Asbestos Roof Removal in Kent: Costs & Process (2026)
Asbestos roofing was widely used in Kent until the late 1980s, particularly on garages, sheds, and industrial buildings. Removal is heavily regulated and expensive. This guide covers what to expect.
Identifying Asbestos Roofing
Common asbestos roofing materials:
- Asbestos cement corrugated sheets (most common, garage and shed roofs)
- Asbestos cement slates (some 1950s-1970s replacement roofs)
- Asbestos cement gutters and downpipes
- Asbestos-containing felt (some older garage flat roofs)
Visual identification is unreliable, many cement-based modern materials look identical. Confirmed identification requires laboratory testing of a small sample.
Legal Requirements
Asbestos removal is regulated under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012:
- Licensed work: removal of asbestos insulation, lagging, sprayed coatings, and most asbestos insulation board (AIB) requires a licensed contractor
- Notifiable non-licensed work: some lower-risk removal (most asbestos cement) requires notification but not full license
- Non-notifiable work: very small quantities of low-risk asbestos cement can be handled without notification
Most domestic asbestos cement roof removal falls under notifiable non-licensed or non-notifiable categories, but still requires:
- Trained operatives
- Proper PPE
- Specific work methods (no breaking, no power tools)
- Sealed disposal
- Air monitoring in some cases
Removal Costs (2026)
For typical Kent asbestos roofing jobs:
- Single garage roof asbestos removal + replacement: £1,800-£3,500
- Double garage roof: £2,500-£5,000
- Outbuilding roof (shed, lean-to): £900-£1,800
- Asbestos cement slate roof (small property): £8,000-£15,000
The asbestos disposal element typically adds £400-£900 to standard non-asbestos pricing for the same job.
What's Included in Proper Removal
- Pre-work asbestos survey and identification
- Notification to HSE if required
- Site preparation with sealed work area
- Trained operatives in proper PPE
- Sealed double-bagging of waste
- Specialist licensed disposal
- Air monitoring where required
- Final clearance certificate
Why DIY Removal is a Bad Idea
DIY asbestos removal:
- Releases significantly more fibres than professional methods
- Has no proper waste disposal route
- Creates legal liability if disposed of incorrectly
- Risks long-term health damage (mesothelioma, asbestosis)
- May affect future property sale (asbestos register requirements)
Even small quantities should be handled by trained operatives.
Insurance and Asbestos
Asbestos removal is rarely covered by standard home insurance. Some policies exclude asbestos-related work entirely. Check your policy before any work.
Get a Licensed Quote in Kent
We work with licensed asbestos removal contractors across Canterbury, Margate, Faversham, and Folkestone. Combined removal + new roof installation quotes available. Call 07562690714 or request a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my Kent garage roof is asbestos?
Visual identification is unreliable. Common indicators: corrugated cement sheets installed before 1985, slate-look cement slates from 1950s-1970s, cement gutters. Confirmed identification requires laboratory testing of a small sample (£40-£80 typical cost).
How much does asbestos roof removal cost in Kent?
Single garage asbestos roof removal + replacement costs £1,800-£3,500 in Kent in 2026. Double garage £2,500-£5,000. Outbuildings £900-£1,800. The asbestos element typically adds £400-£900 to standard non-asbestos pricing.
Can I remove asbestos roofing myself?
Strongly advise against it. DIY removal releases significantly more fibres than professional methods, has no proper disposal route, creates legal liability, and risks serious long-term health damage. Even small quantities should be handled by trained operatives.
Do I need a licensed contractor for asbestos removal in Kent?
Most domestic asbestos cement roof removal can be done by trained but non-licensed contractors under notifiable non-licensed work rules. Higher-risk asbestos (insulation, AIB) requires fully licensed contractors. Always confirm contractor credentials match the specific work.
Is asbestos removal covered by home insurance?
Rarely, asbestos removal is generally excluded from standard home insurance policies. Some policies exclude all asbestos-related work entirely. Check your specific policy before any work, and budget for self-funding.
How long does asbestos roof removal take?
Typical garage asbestos removal + replacement takes 2-4 working days, including sealed work area setup, controlled removal, disposal, and new roof installation. Smaller outbuildings can be completed in 1-2 days.
Need Professional Roofing Services?
StoneRidge Roofing provides expert roofing services across Canterbury and Kent