Shed and outbuilding demolition in Toowoomba

Shed demolition in Toowoomba often turns up asbestos, because old sheds, garages and carports were a common place for it. If the shed was built before 1990, assume the walls or roof could be asbestos cement until a lab says otherwise.

Why old sheds are different

A backyard shed does not feel like a risky job. It is often a weekend task for a hammer and a ute. But sheds are exactly where flat or corrugated asbestos sheeting was used, because it was cheap, light and weatherproof.

Years in the sun make it brittle. A sheet that looks fine can crack when you lever it, and you will not see what it releases.

What to check

Walk around the outbuilding and look at:

• Roof sheeting that is grey, flat or corrugated, and often with a chalky surface.
• Wall sheeting, with cover strips over the joints.
• Eaves and gable ends.
• Carport roofs and lean-tos fixed to the house.
• Old fence panels beside the shed.
• Sheet flooring or lining in a converted shed, such as a workshop or sleep-out.

You cannot confirm asbestos by looking. A sample has to be examined by a NATA-accredited lab. Our guide to where asbestos is found in Queensland homes covers the usual places.

Can I pull it down myself?

Some people can. Homeowners can remove 10 m² or less of bonded asbestos without a certificate, if they follow the safety rules. A single small shed roof can still add up fast. A shed or garage roof can pass 10 m² quickly.

Whatever the size, the rules for homeowners are strict:

• Do not use power tools to cut or clean the sheeting.
• Do not break the sheets. Unscrew or lift them whole where you can.
• Wet the material first, unless that is dangerous, for example on a roof.
• Wear disposable coveralls and a P2 respirator.
• Never use a high pressure water cleaner. Fines of up to $10,000 can apply.
• Do not put any of it in a household bin.

Walking on an old asbestos roof is risky too, as sheets can crack underfoot. If the job involves roof work, getting it done by professionals is often the safer choice.

When to call us

Call us if the total area is more than 10 m², if the sheeting is damaged, or if you want it done properly without the worry. We prepare the Asbestos SWMS, remove the bonded sheeting, wrap and label it, and transport it for lawful disposal. Our contractors hold a Class B licence for non-friable asbestos.

Friable material is different. If the shed lining is crumbling or has been through a fire, a Class A licensed removalist is needed. Call us and we will talk it through.

Then the shed comes down

Once the asbestos is out, the frame and any remaining material can be pulled down. Concrete slabs, timber and steel are then handled as normal demolition waste. The earth under the sheeting may need a check too, if pieces have broken and fallen. If all visible debris is gone, soil sampling is not needed.

Where the waste goes

Toowoomba Regional Council takes domestic asbestos at Wellcamp, up to 175 kg a load. It must be wrapped in sealed, labelled plastic. Call 131 872 before you go, and ask about the current fee. A larger shed will often be more than one load, which is another reason people hand this part to us. Our asbestos disposal service explains how that works.

Rules change, so check the current rules at asbestos.qld.gov.au.

A quick note on the rest of the block

We work across the Toowoomba suburbs and nearby towns. If you are demolishing a shed because you are clearing a block, the house may have the same materials. See demolishing a house with asbestos for the rules. For the wider service, read our strip outs and demolition page.