If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think about your roof tiles that often. But if you’re considering having them removed or replaced, it’s important to know whether or not they contain asbestos.
If your home was built during the 20th century, there is always a risk that asbestos-containing building materials may have been used. Even the smallest amount of asbestos fibres can cause significant health issues, including lung cancer if inhaled.
At Icon Asbestos Removal, we are committed to keeping everyone safe from the dangers of asbestos, so before you start replacing your roof, we recommend doing a self-inspection following our checklist and giving us a call to review as needed.
Asbestos Checklist For Roof Tiles
If you’re unsure if your roof tiles contain asbestos, here are some things to look for before you begin removal:
1. Age
One of the biggest indicators that roof tiles may contain asbestos is their age. Asbestos-containing materials are more common in the 20th century. As a result, roof tiles manufactured before 1980 are much more likely to contain the substance than those made afterwards.
2. Material
Another key factor is the material the tiles are made of. Asbestos was commonly used in concrete (asbestos cement) and asphalt shingles, so these are more likely to be contaminated than other types of roofing materials.
3. Condition
If the tiles are in good condition, it’s less likely that they contain asbestos. However, if they’re damaged or crumbling, there’s a greater chance that the substance is present.
Unfortunately with roofing, as it is constantly exposed to the elements there is a much higher risk of damage and therefore a higher risk of exposure to asbestos particles.
4. Appearance
Some asbestos roof tiles will feature an identification mark which makes it very easy to identify.
As there are different types of asbestos, it is imperative that you thoroughly check before removal. Knowledge of one kind does not mean you’ll recognise another.
Any aged material on your home that is grey, green, yellow or blue could potentially be asbestos – it is not possible to determine which type it is simply by its colour. In reality, there is no safe way to determine if your roof tiles are asbestos simply by looking at them, this is why arranging testing and professional help are strongly recommended.
Can I Remove And Dispose Of Asbestos Myself?
If dealing with less than 10 metres squared of bonded (non-friable) asbestos you are not required to hold a licence for its removal. However, you are still required to dispose of it properly (not in your household waste or a skip). There are also still numerous risks to removing it yourself, even the smallest exposure can be harmful to your health and that of your family or employees.
Engaging a professional is the single best assurance you have that asbestos can be removed safely and disposed of in an approved manner.
Expert Removal And Replacement
If you’re unsure whether or not your roof tiles contain asbestos, the best thing to do is to contact a professional for testing and removal. In fact, asbestos removal and the ability to dispose of asbestos roof tiles safely are legislated across most states and territories in Australia.
At Icon Asbestos Removal, we have years of experience dealing with this dangerous substance. We can test your tiles and remove them safely, so you can rest easy knowing your home is free of asbestos. We offer absolute peace of mind that everything is being done by a fully licensed and trained team.
Whether in a residential, commercial or industrial capacity, we’re the team you can trust. Additionally, we also facilitate the professional, efficient re-roofing of your property for a full service that is handled without fault from start to finish. Discovered asbestos-laden cladding or fencing that also needs safe removal? We can do that too.
No matter your situation regarding the presence of asbestos in your home, we are here to help. To speak with one of our expert team members, call 07 3186 2059 today.
