Does your roof contain asbestos? Chances are, you won’t know the answer to this question until a roof removal is underway.
However, asbestos was used in the construction of most properties in Australia that were built before 1987. Therefore, removing your roof tiles may become a complicated task that requires care and attention.
Read on to learn how to remove asbestos roof tiles from your home in Australia.
What Are Asbestos Roof Tiles?
Asbestos roof tiles are constructed using asbestos fibres and cement, although they look like dark-coloured slate tile. This was the intention when asbestos roof tiles were at their height of popularity.
Asbestos roof tiles were manufactured as a cheaper copy of the slate tile, but just how popular were they in Oz? When it comes to asbestos roof tiles, Australia is a leader in the popularity stakes.
Many people used asbestos tiles because of their lower cost and high-quality appearance. They were also a durable choice that offered heat resistance. However, it is now acknowledged that asbestos is harmful and a danger to health. The use of asbestos in construction was, therefore, terminated.
Why Is Asbestos Dangerous?
Asbestos containing products are known to cause mesothelioma, a lung cancer that has caused the deaths of more than 10,000 Australians since the 1980s. However, with many homes still containing asbestos, the death toll will undoubtedly rise across the next decades.
It is, therefore, necessary to remove asbestos roof tiles safely to prevent the dust from being inhaled. The correct protective clothing and equipment must be used to safeguard your health and the health of those around you.
How to Tell If a Roof Is Asbestos Tiling?
You can identify asbestos roof tiles from their slate appearance that has more than likely faded to a grey or blue shade. True slate would not fade in this way so is a defining characteristic of the asbestos roof tile.
Bonded asbestos was the original medium used as building materials in construction. Although asbestos exposure resulted in the material becoming friable which commonly increases the risk.
Other varieties of asbestos containing material on roofs were used over the decades and may only be recognised when an expert investigates. However, it is important to identify asbestos early as breaking up the asbestos roof will release asbestos fibres.
However, asbestos cement was not solely used in an asbestos roof. Asbestos products were used in many areas of home construction. Examples range from carpet underlay and vinyl floor tiles to an asbestos insulation board for electrical wiring.
You can also find cement sheeting containing asbestos used in walls and ceilings inside Australian homes.
Do Cement Roof Tiles Contain Asbestos?
Cement or concrete roofs could also contain asbestos, typically white asbestos as opposed to brown asbestos or blue asbestos. Asbestos was used due to its low cost, its easy-to-use mixing qualities, and its corrosion resistance.
Wherever you find asbestos in your home, in the flooring or the roofing, its removal could harm your health when exposed. Make sure you remove asbestos roof tiles and any other form of asbestos safely.
Can You Replace Asbestos Roof Tiles?
Asbestos roof tiles are no longer manufactured as asbestos products are now illegal in Australia. Therefore, replacing an asbestos roof tile is a tricky task. You won’t be able to get a close match, and installing tiles onto an asbestos roof will require an expert.
Instead of replacing a roof tile, take the opportunity to replace your entire roof. Remove the asbestos from your home and install an eco-friendly, energy-efficient roof like the Rapid Ridge roof from Evo Build! To save costs, you may want to remove your existing roof yourself.
How Can I Remove Asbestos Roof Tiles?
Removing asbestos requires following a flawless process. You may prefer employing a professional to do this for you. However, you can remove the asbestos yourself, but you can only dispose of it in a licensed landfill that accepts asbestos.
Check out the guidance issued in your state, as the latest advice may differ from Victoria to Western Australia.
Follow these steps to remove asbestos roof tiles yourself.
1. Protect Yourself
You need to wear professional protection before beginning to remove any asbestos. This includes a disposable dust mask that is made to work for asbestos and disposable overall that covers your entire body and head.
These items should be taken into your house as the fibres from the asbestos could still attach to your clothing and furniture.
2. Fully Prepare
Ensure you know what is required during the asbestos roof removal. For example, asbestos waste should be double bagged so make sure you have enough bags at hand. Also, ensure that you have the tools that you need.
3. Remove Roof Tiles
It is very important that roof tiles are not broken deliberately and that you disrupt the asbestos as little as possible. Remove each roof tile gently, placing it straight into the correct bagging procedure.
Strong polythene and parcel tape are recommended when bagging asbestos. This is also relevant to asbestos ceiling sheets and asbestos panels.
4. Clean Area Thoroughly
Where appropriate, all areas where the asbestos has been should be washed thoroughly. Wash with a hose and ensure there are no traces of asbestos remaining.
5. Dispose Properly
You must dispose of asbestos in a licensed landfill that is specifically for asbestos disposal.
Install a Rapid Ridge Roof Today!
Once your home is free from asbestos, install a Rapid ridge roof from Evo Build. Offering a faster installation than other roofs, the Rapid Ridge offers cool tiles and a unique ventilation system.
Keep your home cool and reduce the amount of money you spend on cool energy! Contact Evo Build today!