Asbestos Roof Replacement in Ireland: Old Slates and Sheets
Free, no-obligation quotes for replacing asbestos cement roof slates and sheets on Irish homes, garages and sheds, followed by a new roof.
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Asbestos Roof Work Covered
Asbestos cement slates and corrugated sheets were used on Irish homes, garages and sheds until asbestos was banned for new use in 2000. Intact asbestos cement is lower risk, but cutting, drilling, breaking or power-washing it releases fibres, so removal follows Health and Safety Authority rules.
Identification
Suspected asbestos is sampled and confirmed by a competent surveyor or laboratory before work is planned.
Controlled removal
Asbestos cement slates and sheets are removed whole, wetted and handled to keep fibre release to a minimum.
Waste disposal
Asbestos waste is wrapped, labelled and taken to a facility authorised to accept it.
New roof covering
The roof is re-covered with new natural slate, fibre cement slate, tiles or metal sheeting.
Garages and sheds
Corrugated asbestos sheets on garages, sheds and outbuildings are replaced with modern sheeting.
Insulation upgrade
With the roof stripped, insulation can be brought up to current Building Regulations.
Signs Your Roof May Contain Asbestos
01
Pre-2000 roof
The roof covering is original on a home, garage or shed built before 2000.
02
Grey fibrous slates
Thin, uniform grey slates that look like cement rather than natural stone.
03
Corrugated sheets
Grey corrugated sheets on a garage, shed, lean-to or outbuilding.
04
Damage or decay
Cracked, broken or crumbling slates or sheets, which raise the risk of fibre release.
Replacement Roof Coverings
Fibre cement slate
Modern asbestos-free fibre cement slates, including those made by Cedral in Athy, Co. Kildare.
Natural slate
A long-lasting replacement, and often the expected choice on older and protected homes.
Metal sheeting
Profiled steel sheeting is a common replacement for asbestos sheets on garages and sheds.
Rules and Standards to Know
01
Asbestos
The Health and Safety Authority requires asbestos to be identified before maintenance or renovation starts on buildings from before 2005. Many older Irish roofs used asbestos cement slates.
02
Do not disturb
Do not cut, drill, break, walk on or power-wash a roof you suspect contains asbestos. Leave it in place until it has been identified.
03
Safety
Under the Construction Regulations 2013, homeowners who hire a roofer are clients. For a single-contractor job, the main duty is to check the roofer is competent and has a plan for working at height.
04
Planning
Like-for-like roof work usually does not need planning permission. Homes on your local council’s Record of Protected Structures are different, and works that change the roof’s character can need permission.
Grants That Can Help
There is no general grant for roofing work in Ireland, but these schemes can cover it in the right circumstances.
Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant
Up to €50,000 to bring a vacant home back into use, or up to €70,000 if the property is derelict. Roof, chimney and gutter works are covered. Apply to your local council before work starts.
Housing Aid for Older People Grant
Up to €10,700 for essential repairs for homeowners aged 66 and over, administered by your local council. Roof repairs are usually covered. Approval is needed before work starts.
How RoofQuotes.ie Works
Step 1
Tell us about your roof
Fill in the short form with your job, roof type and Eircode. Add a photo if you have one.
Step 2
Roof survey
A roofer who covers your area contacts you to arrange a survey.
Step 3
Written quote
Get a clear written quote covering materials, scaffolding, waste removal and guarantee.
Step 4
Work gets done
You decide whether to go ahead. There is no obligation.
Asbestos Slate Replacement: Questions, Answered
How do I know if my roof contains asbestos?
You cannot tell by looking. Asbestos cement slates and sheets are common on Irish buildings from before 2000, but only laboratory analysis of a sample confirms it. Treat suspect material as asbestos until it is tested.
Is an asbestos roof dangerous?
Intact asbestos cement in good condition is lower risk because the fibres are bound in cement. The risk rises when it is cut, drilled, broken or power-washed, which is why it should not be disturbed until it has been identified.
Can I remove asbestos roof sheets myself?
Asbestos removal is controlled by Health and Safety Authority rules, and the waste must go to an authorised facility. Use a contractor who is competent to remove asbestos, and ask how they will handle and dispose of the waste.
Is there a grant for asbestos roof replacement?
There is no specific asbestos roof grant. Roof replacement on a vacant home can be covered by the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, and older homeowners may qualify for the Housing Aid for Older People Grant.
Related Roofing Services
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- Free quotes
- No obligation
- Written quote before any work
- Homes in all 26 counties