Roof Asbestos Removal

The majority of older homes in the Australian suburbs have asbestos materials present. Asbestos is a dangerous material which presents health risks and needs to be handled correctly by a trained professional.

When a roof is replaced it is important to ensure that the new roof does not contain asbestos. This is why all asbestos roofing products must be tested by a licensed asbestos contractor before being installed. This will help prevent any future problems and protect the health of household members.

Asbestos is found in a variety of different materials and has been banned or restricted for use in construction since it was discovered that it could pose health risks to people who live in the home. The material was a popular choice for roofing materials, insulating material and pipe wrap due to its durability and fire-resistant properties. It has been found to cause a range of health problems including lung diseases such as asbestosis.

Inhaling microscopic fibres from disturbed asbestos can lead to respiratory difficulties and even cancer. People are most likely to be affected when asbestos fibres become airborne due to mishandling or heavy wear and tear which causes the material to deteriorate and break apart. When the fibres are ingested or inhaled, they can lodge in the walls of the lungs and create scar tissue. This can lead to inflammation of the lungs known as mesothelioma, which is a type of lung cancer.

Fortunately, homeowners who are in need of roof asbestos removal can avoid this by taking steps to ensure that the professionals they hire have the required skills, equipment and experience. Asbestos professionals are not cheap, but it is always better to have a professional do the work than risk health issues because of an improperly conducted job.

It is important to ask your potential asbestos professional for documentation of completion of federal and/or local EPA training courses. The professionals should also have all the appropriate personal protection equipment and should be wearing respirators when removing the asbestos.

The workers should dampen the asbestos sheets with PVA glue before commencing work – this will keep the fibres together and prevent them from becoming airborne during removal. The sheeting will then be removed and carefully packaged in builders plastic. The bags will be labelled with a warning sticker before being transported to a special asbestos disposal site. The workers should cordon off the area in front of your house and erect a sign to indicate that there is a hazard in your yard.

It is not recommended that homeowners try to do DIY asbestos projects such as sanding, sawing or cutting. All structures that have asbestos should be tested before any work begins. Attempting to do any kind of DIY asbestos project without first consulting a licensed asbestos abatement company can result in the release of deadly asbestos particles into the atmosphere and pose a danger to household members. It is also illegal to re-use, recycle or illegally dump asbestos products and they should never be placed in domestic rubbish bins.