Replacing shed roof - questions.

MrMischief

Hi,

I have a 40ft long x 15ft wide shed at the side of the house. The shed was a DIY job by the previous owner and needs a lot of upgrading. I'm hoping to turn this into a games room for the kids and also the "bigger kids". The biggest job is replacing the leaking asbestos roof with a newer roof. So I have a few questions;

- reasonable to think (with help) I could carefully remove the asbestos roof myself to save a few quid? Should be a quick enough job and I have all the protective gear myself.
- the current roof is flat (slightly pitched from side to side) so would I need planning permission to replace existing roof with an a-frame roof?
- Lastly, how much would a new roof cost for materials and fit? Basic flat roof or a-frame.

Once the roof is replaced its a nice DIY project for myself to insulate, dry line and finish.

Thanks
MrMischief

homer911

Are you sure its Asbestos? When it comes to Asbestos you really need to call in the professionals - disposing of the material afterwards could be a serious issue if you dont, not to mention the danger to your neighbours if you remove it in an uncontrolled way and it gets released into the locality

Tony Beetroot

What year was shed built do you know?

Atlantic Dawn

By law you have to call in professionals to deal with it and dispose of it. You are taking big health risks doing it yourself.

If you think that a material may contain asbestos, or if you are arranging to have building work done on your home, you should get expert advice from a specialist asbestos monitoring/surveying company, to identify whether asbestos is present and assess the potential risk for fibres to be released and become airborne. You should never handle, disturb or remove asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) yourself.

Asbestos-containing material does not always have to be removed and disposed of as waste. On occasion, it can be safer to maintain it rather than disturbing the ACM by removing it. This decision should be based on a risk assessment evaluation, carried out by a specialist.

If ACM is to be repaired and maintained, this must be done safely. Any remaining material should be clearly labelled for asbestos and its location should be clearly marked on the plans of the building for future reference.

Removing asbestos-containing material is a complex procedure and must only be done by a specialist contractor. Asbestos waste is hazardous and improper removal increases the risk of fibre inhalation. There are detailed rules about how the waste should be wrapped, labelled and disposed of.

Read more on the website of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and in these guidelines (pdf).

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/environment/environmental_protection/asbestos_regulations.html

MrMischief

Thanks for the replies guys.

Not exactly sure when the shed was built. The house was built in the 60's and I'm guessing the shed was build in the late 70's or early 80's. No planning permission was gained which did delay the sale of the property!

The site was surveyed prior to purchase and surveyor has asbestos in his report.

So i'll look into getting a specialist to deal with that.

Any idea on prices/optins for the new roof once the old one is removed.

Many Thanks.

MrM

RORY O CONNOR

You could try plywood coated with fiberglass-its seamless so will not leak.