Replacing a corrugated shed roof

[JamesHe]

I am replacing the corrugated cement sheets on a shed roof due to asbestos (see pictures). As you can see the roof has no joists or purlins and the sheets just sit on the outside frame.

Is there a modern equivalent that can serve as a direct replacement (i.e one that is rigid enough to cover the roof without adding joists/purlins) ?

The current sheets are 2 metres front to back.

The width of the shed is 2.4 metres.

Many thanks for any advice.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Unless they are leaking/failing leave them put. Otherwise, a modern replacement I can recommend is box section steel sheets, galvanised, then colour painted, but they would need some support in the middle. They also need special screw bolts, which seal, fixed in the bottom of the channel. They seem to suggest they only last ten years, but my experience suggests they last almost indefinitely.

 

[Alastairreid]

Fibre cement boards are the modern equivalent.

 

[catlad]

As others have said you can buy a non asbestos equivalent now, I suggest leaving at least on sheet in place while putting the new ones on to stop it falling down!

 

[JamesHe]

Thanks all, I have found fibre cement sheets that should do the job

 

[pcaouolte]

Just be aware that they won't take your weight (either the old ones or the new ones). Don't stand on them.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Just be aware that they won't take your weight (either the old ones or the new ones). Don't stand on them.

Box section steel will.

 

[pcaouolte]

I was referring to the Asbestos/Fibre Cement versions. Box section steel on a roof is normally supported at 1.8 metre centres, I've no idea if it is weight bearing at 2 meter centres supported by flimsy looking bits of wood. It is also available in various thicknesses and profiles which affect its ability to weight bear.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

I was referring to the Asbestos/Fibre Cement versions. Box section steel on a roof is normally supported at 1.8 metre centres, I've no idea if it is weight bearing at 2 meter centres supported by flimsy looking bits of wood. It is also available in various thicknesses and profiles which affect its ability to weight bear.

I would not be happy walking on it at 1.8m, mine is supported at 2 foot centres. There is also a choice of thicknesses/weights of the steel.