What asbestos removal involves
Asbestos removal is the controlled removal of materials containing asbestos fibres — mostly the corrugated asbestos-cement sheets that covered warehouses, garages and farm buildings for decades. While intact and in good condition these sheets release very few fibres; the risk appears when they deteriorate, break or are handled without proper care.
That is why removal is not ordinary demolition: it requires method, equipment and trained crews to prevent fibres from becoming airborne and to protect workers and anyone nearby.
Where asbestos is found in buildings
In buildings constructed before asbestos was banned, the most common places are:
- Corrugated asbestos-cement roof sheets (often known by the brand name “Lusalite” in Portugal)
- Façade and gable cladding
- Asbestos-cement gutters, pipes and chimneys
- Water tanks and ventilation ducts
- Boards and insulation in technical areas
If you are unsure about the material on your roof, read our guide on how to identify asbestos or ask us for a site visit.
How we work: from site visit to final disposal
- 01Site visit and assessment — inspection, area measurement, access and roof condition.
- 02Quote and work plan — we define method, equipment and timeline, and prepare the documentation required before work starts.
- 03Preparation and signage — marking off the work area, protecting the surroundings and personal protective equipment for the crew.
- 04Controlled removal — sheets are taken down whole, without breaking, and treated as required to prevent fibre release.
- 05Packaging and transport — waste is packed, labelled and sent to a licensed operator.
- 06New roof installation — sandwich panel or another solution, in the same project, with gutters and flashing.
Read the full guide: how asbestos removal is done, step by step.
Removal and new roof from a single contractor
The main advantage of hiring AV Metal is having everything in one team: we remove the asbestos-cement and install the new insulated sandwich-panel roof with gutters and flashing. No coordination between several suppliers, no dead time between phases and a single party responsible for the job.
We plan the works to minimise interruption of your activity, including zone-by-zone work in facilities that cannot stop.
Who we work for
- Industries and warehouses with asbestos-cement roofs
- Farms and livestock holdings (barns, stores, sheds)
- Residential associations, garages and commercial buildings
- Local authorities, schools and associations
Why remove asbestos from your roof
- Safety: eliminates the risk of fibre release as sheets age.
- Property value: an asbestos-free building is easier to sell, let and insure.
- Efficiency: the new insulated roof reduces heat loss and improves comfort.
- Compliance: stay ahead of changing rules for buildings with asbestos.
Frequently asked questions
Is it mandatory to remove asbestos from my roof?
For private buildings the law does not generally require immediate removal of sheets in good condition, but handling, repair or removal is subject to strict safety rules. Public buildings, facilities and equipment must be surveyed and have removal planned. Either way, removal is the definitive solution and recommended when the material is deteriorating.
Can I remove the asbestos-cement myself?
It is not advisable. Handling asbestos materials requires training, protective equipment and specific procedures, plus transport and disposal by licensed operators. Breaking or pressure-washing sheets can release fibres. It should be done by a specialist company.
How long does it take to remove a roof?
It depends on the area, height, access and condition of the sheets. We state the timeframe in the quote after the site visit. On warehouse roofs, works are phased to reduce downtime.
What happens to the removed asbestos?
It is packaged, labelled and transported to a licensed waste operator, which sends it to an appropriate final destination. Construction waste containing asbestos is classified as hazardous.
Do you install the new roof after removing the asbestos?
Yes. AV Metal installs the new sandwich-panel roof with gutters and flashing in the same project — one contractor from start to finish.
Which areas do you cover?
We are based in Sever do Vouga (Aveiro district, Portugal) and carry out works across Portugal. Send us the job location and we will confirm availability.
Need a quote?
Send us photos and the job location. We reply with a tailored proposal.