Asbestos Roof Replacement in St. Neots

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This project for ADAPT ems in St Neots involved a full asbestos strip and re-sheet of around 640m² of roof, replacing an ageing asbestos cement roof with a modern, high-performance composite roofing system.

The existing roof was made of Big 6 asbestos cement sheets over plasterboard liners, with very little insulation. It was past its design life, and the uPVC gutters were too small to cope with today's rainfall. The works included a new 130mm insulated composite roof, new rooflights, new gutters and new flashings throughout. Together they dealt with the roof's condition while improving the building's appearance and internal environment.

Phased Roof Replacement

The work was carried out section by section. Each day, our team safely removed the asbestos sheets from one area in the morning and fixed the new composite panels in the afternoon, so the roof was never left open overnight. This continued across the building until the full roof covering had been renewed. The strip and re-sheet itself was completed in around two weeks.

Safety came first throughout. Before any sheets were lifted, we installed 640m² of fall-arrest netting beneath the roof, along with wall-mounted edge protection and a boarded scaffold lift at the eaves. Asbestos removal was carried out under strict non-licensed procedures, with air monitoring and safe disposal of all asbestos waste. Our team also removed asbestos floor tiles over a weekend as an additional item. The project was completed with zero RIDDOR-reportable incidents. If you own an older building, our guide to asbestos roofs on pre-2000 industrial buildings explains what you need to know.

As the installation progressed, attention was given to the connections between adjoining sections, bringing the individual areas together into a complete, consistent roofing system. The new covering provides a durable, weather-resistant finish, giving the property a cleaner appearance and long-term protection against the elements. The Joris Ide composite system is the same one we installed on our commercial roof replacement in Braintree.

Upgraded Rooflights and Thermal Performance

New Brett Martin rooflights, covering about 10% of the roof area, were installed to improve natural daylight inside the building. They help create a brighter internal environment and were fitted alongside the surrounding roof covering as part of the phased programme. The rooflights carry a 25-year material warranty.

The new 130mm PIR insulated panels give the roof a U-value of 0.16 W/m²K, a major improvement on the old asbestos sheets, which had only minimal fibreglass insulation beneath them. The building now holds its heat far better, supporting better energy efficiency and a stronger EPC rating. Together, these upgrades delivered practical benefits beyond the visible transformation of the exterior.

New Gutters, Flashings and Detailing

The original undersized uPVC gutters were replaced with 50m of new gutters and uPVC downpipes, sized to handle today's heavier rainfall. New flashings and detailing were installed throughout to complete the roof. These protect edges and junctions against water ingress, making them an important part of the installation's overall weather resistance.

Renewing these elements alongside the roof sheets meant the team dealt with the covering and its associated details within the same programme. The finished flashings also contribute to the neat, uniform appearance of the completed work.

Long-Term Protection: 40-Year Guarantee

The new roof is backed by a 40-year Tata Steel Confidex guarantee on the panel coating, giving ADAPT ems long-term confidence in the performance of their new roof.

Working with ADAPT ems

Throughout the project, we worked closely with ADAPT ems and their site team to help the phased works run smoothly. The building housed equipment, so careful planning with the client was essential before work began. Their cooperation and welcoming approach supported a positive working relationship as our team progressed across the roof, even through summer temperatures that reached 36°C.

The Result

The finished project delivered:

• Safe removal of around 640m² of asbestos cement roofing
• A new 130mm insulated composite roof achieving a U-value of 0.16 W/m²K
• New rooflights bringing in more natural daylight
• 50m of new, correctly sized gutters
• A roof that was never left open overnight during the works
• Zero RIDDOR-reportable incidents
• A 40-year Tata Steel Confidex guarantee

The completed installation replaced the ageing asbestos covering with a modern system designed to serve the building for decades to come. With better natural lighting, improved thermal performance and renewed weather protection, the project delivered a substantial upgrade for the St Neots property.

Dealing With an Asbestos Roof in Cambridgeshire?

If your commercial or industrial building in St Neots or across Cambridgeshire still has an asbestos roof, we can help you plan a safe, cost-effective replacement. Find out what affects the cost of an industrial roof replacement, or get in touch to discuss your roof.

Book a survey today!