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Original poster

Panicking- asbestos garage roof

16 replies

B45291 · 02/06/2021 17:55

So my husband bought a 1920s house 7 years ago and it has subsequently needed alot of work.
I do not know much about property etc and still learning 5 years after moving in. It has been costly and hard for us both. Please hear me out and don't think I'm just silly.
Our garage that I rarely enter has (we think) asbestos roofing. I have never really inspected it, assuming he knows better, he uses it etc. He has asked about a new garage in the past but again it's thousands and we had in house stuff to do.
The garage is a far way from our house as we have land. Today I have spoken to a relative who recently had hers removed. So inspect ours to find it bowed and patched on the back end with plastic. The underside bar one panel is covered with wood and card.
Now I'm just super panicking about this. He goes in at least once a week and I'm just so worried about the health implications of this. I did not know enough about it and obviously I feel stupid but I'm also cross at him for allowing this to be the case.
I've arranged for someone to come and look at it and quote to remove. I'm just eaten up with guilt now. I don't think it helps that I am pregnant, but I just can't think of anything without him.
It's not silly to worry I am sure and he has never attempted work on it. I don't know what to think, does anyone have any reassuring stories? I feel so silly.

OP posts:
FurierTransform · 02/06/2021 18:05

It's fine, don't panic. Unless you're sawing up asbestos cement sheeting & breathing in the dust direct it is not an issue. It's still in use everywhere.

LIZS · 02/06/2021 18:11

Unless it is broken or disturbed it is fine. If he rebuilds it a specialist will be required to dismantle and dispose of it.

SwedishEdith · 02/06/2021 18:13

I don't think it even needs a specialist to remove it now. May depend on council but ours just requires you to double-bag it and place it at special place at tip.

ISolemnlySwearIAmUpToNoGood · 02/06/2021 18:14

I used to work in the office of an asbestos removal company and garage roof sheets are made out of chrysotile which is the least dangerous type. As pp said unless it is being ground into dust and breathed in then you're fine.

They would definitely need to be disposed of at a licensed waste transfer station though.

Original poster
B45291 · 02/06/2021 18:15

Thank you everyone, I appreciate your time. I'm stuck in Google now worrying about the corrugated metal sides too now. I just want it gone now.

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colouringcrayons · 02/06/2021 18:15

I had one, got it removed, no big deal but not cheap.

im2sad · 02/06/2021 18:43

Plenty of us have lived in houses with artex ceilings, it's absolutely fine unless you're disturbing it! That's why removal is done all suited up.

Smokeahontas · 02/06/2021 23:32

As other posters have said - my mum recently had hers dismantled. Other than the tradesperson having to wear PPE & taking to a specialist tip, no huge drama.

Elouera · 02/06/2021 23:43

I'm going through this myself! Bought a 1930's home with artex throughout and a garage covered in asbestos. The corrugated sheets are more stable than other asbestos sources like artex! Some councils will collect a certain amount of asbestos for a subsidised rate- if you remove it. We hired a specialist skip, and they had a guy (for an extra fee) who removed the sheets from our garage and put them into the skip. Unless its crumbling, broken or breached, its safe.

Have you had the inside of you home checked? You can buy online kits to check yourself for asbestos. Boiler flues and artex often contain them and are more of a concern than concrete roof sheeting if disturbed. Especially if nailing things into walls or disturbing it.

surreygirl1987 · 03/06/2021 14:13

I'm currently living in a house with artex ceilings and walls... absolutely fine if not disturbed!

Original poster
B45291 · 03/06/2021 14:22

I had checks in the house, luckily it's so old that the farmers used horsehair in the cement etc.
I'm just worried the back end was patched up but he didn't do it and it hasn't leaked or anything so it's water tight.
I do appreciate everyone's advice and thoughts, thank you.

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Original poster
B45291 · 03/06/2021 14:24

Its also slightly bowed but the underside is covered by wood and cardboard bar one panel and it doesn't leak so Confused

OP posts:
1990s · 03/06/2021 14:29

My GDad used to sand his asbestos roof to get it nice and smooth before the dangers were known.

That obviously isn't recommended, but the asbestos type an level in garage roofs is lower level dangerous. The key as others have said is not to disturb it so the fibres aren't released.

And when you get it removed get the pros in!

CasperGutman · 03/06/2021 14:31

Asbestos cement is not going to harm you if you leave it alone. I'm sure going in and out of the garage and storing things there will be no problem at all. You would need to cut into the sheets and breathe in the dust for it to be an issue.

That said, no matter how we try to reassure you, you clearly find the presence of the asbestos distressing. The easiest remedy would seem to be to pay for it to be removed by a competent contractor and (assuming you want to keep the garage for storage) replaced with a modern alternative.

Original poster
B45291 · 03/06/2021 14:53

Thank you everyone. I have got someone coming to test it and removal isn't as expensive as I thought it would be.
Again I really appreciate your knowledge and advice, it has calmed my pregnant neurotic brai somewhat!

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Original poster
B45291 · 03/06/2021 14:53

Brain*

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