Think asbestos is just an “inside” job? Think again.
While many homeowners and landlords focus on checking bathrooms, lofts, or boiler rooms for asbestos, the garden shed, garage or that old outbuilding you haven’t looked in since 1997 could be hiding more than just cobwebs. Asbestos was widely used in outdoor structures for decades — and unfortunately, it doesn’t magically disappear with age.
Here’s what you need to know…
Common Places Asbestos Might Be Hiding Outdoors
- Old Garage Roofs – Corrugated cement sheeting was often reinforced with asbestos fibres. Still standing? Still a potential risk.
- Shed Walls & Roofs – Especially if it’s pre-2000, the walls or roof might contain asbestos cement.
- Outbuilding Ceilings – Sometimes boarded with asbestos insulating board (AIB).
- Cold Water Tanks – Older outdoor or loft water tanks were sometimes made from asbestos-containing materials.
- Broken Waste Pipes – Asbestos cement pipes and flues were also a thing.
- Old Planters, Fence Posts, & Gutters – Yes, seriously. Asbestos cement was everywhere.
Why It’s a Problem Now (and Not Just Back Then)
The danger comes when these materials start to degrade, break, or get disturbed during routine jobs like:
- Replacing roof panels
- Installing electrics in the garage
- Removing an old water tank
- Even sanding or jet-washing surfaces
Once those fibres are released, they can hang around in the air — and your lungs — for a long time. And let’s be honest, you don’t want your Sunday DIY project to turn into a long-term health issue.
Real Talk: What Should You Do If You Spot It?
Here’s the golden rule: don’t touch it.
If something looks suspicious — like cracking cement sheeting, white fibrous material, or oddly smooth boards in that old outdoor toilet — stop what you’re doing. Call the pros. Not your mate Dave who’s “done a bit of demolition before.”
WestCross Environmental Services can assess, test, and remove asbestos safely — no drama, no dust clouds, and definitely no guessing games.
Did You Know?
- Asbestos wasn’t fully banned in the UK until 1999 — that garden office built in the ’90s? Still a candidate.
- Many outbuildings were self-built, often with second-hand materials — meaning multiple unknowns.
- Asbestos cement, while less friable than other types, still poses serious health risks when broken or disturbed.
FAQs: Garden Asbestos Edition
1. Can asbestos be found in garden sheds or garages?
Yes — older sheds, garages, and outbuildings often contain asbestos cement in roofs, walls, or ceilings. If the structure predates 2000, there’s a chance asbestos may be present.
2. How can I tell if my garage roof contains asbestos?
Asbestos cement sheets often look like corrugated grey panels. However, visual inspection isn’t reliable — testing by professionals like WestCross is the only safe way to confirm.
3. Is it safe to remove an old asbestos shed roof myself?
No. DIY removal of asbestos can be dangerous and may break the law. Always use licensed or trained asbestos removal professionals such as WestCross Environmental Services.
4. What do I do if I find asbestos in my garden?
Stop work immediately and avoid disturbing the material. Contact WestCross for a survey and safe removal service tailored to your needs.
5. Can WestCross remove asbestos from outdoor buildings and structures?
Absolutely. WestCross offers asbestos removal across domestic and commercial outdoor settings, including sheds, garages, water tanks, and more.
Need Expert Advice?
If your garage roof is starting to look suspicious, or that old outbuilding is due for demolition, don’t take chances. Contact WestCross Environmental Services today for a safe, certified asbestos survey or removal.
📞 0330 043 9222
📧 info@westcross-es.co.uk
Let’s keep your property — and lungs — clear of hidden hazards.