Do you have asbestos roof worries? Perhaps you need to remove some troublesome asbestos roof tiles, or a whole asbestos garage roof? If you’re looking to find out how to dispose of asbestos roof sheets or how much it costs to replace an asbestos garage roof, look no further! We have all the information, tips and advice you need right here at Flat Roof Experts.
Our professional asbestos roof removal service will ensure the material is safely disposed of and that your building is restored properly. We can also replace any asbestos roofs with our weather-resistant, cost-effective and safer EPDM rubber roofing.
For now though, for more information on what asbestos is and what to do if you find it, continue reading!
What is asbestos?
First off, what is asbestos? Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in UK construction throughout the 20th century. It was known for its strength, durability and resistance to heat and therefore became a popular choice for both residential and commercial buildings. Builders and tradespeople valued asbestos because it was affordable, easy to work with and could be sourced locally. It was commonly used in insulation, roofing, floor tiles, and ceiling panels.
However, what made asbestos so useful in construction also made it incredibly dangerous when disturbed. Tiny fibres released into the air when asbestos-containing materials are damaged or deteriorate can be inhaled, leading to serious health risks. Although the use of asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, millions of buildings still contain the material. This is especially true in those built before the mid-1980s. That’s why it’s crucial to understand where asbestos might be found and how to manage it safely.
Health risks linked to asbestos roof exposure
Breathing in asbestos fibres can lead to serious conditions such as asbestosis (a chronic lung disease caused by scarring), mesothelioma (a rare cancer affecting the lining of the lungs or abdomen), and lung cancer. Symptoms like breathlessness, a long-term cough, or chest discomfort may be signs of asbestos-related illness. However, these symptoms often take many years to appear after initial exposure.
What does an asbestos roof look like?
So, what does an asbestos roof look like and how can you tell if your garage roof contains asbestos? Because of the fact it has so many similarities with other materials like cement fibre, it can be very difficult to tell if you have an asbestos garage roof. However, there are some subtle signs that you may indeed have asbestos roof tiles.
These include:
- Corrugated roofing panels
- A large amount of lichen or moss growth on top of the roof
- Cracks and breaks in roof panels
- Small surface dimples or craters
How to dispose of asbestos roof sheets
It is always best to choose a certified asbestos surveyor with experience in dealing with this material to make sure legal and safety guidelines are followed. You can’t just dispose of asbestos roof tiles at your local waste disposal centre, it must be taken to a special treatment and disposal area. As an alternative to removal, encapsulation can be a safe way to manage asbestos materials that are in good condition and have not been damaged or disturbed in any way.
How much does it cost to replace an asbestos garage roof?
The initial survey will typically cost you between £200 and £400. This does, of course, depend on the size and complexity of the property. When it comes to removal, this can range anywhere between £1,000 to £3,000 or even more, again depending on the size and complexity of the job.
EPDM rubber roofing replacement
EPDM stands for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer. This is a type of synthetic rubber made from oil, natural gas and diene (a hydrocarbon with two carbon double bonds). It’s widely used in roofing due to its excellent durability and weather resistance. It also poses no health risks whatsoever. It is installed as a single, seamless layer across flat or low-slope roofs.
EPDM rubber roofing can be used on a range of buildings, both domestic and commercial, including:
- Flat roofs
- Garage roofs
- Commercial flat roofing
- Shed roofs
- Green roofing
- Garden studio office roofs
- Bay window roofs
- Extensions
Professional asbestos roof removal services from Flat Roof Experts
Here at Flat Roof Experts we provide a structured and considered approach to asbestos roof removals. Our family-run business can also provide you with a fixed cost for abstraction and a replacement EPDM rubber roof, with a twenty-year guarantee to boot.
Contact us for advice or a quote, send an email to [email protected], or come and pay us a visit at our store in Bradford to get started in transforming your home today.