Four Common Questions About Asbestos Removal

Asbestos is a harmful compound that was used in old construction as a strengthening and binding agent. The use of asbestos is banned in any new construction, and asbestos removal from properties is mostly recommended. This can raise some important questions in the minds of property owners like you.

How Do You Test for Asbestos?

As asbestos was completely banned in 2003, testing for asbestos in newer properties isn’t necessary. There’s no need for asbestos inspection if your property had a roof replacement in the past decade as well. Asbestos won’t be present if you have a metal sheet roof, either.

In other cases, it’s wise to get an asbestos check. Although asbestos-free alternatives were introduced in the 1980s, your property’s contractor may have used the compound in cement.

The asbestos survey can’t be performed on your own, and you need to get in touch with a roofing contractor that will have the necessary tools to check for asbestos fibres. If the test is positive, then you’ll need either over-roofing or asbestos removal in the future.

Is Removing All Asbestos Important?

Not necessarily. If you have an asbestos roof that’s perfectly intact and there are no signs of damage, there’s no need for asbestos removal. However, if you still prefer to be cautious, you can opt for over-cladding and sealing the asbestos.

However, once you find crumbling asbestos, removing all traces is important. Soon more cement will deteriorate and a simple repair patch isn’t optimal.

How to Avoid Roof Damage

Asbestos roofs need removal when they’re damaged, so if you have an intact roof, avoiding damage can be helpful. Most often, roofs are damaged due to bad weather, stagnant water, hard impact, or infestation. To avoid this, you can do protective coverings on your roof.

However, as asbestos hasn’t been used in construction for decades, it’s likely that the roof has reached the end of its life, which is roughly 25 to 40 years. Deteriorating asbestos roofs are hazardous, and the only permanent solution is a replacement.

Can You Remove Asbestos Yourself or Should You Get a Quote?

Unless you’re a licensed professional yourself, removing asbestos by yourself is a bad idea. Not only do you get excessive exposure at once, which increases the risk of asbestosis, but you also won’t be able to clear all traces of asbestos fibres, which can put anyone present in the building at risk. It’s better to get asbestos removal quotes in Perth.

If you can’t find the right contractor or want to save up for asbestos removal, leave the roof as it is. Avoid doing any repairs or fixes yourself, as it will only worsen the issue.