Safe Asbestos Roof Removal: How to Protect Your Home and Health

Around the world the discovery of asbestos was heralded as a breakthrough in construction materials. It was considered a great option for its reinforcing and fire-resistant properties, and from the 1940s until the late 1990’s it was used in New Zealand as a popular building material across the country.

Unfortunately, it was then discovered that asbestos is an incredibly hazardous material that is particularly dangerous when disturbed. Asbestos has been linked to a number of serious health issues, including lung cancer, Mesothelioma – cancer affecting the heart, abdomen and lungs  – and Asbestosis, a progressive and irreversible lung disease.

Because there are still many roofs across the country constructed with Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs), if you are looking at renovating, repairing, re-roofing or roof removal, it is very important to have a professional asbestos roof removal company on your team to protect your family, your neighbours, your contractors and the wider community from this dangerous substance.

Here, we will walk you through some practical steps you can take towards safe asbestos roof removal, including how best to protect your home and your health as you work towards an asbestos-free residential property.

Is All Asbestos the Same?

The short answer is no. The levels of bonding and the concentration of fibres in ACMs dictate how the asbestos roof removal must be approached. The two main types of asbestos are friable and non-friable. Here, we will give a brief explanation of both.

Friable Asbestos

Friable ACMs are more hazardous because the surrounding materials are more easily crushed. This means that minuscule fibres can escape into the atmosphere, and friable ACMs are also likely to have a greater concentration of breathable fibres.

Non-Friable Asbestos

If the ACMs are constructed with a smaller concentration of fibres and the asbestos is well bonded to the host material, then it is less likely that dangerous levels of fibres will be released as the material is cut or demolished. However, there is still a risk to whoever comes into contact with these materials.

Professional asbestos testing will help you determine whether your roof is friable or non-friable; we can then direct you to the safest way forward.

Do I have Asbestos in My Roof?

Discovering if you need asbestos roof removal services starts with professional testing. You should never attempt asbestos roof removal yourself, and you must choose a roofing company that understands and complies with the Health and Safety (Asbestos) Regulations that were introduced in New Zealand in 2016. If you want to be certain you are protecting your home and your health, choose a company that is licensed to identify, test, remove or seal your roof where applicable. 

The Paul Milne team is trained in safe asbestos removal and has specialist testing equipment, so if you are concerned you might have asbestos, get in touch. We will help you identify the risk and make a plan of action to ensure you don’t suffer any ill effects.

As a rule of thumb, if your home was built pre-1985 and you didn’t own it before 2000, it is highly likely that your roof was constructed using ACMs.

How To Safely Remove Asbestos

Asbestos is most dangerous when disturbed. Cutting, removal, or demolition can cause the minuscule fibres to become airborne and inhaled by anyone working on the roof, on the property, or nearby. 

Step 1: Use Licensed Professionals

You must use a professional asbestos roof removal team that has all the necessary protective equipment and has been trained to take the safest course of action during the removal process.

Step 2: Site Preparation

The work area should be clearly demarcated, and the surrounding areas should be covered with removable plastic sheeting to contain the fibres released as the work gets underway. You should plan to be away from your property while the asbestos roof removal is completed.

Step 3: PPE for Workers

All workers on site should be properly protected with disposable coveralls, respirator masks with HEPA filters, eye protection and appropriate gloves.

4: Wet SIte Methods

Ensuring the ACMs remain damp is efficacious, as this will aid in trapping the fibres. We recommend a gentle mist of water throughout the entire process.

Step 5: Disposal

Safe disposal is very important, so your roofing team should collect the ACMs in sealed, marked containers that can be safely transported to an approved asbestos disposal site.

Talk to Paul Milne About Asbestos Roof Removal Now

If you suspect you have asbestos in your roof materials, there are a few different ways we can protect your home and your health. We have all the protective equipment, training, and skills required, and we understand and comply with the most up-to-date NZ regulations for asbestos roof removal. We can test your roof and then safely remove or seal the contaminated materials. We dispose of all ACMs safely and ensure that you are fully informed every step of the way.

Contact Us Now

Prioritise safety. Contact our experienced team today for a thorough asbestos roof removal assessment.