Asbestos in the roof - What you need to know about disposal, protection and removal

Asbestos on the roof is a topic where "just quickly doing it" can become very expensive and, above all, dangerous. Especially during renovations, dismantling, repairs, penetrations, drainage, or chimney connections, asbestos-containing material can still be present today. In Germany, work on asbestos is strictly regulated, particularly by TRGS 519 (as of 2026).

In this article from Roofify, you'll get a practical overview: what asbestos is, how to identify suspected cases, what protective measures are mandatory and sensible for roofing companies, and how packaging, asbestos labeling, transport, and disposal are carried out correctly.

What is asbestos and why is it dangerous?

Asbestos refers to a group of fibrous, naturally occurring silicate minerals. Due to its heat resistance, tensile strength, and insulating properties, asbestos was formerly used in numerous building materials – including on roofs.

The risk: When processing or breaking asbestos-containing products, microscopic fibers can be released. These fibers are respirable and carcinogenic. Therefore, demolition, renovation, and maintenance work (ASI work) as well as the disposal of asbestos are strictly regulated by TRGS 519.

Where can asbestos be found on the roof?

Typical asbestos sources

• Asbestos cement:
  • Corrugated sheets (e.g., old "Eternit" corrugated sheets)
  • Fascia and roof tiles, sometimes artificial slate tiles
  • Ridge, verge parts, ventilator hoods, molded parts
• Other possible sources:
  • Old fire protection panels / fire barriers
  • Certain fillers, adhesives, or plasters (mostly indoors, but relevant for renovations)

Note: Asbestos has been banned in Germany since 1993. Nevertheless, existing buildings, especially from the 1990s and earlier, are still potentially affected.

Identifying asbestos: How to recognize suspected cases

1) Building age & appearance

• Year of construction before 1993: The risk of asbestos increases significantly.
• Typical appearance: Corrugated asbestos is often grey, cement-like, and appears weathered or "chalky".
• Panels are often punched, riveted, or fastened with special hooks.

2) Visual inspection is not a diagnosis

With the naked eye, you can only infer a suspicion. Absolute certainty is only provided by a material analysis in the laboratory. If in doubt: Do not saw, drill, grind, or dry brush!

3) Immediate measures in case of suspicion

• Stop work immediately
• Secure and label the area
• Make a decision: have a sample taken, commission a specialist company, or choose a low-emission procedure according to regulations

Practical procedure for roofing companies

Step 1: Risk assessment & work plan

Before starting work, a risk assessment and a written work plan are required – this is demanded by TRGS 519 for all activities involving asbestos.

Step 2: Expertise & notification

• Many asbestos works may only be carried out by competent persons or specialist companies.
• For certain works, there is a notification or reporting requirement (e.g., with forms from BG BAU).
• Practical tip: Plan the notification in good time to avoid delays.

Step 3: Secure work area & avoid dust

• Prevent fiber release: do not throw, do not tip, do not unnecessarily transfer
• Remove material as a whole as much as possible
• Low-dust working (moisten, use suitable procedures)
• Clearly demarcate the work area and label it with signage

Asbestos-containing waste must be collected and packaged at the point of origin in such a way that no fibers are released.

Protective measures: Personal protective equipment (PPE) for roofers

When working with asbestos, the correct PPE is mandatory. It must match the procedure and risk.

Respiratory protection: Suitable asbestos mask

• Use respiratory masks with at least a P3 filter.
• Tight fit is crucial: beards or leaks reduce the protective effect.
• Observe change intervals and correct storage.

Body protection: Asbestos protective suit

• Disposable protective suit (particle protection), close-fitting with hood
• Seal seams and transitions with suitable adhesive tape
• Remove in a low-contamination manner after work and dispose of properly

Hand and eye protection

• Asbestos gloves: Cut-resistant, but suitable for precise work
• Asbestos safety glasses or full-face goggles against dust and particles, especially when working overhead

Hygiene & organization

• "Black/White" separation (strictly separate work and street clothes)
• Adhere to disposable materials and cleaning concepts
• Do not simply transport contaminated tools in the vehicle
• Regularly instruct employees and define clear construction site rules

Packaging & labeling: Asbestos Big Bags and warning signs

Asbestos waste must be packaged tightly, securely, and clearly labeled. In practice, asbestos Big Bags or plate bags are mostly used.

Common types of packaging

• Plate-shaped waste: Special plate bags or Big Bags in suitable lengths
• Fragments and smaller parts: Big Bags in suitable formats

Example from a landfill price list: Plates must be packed in the correct length (e.g., 2.60 m or 3.20 m Big Bags); fragments require their own bag formats.

Asbestos labeling

• Only use approved asbestos bags or bags with warning notices/printing.
• Work areas and containers must be clearly marked (protection of other persons and clear hazard communication).
• Normal construction site Big Bags are not suitable for asbestos.

Asbestos disposal: Procedure and important notes

Waste code / classification

Asbestos-containing building materials are generally listed under AVV 17 06 05* (hazardous waste).

Regional acceptance conditions

Each landfill or disposer may have its own acceptance and packaging criteria (e.g., formats, maximum proportion of breakage, delivery times, prior notification, proofs). Inquire with the disposer or landfill beforehand – do not deliver on suspicion.

Transport & handover

• Close packaging tightly
• Do not damage or re-compact waste
• Observe accompanying documents and proofs depending on the disposal method

What does asbestos disposal cost?

Costs vary depending on the region, disposer, type of material, packaging effort, transport, and landfill class.

• Reference values 2026: 100–300 € per ton is common, in individual cases up to about 500 €/t is possible.
• Additionally: Costs for packaging (Big Bags usually in the double-digit range per piece, depending on type/format).

Calculation tips for roofing companies

• How much area/material is involved (consider weight!)
• Which bag formats are prescribed?
• Transport/logistics (crane, container, journeys)
• Regional landfill fees (e.g., differences between NRW, Bavaria, Berlin etc.)

Video: eternit in old buildings – how to dispose of asbestos correctly?

Roofify tips: How to proceed safely and efficiently

• Tip 1: Suspicion = Stop & Check
  Better to stop early and check. Planning, labeling, and protection have priority!
• Tip 2: No dusty tools in case of suspicion
  Angle grinders, cutting wheels, drills without dust extraction, and wire brushes are taboo as long as asbestos is suspected.
• Tip 3: Plan disposal before construction starts
  Clarify acceptance conditions, bag formats, waste codes, and delivery windows with the disposer beforehand.
• Tip 4: Clear communication within the team
  Create a PPE list (mask, protective suit, gloves, safety glasses), define responsibilities, and conduct short "toolbox talks".
• Tip 5: Don't forget documentation
  Risk assessment, work plan, and any notification forms should be complete and readily available.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I identify asbestos on the roof?

Asbestos on the roof is often recognizable by grey, cement-like corrugated sheets or panels installed before 1993. However, a reliable diagnosis is only possible through laboratory analysis.

Am I allowed to remove asbestos from the roof myself as a private person?

In Germany, many asbestos works may only be carried out by competent specialist companies. Private individuals face a high health risk and legal restrictions.

How must asbestos be packaged and labeled?

Asbestos waste must be packaged in tight, approved Big Bags or sacks with warning notices and clearly labeled.

What are the costs for asbestos disposal in 2026?

Disposal costs usually range between 100 and 300 € per ton, but can be higher depending on the region and effort. Packaging costs are additional.

What needs to be considered when disposing of asbestos?

Before disposal, the acceptance conditions of the landfill should be clarified. The waste must be professionally packaged, labeled, and transported with all necessary proofs.

Conclusion: Asbestos is manageable – with structure and care

Asbestos on the roof is not a matter for improvisation. In case of suspicion, a structured procedure, appropriate PPE, secure packaging (e.g., asbestos Big Bag), clear labeling, and correctly organized disposal are crucial. TRGS 519 provides the binding framework for this.

Would you like to equip your company with asbestos equipment? Simply contact us by email at sales@roofify.de or by phone at 0049 176 25 85 70 72 for a personalized offer!