Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral whose use in the building and construction sector was rampant in the past. The material is a good insulator hence it was used in constructing roofs. In December 2013, Australia banned the manufacture and use of asbestos. This was after studies revealed that inhaling asbestos fibres could lead to breathing difficulties and increased risk of a rare kind of cancer called mesothelioma. Here, you can learn more about the basics of asbestos roof replacement.
Asbestos roof removal
If your house has an asbestos roof that you want removed, you should ask an asbestos removal company to conduct the removal. Below are the procedures and safety measures observed during asbestos roof removal.
Asbestos testing: Sometimes you may not be sure if your roof contains asbestos. You, therefore, need an asbestos test to determine if the roof has asbestos.
Wear personal protective clothing: Your team should wear protective overalls, gloves, goggles and boots.
Prepare the working area: They will then lay a plastic sheet beneath the roof to prevent asbestos fibres from getting into the house.
Lock all other rooms: Your contractors will shut the doors and windows, then ask people to move away from the area.
Asbestos roof replacement
Before commencing the removal, you need to decide what roof you will have. There are various roofing options available in the market. Critical factors that will help you decide are
Availability: The roofing materials should be available in your locality.
Costs: Hire a reliable and affordable contractor to conduct the roofing works.
Trusses: The design of the trusses can help you determine a suitable roof. The trusses should be rigid enough to support the weight of the roofing material. However, if you have the time and resources, you can take down the entire roof and erect new trusses.
Weather: Choose a roofing material that will not be affected by adverse weather conditions in your location such as snow, heat, or storms.
Some of the roofing materials available today are
Asphalt shingles: These are popular because they are cheap.
Wood shingles: They are more expensive than asphalt, but they have a wide array of designs.
Tiles: These are either made from clay or are ceramic.
Metal: Metal sheets are either made from steel or aluminium. They have different designs and colours.
Slate: Slate roofing tiles are of high quality and give the house an appealing appearance. However, they are expensive and heavy.
Removing an asbestos roof ensures that you minimise the risk of asbestos exposure in your home. The key factors to consider during asbestos roof replacement are the weather, cost, condition of the trusses, and availability of roofing materials.