Asbestos roof removal in Melbourne
Roof Repair Melbourne VIC arranges quotes for asbestos roof removal and replacement across Greater Melbourne. The usual job is a corrugated asbestos cement roof on a house, garage, shed or carport. A licensed asbestos removalist removes and wraps the sheets, the waste goes to a facility that can lawfully accept it, and a roofer installs a new roof, usually in steel. Both parts are arranged through independent local contractors after a free on-site inspection.
Where asbestos roofs are found
Asbestos cement was a common building product in Victoria until the late 1980s. It turns up as corrugated roofing on post-war houses, garages and backyard sheds, as flat sheeting in eaves, and in older gutters, flues and vent pipes. In suburbs that grew quickly after the war, it is a familiar sight. Many of these roofs are now cracked, brittle and covered in lichen.
Fibres are released when the material is broken, cut, drilled, sanded or water-blasted. In good condition and left alone, it presents much lower risk. That is why the first rule is simple: do not disturb it.
How the rules work in Victoria
WorkSafe Victoria regulates asbestos removal. Under its rules, removing more than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos, which includes most cement sheet roofs, requires a licensed removalist. Friable asbestos needs a higher class of licence. The removalist is responsible for the work method, protection of the surrounding area, and the safe packaging of waste. EPA Victoria regulates how asbestos waste is transported and where it may be disposed of.
These rules change from time to time. Check WorkSafe Victoria's current guidance before work starts, and ask the removalist to show you their licence.
What the job looks like
- Testing. If there is any doubt, a sample is taken and tested before anything else happens.
- Set-up. The area is signed and fenced; windows and vents near the roof are closed or sealed.
- Removal. Sheets are wetted to keep dust down, unscrewed or unbolted rather than broken, and lowered whole where possible.
- Wrapping and disposal. Sheets are wrapped in heavy plastic and taken to an appropriate facility.
- Clearance. For licensed removal, a clearance inspection may be required before the area is reoccupied.
- New roof. Battens are checked or replaced, a blanket goes down and the new roof is installed with fresh flashings and gutters.
Our asbestos roof guide goes through each step in more detail.
Things never to do
- Water-blast or pressure-clean an asbestos roof.
- Walk on it. Cement sheet roofs are fragile and falls through them are a known cause of serious injury.
- Cut, drill or sand it to fit solar panels, vents or gutters.
- Put broken pieces in household rubbish.
Choosing who does it
Look for a removalist who holds the right WorkSafe Victoria licence class and a roofer who is registered for the roof plumbing work that follows. They may be different businesses working together. We ask the contractors we work with to hold the licences, registrations and insurance their job needs; ask to see them before work starts and keep copies. The new roof is covered on our metal roof replacement page, and planning prices for removal and re-roofing together are in the 2026 price guide.