Cement-sheet (AC) roofs installed in South Australia before 1987 commonly contain asbestos. Identification is straightforward; removal and disposal are regulated and expensive. This guide walks through the practical steps for Adelaide homeowners.
How to identify AC roofing
AC cement sheet is grey, often corrugated, with visible aggregate. Common signs:
- Grey cement-coloured sheet roofing (not painted)
- House built before 1987 (high probability if AC is present)
- Garage or outbuilding from 1950s-80s era
- Visible mineral aggregate or fibre texture on close inspection
If in doubt, get a sample tested at an accredited laboratory (around $50-$100 per sample).
Common Adelaide suburbs with AC roofing
Salisbury, Elizabeth, Munno Para, Christies Beach, Marion (older sections), Tea Tree Gully outliers. Garage and outbuilding AC roofs are extremely common across all suburbs - even Norwood and Burnside homes often have AC garages despite the main home being terracotta tile.
Licensing for removal
Bonded asbestos removal in SA requires:
- Class B licensed asbestos removalist for over 10m2 of bonded asbestos
- Class A licensed asbestos removalist for friable asbestos (any quantity)
- Under 10m2 of bonded asbestos can technically be removed by a homeowner with proper PPE, but we strongly recommend always using a licensed removalist
Garage roofs are usually well over 10m2, so a licensed removalist is required.
The removal process
- Class B (or A) licensed removalist quotes the job
- Edge containment set up (and air monitoring for friable or large removals)
- Removalist wets the asbestos (reduces fibre release) and removes sheets carefully
- Wrapped in approved poly sheeting and labelled
- EPA-licensed transporter takes waste to an EPA-approved landfill
- Clearance certificate issued
Disposal sites in Adelaide
EPA-approved asbestos landfills include:
- Wingfield
- Inkerman
- Highbury
You receive disposal documentation as part of the clearance.
Cost
AC removal alone: $8,000-$15,000 for a typical small Adelaide home. Add new Colorbond replacement: $16,000-$28,000. Total $24,000-$43,000 for AC-to-Colorbond conversion.
Insurance and selling implications
Asbestos doesn't automatically reduce property value but it does need to be disclosed during sale. Many Adelaide buyers price in removal cost when negotiating. Replacing the AC roof typically adds more to property value than the removal cost.
Common scams to avoid
- Unlicensed “removalists” offering cash deals well below market - they may dump illegally and create huge liability
- “Just paint over it” - this is illegal in many circumstances and unsafe; doesn't address the actual risk
- No clearance certificate offered - always insist on documentation