The more you learn about asbestos, the more you begin to wonder what could contain it. It almost seems like everywhere you look, there’s a building material, or even Christmas decoration, that could potentially hide it.  

Making things even more confusing is the prospect that old materials that could contain it look like new materials that don’t. Decramastic roof tiles are a fine example of this. Let’s take a closer look at these tiles and what they could mean for you as a homeowner.

 

What Are Decramastic Roof Tiles?

Decramastic roof tiles are bitumen or mastic-based pressed metal tiles that were produced before the early 1980s. They were metal, scallop-shaped, and had a stone chip coating to offer durability and protection from the elements. Most, if not all, of these roof tiles, contained asbestos.  

But this is where there is a little bit of confusion. The profile of these tiles is decramastic, and similar tiles are produced today. Of course, without asbestos.

However, as similar in appearance as they are to old generation decramastic tiles, they undergo entirely different manufacturing processes. In essence, they are different products and are simply metal tiles rather than decramastic pressed metal tiles. However, people still call them by the same name.

 

Do Decramastic Roof Tiles Contain Asbestos?

If we are talking about old decramastic roof tiles, then yes. The majority do contain asbestos. Although, the only way to know if yours do is with an asbestos test. Once you receive confirmation, you can make a decision for their care or removal.

Fortunately, there are no risks associated with a pressed metal tile roof that contains asbestos, as long as the materials remain undisturbed and are in good condition.

It’s only when they are disturbed or damaged that asbestos exposure becomes a genuine risk. Asbestos particles released into the air can put people at risk of conditions such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

 

What is the Lifespan of Decramastic Tiles?

New stone-coated roofing tiles, similar to those older-style decramastic tiles, have innovative technology that helps them to last for a long time.

The protected steel, which is more robust than old galvanised steel, can last upwards of 50 years. In fact, some roofing material manufacturers offer a 50-year pro-rata weather-proof warranty. 

However, the lifespan of old decramastic tiles depends on how they are cared for. Old decramastic tiles with asbestos may lose their stone coating over time, which means installing a new roof is essential sooner rather than later.

They may also succumb to weather damage, cracks and dents, moss and mould growth, and even algae and lichen.

 

What is the Cost to Replace Decramastic Roof Tiles?

The cost to replace decramastic roof tiles can depend on many things, such as: 

• The condition of those tiles

• Where you live

• The size of your home

• What you will be replacing them with

If your tiles contain asbestos, you may need to call upon licensed asbestos removalists to undertaken the removal process. This can increase the cost of roof removal.

If you remove old decramastic roof tiles and replace them with new metal tiles, the costs start from around $55 per square metre. The larger the structure, the higher the price, and the longer the job will typically take to achieve.

New battens will be necessary to match the new fixings when replacing a decramastic tile roof with long-run iron or any other light roofing material. This can also add further costs to the job.

 

Can You Restore Decramastic Roof Tiles?

Not everyone can afford to replace their roof, even if it has taken a beating from the elements. Fortunately, many roofing companies make it their mission to learn how to prepare decramastic tiles and give them a new lease on life. Often, they work with asbestos removal experts to ensure they can carry out this process safely.

The restoration process can involve several steps, including cleaning, dent repairs, taping and protecting, and recoating. Splits and holes in tiles can often be repaired and filled with epoxy resins. At this stage, rust inhibitors and primers are also often applied.  

Once repairs are completed, expert roofing companies can apply three coats of primer and paint, including granule chips where they have come off over time.

 

How to Remove Decramastic Roof Tiles

If you are asking the question: how to remove decramastic roof tiles, then it’s essential to understand that this is a job for the professionals. According to a press release sent out by the Scrap Metal Recycling Association of NZ in 2018, more care needs to be taken with asbestos-contaminated roof tiles.

According to the release, “asbestos-contaminated roof tiles are regularly arriving at New Zealand scrap metal yards when they should be safely sent to landfills”.

“If you want to remove metal tiles from your roof, you really need to use a professional company that will identify tiles that could contain asbestos and dispose of them correctly,” Association president Korina Kirk says.

 

There is a lot of misinformation in the public arena about decramastic tiles – both old and new. If you aren’t sure whether yours contain asbestos or even how to care for them or replace them, contact an asbestos removal company or roofing specialist to find out more.