Garages, sheds and outbuildings are some of the most common places asbestos is found in UK homes — yet they’re often overlooked. Because these structures sit slightly apart from the main house, many homeowners assume they’re low risk.
In reality, asbestos was widely used in outbuildings for decades, and problems often arise when roofs deteriorate or people attempt DIY repairs or demolition.
Why Asbestos Was Used in Garages & Sheds
Asbestos cement was popular because it was:
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Weather-resistant
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Fire-resistant
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Lightweight
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Cheap and durable
This made it ideal for garages, sheds, workshops and agricultural buildings from the 1950s through to the late 1990s.
Common Asbestos Materials Found in Outbuildings
1. Corrugated Roof Sheets
The most common asbestos product found in garages and sheds.
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Grey, corrugated cement sheets
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Often fixed with bolts or hooks
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Can become brittle over time
While generally classed as lower risk, damage or breakage can release fibres.
2. Wall Panels & Cladding
Some garages and outbuildings use asbestos cement panels for walls, including:
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Prefabricated garages
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Lean-to structures
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Workshops and stores
3. Soffits & Fascias
Older outbuildings may include asbestos cement boards around:
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Roof edges
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Eaves
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Guttering areas
4. Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB)
Less common, but higher risk.
Found in:
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Internal partitions
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Fire-resistant panels
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Older workshops or plant rooms
AIB should never be disturbed without professional advice.
Is Asbestos in a Garage Dangerous?
Asbestos in garages and sheds is usually low risk if intact and undisturbed.
Risk increases when:
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Sheets crack or break
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Roofs degrade due to weather
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Materials are drilled, cut or removed
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Structures are demolished without checks
Because garages are often used for storage or DIY projects, accidental disturbance is common.
Can You Repair or Replace an Asbestos Garage Roof?
This is where many problems start.
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Drilling or cutting asbestos sheets is unsafe
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DIY removal can contaminate surrounding areas
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Waste must be disposed of legally
Before repairs, replacement or demolition, asbestos should be professionally assessed.
What About Old Sheds or Agricultural Buildings?
Older rural properties, farms and large plots often have:
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Multiple asbestos-roofed outbuildings
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Weathered materials
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Increased risk from long-term exposure to the elements
Professional surveys help identify risks and plan safe removal or management.
What Should You Do If You Suspect Asbestos?
If you believe your garage or shed contains asbestos:
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Do not disturb the material
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Avoid pressure washing or scraping
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Keep the area secure
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Arrange a professional asbestos assessment
This will determine whether the material can be managed safely or needs removal.
Why Professional Removal Matters
Improper handling can:
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Release airborne fibres
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Contaminate gardens and nearby properties
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Lead to illegal disposal
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Result in costly clean-up works
Licensed asbestos contractors ensure safe removal and compliant disposal.
FAQs – Asbestos in Garages & Sheds
How can I tell if my garage roof contains asbestos?
Visual checks aren’t reliable. Professional testing is the only way to confirm.
Is it legal to remove asbestos garage roofs yourself?
Some asbestos cement can legally be removed by homeowners, but it’s strongly discouraged due to health and disposal risks.
Can asbestos sheets be pressure washed?
No. Pressure washing can release fibres and spread contamination.
Do I need to remove asbestos before demolishing a shed or garage?
Yes. Asbestos must be identified and dealt with safely before demolition.
What happens to asbestos waste after removal?
It must be double-bagged, labelled and disposed of at licensed facilities.
Planning Repairs or Removal? Get It Checked First
Before repairing, replacing or demolishing a garage or shed, it’s essential to know what materials you’re dealing with.
Innov8 Group Ltd provides professional asbestos surveys, management and licensed removal services across the UK — helping homeowners deal with outbuildings safely and legally.
📞 Contact Innov8 today for expert advice and asbestos solutions.
