Roof Replacement: Understanding the Asbestos Removal Procedure

If you are planning on having your asbestos roof replaced, you should understand the processes involved. In general, asbestos roof replacement is a multiple-stage procedure which can be costly and time-consuming. Unfortunately, numerous homeowners do not understand the scope, and this lack of knowledge can cause discord and disagreements with the contractors. Here is a short discussion on the roofing project stages to help you comprehend the asbestos removal work.

Spraying with PVA Glue

Asbestos is not dangerous when it is stable and bonded. In simple terms, the material will not cause harm if the fibres are not released. However, if the material crumbles during the removal process, the entire home could be contaminated, and complete cleaning will be challenging. Therefore, your contractor will first spray PVA glue on the asbestos-containing roofing material to keep the mineral stable and to prevent breakage of the sheets during the handling and removal process.

Removal of Installations

Once the asbestos building materials are stabilised, the roof installations must be removed to ensure access to the hazardous roofing sheets. Typically, the contractor will remove the screws, nails and other fixings used to hold the roofing material in place. They will also remove the appliances and system placed on the roof. These items can include solar panels, water heaters and TV aerials. You should prepare a safe place for storing these items to prevent damage. 

Removal of the Sheets

The removal of the asbestos roofing can proceed after the installations and fixings in the structure are handled. This stage of the process must only be performed by an experienced asbestos roofing replacement contractor. If the units are dropped or poorly handled during removal, the fibres in the structure will break free from their PVA glue bond. They will contaminate the air and cause harm to the workers, neighbours and your family.

Collection and Disposal

Asbestos is classified as a hazardous material, so it cannot be disposed of with the rest of your construction garbage. Improper dumping of asbestos will damage the environment and attract legal consequences. Therefore, you should discuss your collection and disposal plans with your roofing contractor. You can request that the removal experts handle the disposal if they offer the service. Alternatively, you can hire a specialist dealer to take away the correctly wrapped asbestos.

Finally, the roofing structure must be cleaned, and another layer of PVA glue used to remove the residue asbestos fibres in your building. Once the home is free of the hazardous mineral, you can proceed with roof replacement.