Asbestos gained popularity for use in roof surfaces because it resists heat and electricity. Manufacturers favoured the use of asbestos because they believed these qualities were perfect for making roof materials. Later, when it was discovered that asbestos was responsible for causing an number of health problems it was banned in many countries. Asbestos exposure can result in cases of asbestosis, mesothelioma, and even lung cancer.
Asbestos was often mixed with cement to make roofing shingles. If you have a roof that contains asbestos, then you don’t need to worry as long as it remains in good condition. The problems that arise come about because as time passes the roof can get old and damaged. This could be due to a number of factors, such as weather and other environmental elements. If your roof is damaged, then you may be at risk when the cement starts to wear away, exposing the asbestos fibres. This problem should be dealt with immediately to prevent health risks and hazards.
Your Asbestos Options
Exposed asbestos is dangerous not only for you and your family, but also for people residing near you, because the airborne asbestos fibres can spread throughout the surrounding neighbourhood and people can easily inhale the fibres. To solve this problem, many people prefer to remove the old roof and replace it with a new one. This can be expensive, however and a more cost effective alternative to roof removal is asbestos encapsulation. The process of asbestos encapsulation is a much cheaper and more time effective way to deal with this kind of roofing problem.
If you opt to remove the old roof made using asbestos cement, then you’ll need to call on the services of a company that specialises in asbestos removal. This is necessary because only those with specialist expertise are permitted to remove asbestos roofs. Contractors must be well-trained and knowledgeable about the correct way to handle this kind of job. They need to know how to protect themselves while working on the asbestos roof and about safe asbestos removal techniques. Hiring these contractors can be expensive but absolutely worth the cost - you wouldnt put a price on your family’s health.
Asbestos Disposal Regulations
In Australia there are asbestos disposal laws that prohibit the use of local dumpsites for asbestos disposal, because it is considered a hazardous material and lead to serious damage to people’s health. This means not only do you need to pay a specialist contractor, you also need to spend additional money for the proper disposal of the asbestos. The roofing materials will need to be taken to special sites where hazardous materials can be disposed of correctly.
Encapsulation of Asbestos
The alternative is asbestos encapsulation, which can save you the expense and time required to remove the complete roof. This option eliminates the need to spend lots of money paying for the services of specialists in asbestos removal. The asbestos encapsulation requires a special coating or sealant be applied to the asbestos material to prevent the fibres from becoming airborne. This method is approved for the treatment of asbestos problems. Asbestos encapsulation must also be carried out by a trained person to ensure safety and be certain that the job will is carried out properly.
When done correctly the asbestos encapsulation can even prolong the life of your roof. The products are non-toxic and safe. This lightweight solution can protect your roof from chipping, peeling, cracking, and also make your roof resistant to water and heat. Encapsulation provides an attractive finish to your roof potentially adding to your property’s market value.
