If you’ve discovered recently that your garage’s roof is containing certain Asbestos-Contained Materials (ACMs) or the slightest suspicion that this is something to be concerned about, there’s in no doubt thinking about what to do regarding it. You’ll want to know if the material can be easily removed at a minimal expense and without causing damage to your roof.
Before 1999, when then government prohibited the use of asbestos in new construction asbestos cement sheeting was a common type of garage roofing particularly during the 1960s and the 1970s. They offered a variety of advantages, ranging from durability to flexibility and affordability as well as their insulation and the properties of weatherproofing and fireproofing.
These sheets of roofing are cement mixed with between 10 to 15% asbestos, usually a white form of asbestos known as the chrysotile. For roofs, asbestos may be found in the panels and gutters, as well as on felt or even the entire roof.
A total ban on all asbestos was enacted around the turn of the millennium. The ban included white asbestos and Chrysotile. This was after a partial ban in 1985 that prohibited the importation of the blue and brown versions. It was because of the incredibly dangerous nature of the substance when inhaled as well as the apparent connection to mesothelioma and asbestosis and lung cancer All of which are likely to be fatal. Asbestos is thought to be such a risk to health that it has been banned from being utilized within the UK.
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In spite of its status at the time it’s not unusual to see asbestos in garage roofs of any property constructed before 1999. Fortunately, however, the issue can be addressed with several possible solutions.
How to Tell If Your Garage roof is contaminated with Asbestos
If you are concerned that the garage roof might contain asbestos There is only one method to confirm this to have the materials tested and tested by a reputable asbestos-related company. In deciding if you really need an asbestos inspection, keep in mind that it’s impossible to know whether a product is asbestos-containing by simply taking a look, but there are a few possible indications or indicators that they could be, such as:
1. Corrugated roof panels
This is a hint, but not a guarantee asbestos roofing sheets usually corrugated. However, asbestos-free cement roofing sheet could be corrugated too.
2 Garages constructed prior to 1999
For any garage roof constructed prior to 1999 there’s the good chance it’s made of asbestos, specifically for structures built in the 1970s, 1960s the time when asbestos was most common.
3 Moss or lichen growth
A lot of lichen or moss is typical for the asbestos garage roof, however, this isn’t always the scenario. The more moss is present the older the roof is likely to have, as well as the more likely there is a chance asbestos may be present.
4 Cracks and tears on the panels of roof
One of the most important factors that isn’t a specific one in the determination of whether asbestos is present on garage roofs is the manner in which it has deteriorated over time. Roof panels that are made of concrete tend to appear brittle, whereas asbestos-based roofs are more likely to exhibit cracks. If you see cracks on your garage’s roofing panels, this could be possible evidence of asbestos.
5 Small dimples on the surface or the craters
If the corrugated roofing sheets contain small dimples, craters and similar designs, it is another indicator that the material could be in use.
If you observe any of the signs mentioned above, schedule an asbestos inspection by an asbestos firm that is accredited as soon as you can.
How to handle an asbestos-rich garage roof
If an asbestos survey or test prove that your garage roof is indeed contain asbestos, you have many options available to you. Deciding which one is the best is dependent on several aspects, including the condition and age of the roofing panels. It all comes down to a decision between replacing and removing, or encapsulating, your roof
1 Removal and replacement of the roof
This is generally the most appropriate option in the event that demolition or renovation work is in the works, and it’s beginning to leak, or in the event that the roof is damaged and, for instance holes, cracks, or cracks or other signs that it has previously been damaged and isn’t suitable for the encapsulation process.
A professional asbestos removal service must remove the roof in a careful manner to ensure it does not cause danger to health in the process of removal, in which case it could release dangerous asbestos fibers. Then, you can install an alternative and contemporary garage roof.
If you’re planning to have construction work completed simultaneously the asbestos firm must remove your asbestos roof prior to it can begin.
2. Encapsulating the roof
The encapsulation of the asbestos roof of a garage is generally suggested on a case-by -case basis. It is usually done when it is more hazardous to remove asbestos-containing roofing materials rather than leave the roof in place or if asbestos has not been damaged and therefore is in good condition to remain the roof in its place.
The encapsulation stops the fibres from being released if the roof is deteriorating or is damaged in the course of time.
The procedure is to seal the roofing in order to prevent any release of asbestos-containing material.
3 Let it remain in situ and have an asbestos-management program in place
If the absestos-containing material is in good order and there aren’t any planned work to be done, they may be kept in place and controlled by a plan for asbestos management and periodic re-inspection inspections.
Does a garage roof made of asbestos influence your value for my home?
A garage with asbestos roof will not make your home’s worth any favors. It’s particularly relevant if the roof isn’t sealed and has been damaged, causing damage to the asbestos and creating an health risk.
It’s not required to get an asbestos inspection when buying the home. However, many do and property surveyors always detect asbestos-containing structures on the garage roof. This means it could be flagged at the time of a home sale or it could mean that you must take out some of the purchase cost to cover any future costs or, even more importantly it could mean that the deal falls out of the water completely. This is yet another reason to take down or encapsulate the roof of a garage with asbestos.