Asbestos Removal in Roofing: Things to Consider

When you’ve discovered asbestos in your roof or have roof tiles containing asbestos, there’s a lot to think about. You have to decide whether you want to go down the asbestos removal route or if you prefer to maintain an asbestos roof that’s in good condition.

We recommend getting in touch with qualified, licensed asbestos removal companies. They can tell you whether your asbestos roof is one you can maintain or if it’s in your best interests to start looking at asbestos roof removal.

Though, in the meantime, it’s worth finding out all there is to know about how to manage asbestos roofing now and into the future.

How to Tell if Your Roof Contains Asbestos?

Anything that contains asbestos, of which there are many things, do not have a big sign on them saying “DANGER, I CONTAIN ASBESTOS”. Fortunately, though, there are plenty of ways to tell if your residential or commercial property has an asbestos roof.

If you have mastic or bitumen-based pressed metal roof tiles produced before 1980, they likely contain asbestos. So, if you have identified these materials as being present on your roof, then an asbestos test can confirm the presence of asbestos.

But that’s not to say other roofing materials don’t contain it. Many different roofing tiles, shingles, and sheets can contain this harmful natural material. The only way to know for sure is by hiring an asbestos removal expert to undertake a test.

I Have Super Six Roofing; What Do I Do?

Super six roofing is a form of asbestos-cement sheet roofing that, for decades, was a popular option in the building industry. Builders loved how easy it was to install, how robust it was, its fire-resistant properties, and how they could mould it into corrugated roofing sheets.

The problem was, it contained asbestos and could be a significant health hazard. It could contaminate gutters and rainwater, soil, and ceiling space insulation.

While you may be able to seal some asbestos roofing types, Super Six doesn’t tend to be one of them. If you have super six roofing, it’s crucial to contact an asbestos roof removal team to remove this material safely.  

Removing Asbestos Roofing at Height

Not only do you have to worry about asbestos removal in general, but you also have to consider the risks associated with working at heights. Removing an asbestos roof is dangerous, which means it’s crucial to hire an expert team. They will know how to handle this deadly material, but also how to work safely at heights.

Trained asbestos removalists who are skilled at removing roofing materials use scaffolding and abide by WorkSafe guidelines. They wear all relevant PPE for asbestos handling but also wear fall arrest equipment and make use of compliant ladders.

If you aren’t sure how your chosen asbestos removal team will carry out the task safely, ask them. They will be more than happy to explain the process.

Can I Remove Roof Tiles Containing Asbestos Myself?

We’re a nation of DIYers who like to get stuck into a project and save money. The problem is, we also adopt a “she’ll be right” attitude. The two don’t go well together when dealing with asbestos in your roof.

Homeowners may remove non-friable asbestos covering an area less than 10m2. Any more than that, or when dealing with friable asbestos, and you need to enlist the services of a WorkSafe licensed asbestos removalist.

Asbestos Roof Removal or Cleaning?

Removal can be the best solution for any roof containing asbestos. Still, not everyone may be in that position to act immediately. In the meantime, you may be able to maintain your roof safely until you can remove it.

When cleaning any roofing or cladding containing asbestos, always use a low-pressure water system and a soft brush. Refrain from water blasting any asbestos cement products or using abrasive methods like sanding.

If you’ve decided on encapsulating or sealing any asbestos materials, then great care is needed. A removal expert will clean the surface of loose fibres and apply a water-based PVA paint known as the best coating for asbestos-cement surfaces. A dry airless sprayer on low pressure will be used to apply several coats for the best chance of protection.

The removal of asbestos sheets can give you a clean slate to work from with the installation of a safer building material. An asbestos removal team will wet the asbestos-cement sheets to reduce the release of dust.

They will then take the sheets off intact where possible and lower them to the ground while stacking them on top of each other. Once on the ground, the sheets will be wrapped in plastic and disposed of at an appropriate asbestos disposal area.

Is it Time for Asbestos Roof Removal?

Asbestos is a deadly material that’s still present in most parts of New Zealand. If you’re ready to remove your asbestos-cement roof or other asbestos-containing materials, don’t delay in contacting a licensed removalist. The sooner you remove it, the safer your home and family can be.