Posted By Paul Craythorne Andrew, When I worked for an Environmental Health Dept this query was always being raised by local residents. The first piece of advice is, that if the asbestos roof is not damaged, then leave it in situ and periodically (e.g.once a year) give it a good coat of paint. If the roofing is damaged, then your Local Authority Environmental Health Dept will be able to give you the names and telephone numbers of approved/licensed asbestos removal contractors. They will not specifically choose one for you as this is down to you. Unless there has been some dramatic change in the law since I left, they (the LA)have no obligation/duty to remove it. Hope this answers your question. Regards, Paul

Posted By Mark Preston Just a note of caution on painting the roof sheets. - As the original poster pointed out the moss (and lichens) growing on the roof will breakdown the upper layers of cement exposing "raw" chrysotile (white) - and in rare cases crocidolite or amosite(blue and brown respectively)- as will the gradual erosion by wind and acidic rain. - You can see the mat of fibres on the surface - if you get close enough. By preparing the upper surface for painting you'll have to remove the moss and lichens and you'll inevitably disturb this mat of fibres which would otherwise stay put without mechanical disturbance. The moss and lichens serve a useful role in retaining moisture, which will prevent fibre release - particularly with the more common chrysotile, which is hydrophillic. So painting or other disturbance of the upper surface is likely to involve higher risk of exposure than leaving well alone. By all means coat the underside to protect it from damage - this should be possible without aggressive surface preparation.