How to Demolish a Concrete Garage Safely
If you’re planning to demolish a concrete garage, whether to make space for a new build or clear an aging structure, it’s a project that demands care, planning, and proper safety measures.
how to tear it down isn’t simply a case of getting sledgehammer to the concrete!
One of the most critical steps before swinging a sledgehammer is determining whether the roof—or any other part of the garage—contains asbestos.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to safely demolishing a concrete garage.
Step 1: Check for Asbestos – Before Anything Else
Many garages built before the 1990s, especially in the UK, Europe, and older North American homes—used asbestos cement sheets for the roof. This material is fire-resistant, durable, and was widely used in construction for decades.
Why this matters:
When asbestos is intact, it poses minimal risk. But once disturbed—through breaking, drilling, or demolition—it can release tiny fibres into the air. Inhalation of these fibres is dangerous and can lead to serious health issues including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.
Since you’re planning on demolishing your garage, this is the perfect way for you to seriously harm your long term health leading to potentially death.
What to do:
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Inspect the roof visually: Asbestos cement often has a corrugated appearance. If you’re unsure, don’t touch it.
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Hire a certified asbestos surveyor: They can take a sample and confirm whether it contains asbestos.
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If asbestos is found: Do not attempt to remove it yourself. You’ll need to hire a licensed asbestos removal contractor.
What You’ll Need for the Job
Before starting the demolition, gather all the necessary tools, safety gear, and equipment. Here’s a comprehensive checklist:
Safety Equipment
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Hard hat
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Safety goggles or face shield
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Heavy-duty gloves
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Steel-toe boots
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High-visibility vest (if near roads or on a shared site)
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Dust mask or respirator (rated for fine concrete dust)
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Ear protection (for power tools or machinery)
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Disposable overalls (especially if asbestos is involved)
Demolition Tools
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Sledgehammer
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Crowbar/pry bar
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Lump hammer and chisel
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Jackhammer or electric breaker (for the concrete base)
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Angle grinder (for cutting metal parts, if needed)
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Reciprocating saw (for wood or lightweight material)
Machinery (optional but recommended for large garages)
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Mini excavator or digger
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Skid steer or wheelbarrow for moving debris
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Skip or dumpster for waste removal
Other Essentials
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Plastic sheeting and tape (for sealing off areas or wrapping material)
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Heavy-duty rubbish bags
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Skip or waste containers
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Access to clean water (for dust suppression or washing up)
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First aid kit
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Fire extinguisher (especially if using cutting tools near flammable material)
If Asbestos is Present
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Contact details of a licensed asbestos removal contractor
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Sealed asbestos waste bags (provided by contractor)
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Official documentation from an asbestos surveyor or removal company
Pro Tip: Even if you’re hiring professionals for parts of the job (like asbestos removal), having these tools and safety items on hand will help you manage your side of the project responsibly.
Step 2: Obtain Necessary Permits and Notify Authorities
Depending on your local regulations, demolishing a structure may require:
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Demolition notice – This is only necessary if the garage is over 50 m2
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Asbestos removal documentation (If required)
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Waste management plan
Check with your local council or municipality to stay compliant.
*If at this point you’re feeling overwhelmed with the process we can do it for you. Give us a call or drop us an email and we’d be happy to help.
Step 3: Disconnect Utilities
Ensure all utilities—electricity, gas, water—are disconnected from the garage before demolition begins. Hire a professional electrician or plumber if needed. Live wires or old gas lines are a recipe for disaster during demolition.
Step 4: Clear the Garage
Remove all tools, stored items, and debris from inside. Anything left behind could become a projectile hazard or complicate the job.
Step 5: Prepare the Site
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Erect safety barriers or fencing to keep the area secure.
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Inform neighbors about the work to avoid complaints or safety concerns.
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Wear proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): hard hat, gloves, safety goggles, steel-toe boots—and if any dust is expected, a respirator.
Step 6: Begin Demolition (After Asbestos Is Safely Removed)
Once you’re cleared to proceed:
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Start with the roof (assuming it’s concrete or asbestos-free): Take it down in manageable sections.
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Remove doors and windows to prevent shattering.
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Knock down the walls: Use a sledgehammer for small jobs, or rent a mini digger for larger garages.
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Break up the concrete base: Use a jackhammer or hire a concrete breaker. Concrete can be heavy and sharp—lift with care.
Step 7: Dispose of Waste Properly
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Concrete, metal, and other materials should be sorted and recycled where possible.
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Hazardous materials, especially asbestos (if discovered later), require specialized disposal.
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Rent a skip or hire a waste removal company with experience in construction debris.
Final Thoughts
Demolishing a concrete garage might seem like a straightforward DIY project, but hidden dangers—especially asbestos—can turn it into a serious health risk. Always check first. When in doubt, bring in professionals to assess and handle any hazardous materials before beginning work.
By taking the right precautions, you’ll ensure a safe, legal, and efficient demolition process—and set yourself up for whatever comes next on your property.