roof without a professional asbestos survey, but if you’re concerned, these are some common signs that there may be asbestos present:

Date of build: Asbestos was commonly used in construction materials until 1999 when it was banned in the UK. If your garage was built before then, there's a higher chance it might contain asbestos.

Material type: Asbestos roofing sheets were typically made with a corrugated or wavy pattern to increase their strength. They can look similar to modern cement roofing sheets, but asbestos will have a rougher finish.

Roof texture: Asbestos roofing sheets have a rough texture, often with minute craters and dimpling.

Worn surface: Old asbestos tiles grow tired and fragile over time. The material will snap and then crumble. Other warning signs include cracks or scaling, and a large amount of lichen growth.

If you find any of the above indicators in your garage roof, do not try to manage the situation yourself. Avoid breaking the surface, and contact accredited Asbestos Surveyors .

Is asbestos in your garage dangerous?
 

Yes.

There is a common misconception that asbestos in your garage is less dangerous because you spend minimal time inside it. But, this is not the case.

Exposure to asbestos can cause numerous health risks through the inhalation of asbestos fibres. Fibres become embedded in the tissue of vital organs leading to the development of life-altering illnesses.

If the material in your garage sheds fibres, these can end up entering your home, and lingering in your car. 

Long term exposure to asbestos can cause:

• Cancers
• Asbestosis 
• Other asbestos related illnesses

How to manage a garage roof with asbestos

If you suspect the presence of asbestos in your garage roof, you must have the site surveyed by professionals as soon as possible. They will conduct an Asbestos Sample Analysis to determine both the amount of asbestos present and the potential risk.

If asbestos is identified, trained professionals will:

• Conduct a site assessment
• Conduct a risk assessment
• Isolate the area
• Remove Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs) with care
• Dispose of the materials appropriately
• Decontaminate the affected area
• Monitor the site to determine whether it is safe

At Cordtape , we can assist you in locating and identifying Asbestos Containing Materials in your garage roof with our Asbestos Survey and Sampling service . If we do locate the presence of asbestos, our Asbestos Removal team will extract it from your premises in accordance with Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. Our team is fully qualified to manage all aspects of asbestos assessment, removal, refurbishment and waste management.