A Guide to Asbestos Roof Removal

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral whose use is banned in Australia and many other countries around the world. The material was mainly used in the construction industry due to its unique insulation properties. As such, it was sprayed on walls as a fire insulation mechanism. It was also cheap to produce, leading to the popularity of asbestos corrugated roofs. Asbestos was also added to cement to increase its tensile strength. Therefore, a contractor could use less cement when building, thus reducing the construction costs. 

Why Asbestos Should Be Removed

Exposure to asbestos was found to put people at risk of various medical conditions. Once a person breathes in asbestos fibres, they are lodged in the lungs. Continued accumulation of the fibres leads to lung scarring and inflammation which disrupts the person's ability to breathe. This condition is known as asbestosis.  Asbestos is also classified as a carcinogen. Exposure to asbestos fibres leads to a rare kind of cancer called mesothelioma. The disease affects the chest and abdomen.

Asbestos Roof Replacement

If you would like to have your asbestos roof removed, you must exercise a lot of caution to prevent exposure to asbestos fibres. Preferably, you should call an asbestos roof replacement company to remove and replace the roof. Here are some safety measures to observe. 

Preparation

Wear personal protective clothing such as gloves, masks, boots, goggles and overalls. Ensure that all doors and windows in the house are locked. Also, ask your neighbours to close their doors and windows. To prevent the fibres from getting into your home, lay a plastic sheet below the working area.

Working

Spray the sheets with water to dampen them. This will help reduce asbestos dust. Do not cut, drill, water blast or scrub the asbestos roof. Doing so will expose the area to asbestos fibres. Do not eat or drink around the working area. Once you remove the roof, handle the sheets with caution to prevent breakage. 

Disposal

Wrap the sheets in plastic bags after removing them. Dispose of the asbestos roof at a landfill that accepts asbestos products. Vacuum the working area with a vacuum cleaner approved to clean asbestos dust.

Asbestos is a material that could expose you and your family members to severe health conditions. If you want to replace your asbestos roof, ask a professional asbestos roof replacement company to remove the roof. You must observe safety when preparing the working area and during the removal and disposal of the asbestos roof.