Asbestos was commonly used in garage roofs in the UK from the 1950s until the late 1990s. The most common type of asbestos found in garage roofs is asbestos cement, which contains about 10-15% asbestos fibres mixed with cement. Asbestos cement was used in roofing sheets, tiles, and other materials because of its strength and ability to withstand weathering.
Determining whether your garage roof contains asbestos isn’t always straightforward, but there are some key indicators to look for:
- Age of the Property: If your garage was built before the year 2000, there is a higher likelihood that it contains asbestos materials. Asbestos use in construction was banned in the UK in 1999, so newer buildings are less likely to contain asbestos.
- Material Type and Appearance: Asbestos cement sheets were often used in garage roofs. These sheets are usually corrugated and have a dull, greyish appearance. Over time, they may develop a weathered or slightly fibrous surface.
- Condition of the Roof: If the roofing material is crumbling, cracking, or otherwise deteriorating, it might contain asbestos, as asbestos cement sheets tend to degrade over time. However, intact asbestos cement poses less risk of releasing fibres compared to damaged materials.
- Labelling: Some asbestos-containing products are marked with labels indicating they contain asbestos. However, many materials may not have clear markings, especially if they have been painted over or have deteriorated.
