What is Asbestos and Should you Replace your Asbestos Roof?
Asbestos roofing was the material of choice for Australian homes during the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. Roofing is usually replaced every 20-30 years but with asbestos roofs, this can be extended to 50 years or more. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral used extensively in Australia from the early 1900s until 1986 when it was banned as an industrial material because of health concerns.
Asbestos roofs are still found on many existing homes, especially those built before 1986. Asbestos is only dangerous if disturbed in its natural state and may need removal if damaged by weather extremes or poor maintenance practices such as cladding over the original materials
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral composed of flexible fibers that are resistant to heat, electricity, and corrosion, construction materials, and insulating products. Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) can be found in buildings, schools, and homes throughout Australia.
These ACMs include:
- Roofing felt
- Lead sheeting
- Fire blankets
- Floor tiles
- Ceiling tiles
- When these ACMs are disturbed or damaged they release fibers into the atmosphere. When these fibers are ingested, they can cause serious health problems including lung diseases such as mesothelioma or asbestosis.
How to Know You Need Roof Asbestos Removal
If you are in the process of selling your home, it is highly recommended that you have your roof inspected by a professional. If asbestos is found on the roof, it may be required that the entire roof be replaced before the property can be sold. This will require extra costs and time.
If you are buying a property, it is also best to have your potential new home inspected for asbestos before purchasing it. As mentioned above, if asbestos is found on the roof during this inspection, it may require replacement before purchase depending on how extensive the damage is and whether or not it meets Australian standards for removal or containment of asbestos materials (which vary from state to state).
Why You Need Roof Asbestos Removal
Asbestos is a dangerous material that once it becomes airborne and inhaled, can cause cancer and other diseases. It’s a carcinogen that can lead to mesothelioma (a form of lung cancer) and other serious health problems such as fibrosis, pleural thickening, and scarring. Asbestos-related illnesses are often diagnosed 20 or more years after exposure, so if you’ve been exposed to asbestos at work or home over the years—and even if you haven’t—you may want your roof inspected by an expert.
What Is Involved With Asbestos Roof Removal?
For a building that is currently in use, asbestos removal involves the following steps:
- The building is tested to determine which materials contain asbestos.
- The asbestos-containing materials are removed and disposed of according to local regulations.
- New non-asbestos products are installed where necessary.
- The building is retested and certified as safe for reoccupation by an inspector (this process may be required by law).
How can asbestos roofs be replaced?
The roofing materials used in Australia are generally made from asbestos cement sheets. These are then combined with various other materials, such as clay tiles or asphalt shingles. The most common types of sheeting that were used in Australia include:
- Fibro – a type of asbestos cement sheeting
- Cement corrugated iron – a type of asbestos iron sheeting that has been shaped into curves to give it more strength and durability
Both fibro and cement corrugated iron roofs can be replaced using synthetic products, such as polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or polystyrene foam board insulation boards. Polystyrene foam board insulation boards are often considered the safest option because they do not contain any hazardous substances that could cause harm to workers or residents. They can also be installed over existing roof structures without having to remove them first by cutting holes into them so they fit properly through them without causing any damage whatsoever!
How Industrial vacuum can help to manage asbestos removal?
Asbestos removal is a dangerous task that requires special equipment and training. An industrial vacuum is a special type of vacuum cleaner designed for heavy-duty cleaning. It’s equipped with a double level of filtration: a primary filter and a secondary class H filter (HEPA or absolute) ensuring maximum filtration and wholesomeness of air inside the environment. A safe bagging system to collect dust and toxic wastes, like the Endless Bag, makes it convenient for both the bag and transportation of collected material. Disposable bags protect workers from direct contact with toxic dust.
Benefits of Roof Asbestos Removal and Replacement
Regularly inspect your roof for signs of wear and tear. If you decide to replace your roof, there are many benefits Include:
- Better insulation
- Increased energy efficiency
- Reduced risk of fire hazards due to old materials (like wood shingles), which are no longer used today because they catch fire so easily!
- Longer lifespan for your property investment – with an expert contractor like Roofing Masters doing their job properly, you won’t have any more problems than what could happen naturally over time as part of normal wear and tear (and repairs).”
Some approximate costs for Asbestos Roof Removal and Replacement in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Queensland, Adelaide, Australia & New Zealand may be:
- $3500 to $5500 for removal of an asbestos roof
- $25 to $50 for removal of one sheet of asbestos fencing
- $40 to $100 for the removal of a square meter of asbestos ceiling
- $1500 to $2500 for removal of eaves
- $1000 to $1500 for removal of internal cladding for a single room
- $4000 to $5000 for removal of external cladding
- $100 to $900 for removal of asbestos flooring depending on the square meters that need to be removed
- $187/tonne on average to remove asbestos from soil. The cost can be higher depending on the amount of asbestos in the soil
These are approximate prices based on averages and if you need more asbestos removed, it may cost less because small amounts of asbestos cost more due to travel time, setup time, and tipping costs. Since asbestos removal companies charge by the square meter, one job may be more expensive than another and these prices may not include tipping charges. On average, the tip will charge $450 and travel time may also be included in the price. (which vary from state to state)
Conclusion
It is possible to replace your roofing material with one that does not include asbestos.
- Asbestos roofs are dangerous.
- Asbestos roofs are no longer made because of health concerns related to asbestos.
- Asbestos-containing roofs can lead to major repairs.
- Professional roofers should be hired to remove asbestos roofs.
- It’s best to plan an asbestos roofing project between April and October.
