Asbestos Garage Roof Removal

Asbestos was widely used in construction materials throughout the 20th century due to its durability, heat resistance, and cost-effectiveness. One common use was in asbestos cement, often employed for roofing materials, including garage roofs. While asbestos materials offered many advantages at the time, they also posed serious health risks, leading to strict regulations and bans on asbestos use in many countries by the late 1990s.

For many homeowners and commercial property owners, asbestos garage roofs remain a legacy of this past construction practice. While these roofs may seem harmless when intact, they can become a serious hazard if damaged, deteriorating, or disturbed. This article explores the key aspects of asbestos garage roofs, the risks involved, and how to safely handle removal and replacement.

What Are Asbestos Garage Roofs?

An asbestos garage roof is typically made from asbestos cement sheets. These cement sheets were reinforced with asbestos fibers to increase their strength and resistance to environmental factors, including fire, moisture, and corrosion. They were widely used in garage roofs, sheds, and other outbuildings because of their durability and affordability.

Asbestos cement typically contains between 10-15% asbestos fibers, with chrysotile (white asbestos) being the most common type. However, other forms like amosite (brown asbestos) and crocidolite (blue asbestos) may also be present in some cases.

Why Was Asbestos Used in Garage Roofs?

Asbestos was prized for its properties, making it ideal for many construction applications, including garage roofs. The main reasons asbestos was used include:

1. Durability: Asbestos fibers added strength to cement sheets, making them highly durable and resistant to weathering, cracking, and damage.

2. Fire Resistance: Asbestos is naturally fireproof, which made it an attractive material for construction, providing a layer of protection in case of fire.

3. Water Resistance: Asbestos cement sheets resisted moisture and did not corrode, making them suitable for external roofing applications.

4. Cost-Effectiveness: The production of asbestos cement was inexpensive, and its long lifespan made it a cost-effective solution for builders and homeowners.

Health Risks of Asbestos Garage Roofs

Asbestos is a known carcinogen, and exposure to its fibers can lead to serious health conditions. When intact, asbestos cement sheets pose minimal health risks, as the fibers are securely bound within the cement. However, as these roofs age, they can deteriorate due to weather exposure, become cracked, or break apart. When this happens, asbestos fibers can be released into the air, posing significant health hazards.

The major health risks associated with asbestos exposure include:

1. Asbestosis: A chronic lung condition caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, leading to scarring of the lung tissue and breathing difficulties.

2. Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs or abdomen, almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure.

3. Lung Cancer: Asbestos exposure can increase the risk of lung cancer, especially in individuals who smoke.

4. Pleural Thickening: A condition where the lining of the lungs becomes thickened due to asbestos exposure, causing chest pain and breathing difficulties.

Identifying an Asbestos Garage Roof

If your property was built before the 1990s, there’s a chance that your garage roof contains asbestos. Identifying an asbestos garage roof can be difficult because asbestos fibers are not visible to the naked eye. However, there are some signs that can suggest the presence of asbestos in your garage roof:

• Age of the Property: If your garage was built before the 1980s, it’s likely that asbestos cement was used in its construction.
• Material Appearance: Asbestos cement sheets are typically corrugated and have a hard, brittle texture. They may appear greyish or slightly weathered with age.
• Visible Damage: Cracks, breaks, or signs of wear in the roof can indicate the risk of asbestos fibers becoming airborne.

The only way to confirm the presence of asbestos is through professional testing. Asbestos surveys and sampling are conducted by licensed asbestos professionals who take samples of the material and analyze them in a laboratory.

Managing an Asbestos Garage Roof

If your garage roof contains asbestos, you have several options depending on its condition:

1. Leave It in Place (If in Good Condition): If the roof is in good condition, it may not pose an immediate threat. Asbestos cement sheets are generally safe as long as they are not disturbed, so you may choose to leave the roof in place and monitor it for signs of damage.

2. Encapsulation: Encapsulation involves applying a sealant over the asbestos-containing material to prevent the release of fibers. This is often a temporary solution and can be useful when the roof is still structurally sound but requires protection from further damage.

3. Removal and Replacement: If the roof is damaged or poses a risk, it’s best to have it professionally removed. Asbestos roof removal should only be carried out by licensed asbestos removal contractors who follow strict safety guidelines to prevent the release of asbestos fibers.

Asbestos Garage Roof Removal Process

Removing an asbestos garage roof is a delicate process that should only be handled by professionals. Here’s an overview of the typical steps involved:

1. Inspection and Testing: A licensed asbestos surveyor will assess the roof and take samples to confirm the presence of asbestos.

2. Site Preparation: The area around the garage is sealed off to prevent asbestos fibers from spreading. Warning signs are placed, and protective barriers are installed to keep unauthorized individuals away.

3. Protective Gear: Workers wear full personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators, disposable overalls, and gloves, to prevent exposure to asbestos fibers.

4. Wet Removal Technique: The asbestos cement sheets are dampened with water to reduce the release of fibers. This wet method is essential to minimize the risk of asbestos becoming airborne during removal.

5. Careful Dismantling: The roof is removed in sections to avoid breaking the asbestos sheets, which can release fibers. Each section is carefully lowered and double-bagged in approved asbestos waste bags.

6. Thorough Cleaning: The work area is thoroughly cleaned using specialized vacuums with HEPA filters to remove any remaining asbestos fibers.

7. Safe Disposal: The asbestos-containing materials are transported to a licensed hazardous waste disposal facility, where they are safely disposed of according to local and national regulations.

8. Final Inspection: After removal, the site is inspected to ensure that all asbestos materials have been safely removed, and air quality tests may be conducted to confirm the area is asbestos-free.

Asbestos Roof Replacement Options

Once the asbestos roof has been removed, you’ll need to install a new, safe roofing material. Several modern options are available, depending on your budget and aesthetic preferences:

1. Metal Roofing: Durable and low-maintenance, metal roofing is a popular option for garage roofs. It is resistant to weathering and can last for several decades with proper care.

2. Fiberglass Roofing: Fiberglass sheets are lightweight, durable, and weather-resistant, making them a suitable alternative to asbestos cement sheets.

3. Polycarbonate Roofing: Ideal for garages and outbuildings, polycarbonate roofing is strong, lightweight, and offers excellent thermal insulation properties.

4. EPDM Rubber Roofing: EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a flexible, durable material that is commonly used for flat roofs. It is easy to install and provides excellent waterproofing.

5. Bitumen Roofing: Bitumen is a cost-effective option for flat or low-sloped roofs, providing good weather resistance and durability.

Legal Regulations on Asbestos Removal

Asbestos is classified as a hazardous material, and strict regulations govern its removal and disposal. In the UK, the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 requires that asbestos removal work be carried out by licensed contractors, except in certain cases where the material is in good condition and poses a low risk.

Before any asbestos removal work can be carried out, a risk assessment must be completed, and the appropriate authorities must be notified. The asbestos removal contractor must follow strict safety protocols to prevent asbestos exposure and contamination, including:

• Using wet removal techniques to suppress dust.
• Sealing off the work area to prevent the spread of asbestos fibers.
• Disposing of asbestos waste in approved hazardous waste facilities.

Failure to comply with these regulations can result in significant fines and legal penalties.

Conclusion

Asbestos garage roofs are a common issue in older properties, and while they may not pose an immediate threat, the potential health risks of asbestos exposure should not be underestimated. If your garage roof contains asbestos, it’s important to monitor its condition and seek professional help if any damage occurs.

Whether you need to encapsulate the roof to prevent fiber release or fully remove and replace it, always hire licensed asbestos specialists to handle the job. Proper removal, disposal, and replacement ensure that your property remains safe and compliant with asbestos regulations, protecting you and your family from the dangers of asbestos exposure.