Outhouse with leaking asbestos roof acting as laundry room

hivoodoodoll

I have an outhouse with asbestos cement sheeting for the roof (as stated in my survey when I bought the house).

Overall there is nothing much wrong with it however I moved my washing machine and tumble dryer into the outhouse following a kitchen upgrade last year. I also put up a temporary MDF roof inside the outhouse but notice that during the winter, and after lots of rain, the MDF started to go mouldy indicating the roof was leaking.

The leak isn't that bad but obviously over the years it will get worse and obviously with having the two machines in there I want to know what I can do to fix the leak.

My question is what options do I have? I know that by removing the roof it will be expensive as you would need to get a qualified person to get rid of it (plus half the outhouse belongs to my neighbour and as far as I know they use it as a tool shed and don't particularly want to spend money on the roof). I could just paint the roof with special asbestos roof paint but I'm not quite sure how effective that will be considering the leak already exists. From looking at it, it seems that where the sheeting overlaps there is a buildup of moss and I'm wondering if that is where the leak is coming from. Obviously you would have to be very careful moving the moss and I was just wondering if anyone could suggest any other options that I could try?

Ectophile

Asbestos sheeting is relatively low hazard. You are allowed to remove it yourself, if you feel up to it. However, the sheets would need to come off intact - no smashing it to bits.

You'd have to check with your local council how they would want it wrapped up, and which local tip to take it to.

PhilE

Any sign the roof is reaching the end of its life, and Id say leaking is a pretty big sign, get rid of the asbestos roof ASAP.

Could be safe, might not be. You'd probably need an asbestos pro to inspect it to be sure, and get expert advice on the best way to encapsulate it so that asbestos isnt being released into the air, and repair it so that it doesn't leak, which could ruin your outhouse over winter.

I'd get rid of it and replace the whole roof with a non asbestos material while the weather is good.

Shaka_Zulu

Get up there pull the nails out stack it up and get rid. Alternatively I'll come and do it for £1,500!