For many homeowners across London and the surrounding areas, the garage is often one of the oldest parts of the property. Whether it’s used for parking, storage, or as a workshop, the roof above it is rarely given much thought—until signs of ageing begin to appear.
Cracks, leaks, moss growth, or renovation plans often lead homeowners to ask the same question: could this be garage roof asbestos?
It’s a valid concern. Thousands of garages built between the 1950s and late 1980s used asbestos cement roofing sheets because they were durable, inexpensive, and resistant to fire and weather damage. Even today, many of those roofs remain in place.
Understanding the difference between asbestos cement sheets and newer non-asbestos alternatives can help you make informed decisions about maintenance, repairs, or replacement.
Asbestos cement became popular because it offered a practical solution for garages and outbuildings. Manufacturers mixed asbestos fibres with cement to create roofing sheets that were:
At the time, it was considered a reliable building material. Unfortunately, the health risks linked to asbestos fibres were not fully understood until later, which is why asbestos-containing materials were eventually banned in the UK.
Many homes across Greater London still have original garage roofs dating back decades, particularly in older suburban estates and post-war housing developments.
One of the biggest challenges for homeowners is that asbestos cement sheets can look very similar to modern fibre cement roofing.
While visual identification alone isn’t enough to confirm asbestos, there are several clues worth paying attention to.
Older asbestos garage roofs commonly feature corrugated sheets with a distinctive wave pattern.
The profile itself isn’t unique to asbestos, as many modern fibre cement roofs use similar designs. However, older asbestos sheets often appear more weathered and brittle due to age.
Some homeowners assume that if the roof looks solid, it must be safe. In reality, asbestos cement can remain intact for decades while still containing hazardous fibres beneath the surface.
The fixings used on older roofs can also provide useful age clues.
Older garages may also show signs of patch repairs around these points, particularly where leaks have developed over time.
Modern roofing systems tend to use newer sealed fixings and cleaner installation methods, while older asbestos garage roofs often have a more aged and uneven appearance.
One of the strongest indicators is the age of the structure itself.
If your garage was constructed before asbestos was fully banned in UK building materials, there’s a reasonable chance asbestos cement may have been used.
This is particularly common in:
For homeowners in London, garages added during the housing boom of the 1960s and 1970s are especially likely to contain asbestos roofing materials.
That doesn’t automatically mean the roof is dangerous. Asbestos cement is considered lower risk when left undisturbed and in good condition. Problems usually arise when the material becomes damaged or is disturbed during maintenance or renovation work.
One of the most common misconceptions is that moss growing on a roof automatically means asbestos is present.
In truth, moss can grow on almost any roofing material where moisture is trapped over time.
Older asbestos cement roofs often develop moss because the surface becomes porous with age. However, modern fibre cement roofs can also develop similar growth.
So while moss may indicate an ageing roof, it’s not proof of asbestos.
What matters more is the condition of the material underneath. Scraping moss away aggressively or pressure washing the roof can damage the surface and potentially release fibres if asbestos is present.
Even if the roof remains structurally intact, there are certain signs homeowners shouldn’t ignore.
If you notice deterioration, it’s best to avoid touching the material until it has been properly assessed.
Understanding safe approaches to asbestos roof maintenance is particularly important for older garages, especially before carrying out cleaning or repair work.
No matter how experienced someone may be, visual checks alone cannot confirm whether a roof contains asbestos.
That’s why professional asbestos testing services remain the safest and most accurate option.
The process is designed to minimise disturbance while providing clear answers.
For many homeowners, testing offers peace of mind before:
Finding asbestos in garage roof materials doesn’t necessarily mean immediate removal is required.
In many cases, asbestos cement roofs can remain safely in place if:
However, removal may be recommended if:
Professional removal ensures materials are handled safely, disposed of correctly, and managed in line with UK regulations.
It can be tempting to repair or remove an old garage roof independently, particularly for confident DIY homeowners. However, asbestos-containing materials require careful handling.
Activities such as:
can all release fibres into the air.
Even minor disturbances can create unnecessary health risks, particularly in enclosed residential settings.
That’s why many homeowners choose to seek guidance from experienced teams specialising in asbestos solutions for residential properties before beginning any work.
Garage roofs are easy to overlook, but for many London homeowners, they can contain materials dating back several decades. While profile patterns, fixings, and age clues can suggest the possibility of asbestos, there’s no substitute for professional testing when certainty matters.
Whether your roof is showing signs of wear, you’re planning renovations, or you simply want reassurance about the condition of your property, taking a cautious and informed approach is always worthwhile.
If you’re based in Leatherhead & Ashtead, our local licensed surveyors and removal team can help — see our Leatherhead & Ashtead asbestos removal service for details.
If you’re uncertain about the materials above your garage, speaking with a knowledgeable asbestos support team can help you understand your options clearly and safely—without unnecessary disruption to your home or routine.
Ditton House, 59 Fleece Road, Long Ditton, Surrey, KT6 5JR
Established in 1984 With Over 30 Years Experience. Call: 07759 018402
