What to do About Asbestos in Your Garage Roof
Materials containing asbestos were widely used in garages throughout the 20th century. Believe it or not, asbestos was initially extremely popular as a construction material, partly because it was cheap and plentiful, but also because it was a great insulator. Whilst it’s not unknown for asbestos to be found in garage walls an asbestos garage roof is far more likely.
Is an Asbestos Garage Roof a Health Hazard?
The Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) most likely to have been used in a garage roof is ‘asbestos cement’. This is a cement mix containing around 15% asbestos, and it isn’t harmful if it’s in good condition. Should the roof be damaged, or in a state of deterioration, there’s a danger of asbestos fibres being released into the air, which is a hazard to health.
The fibres are microscopic and can be inhaled easily. It is these fibres that can cause chronic breathing difficulties and lung diseases.
How Can I Find Out if There’s Asbestos in my Garage Roof?
First of all, find out when the date – roughly – when the garage was built. If it was prior to 1999 there’s a good chance that asbestos concrete was used in its construction. Use of asbestos was banned in 1999.
The best way to determine whether or not your garage roof contains asbestos is to have a sample analysed. Avanti Asbestos Removal provides domestic asbestos surveys. These locate as far as is practicable, the extent of any ACMs in your roof. If asbestos is suspected, samples are sent to a UKAS accredited laboratory for analysis.
Can I Remove the Asbestos Myself?
It is not illegal to attempt to remove asbestos yourself, but we would highly recommend that you use professionals, unless you are trained in asbestos removal. The reason for this is that, once disturbed, asbestos fibres can be released into the air and create a serious health hazard for anyone in the proximity.
HSE licensed professionals carry out the removal of asbestos in carefully controlled conditions, using air monitoring to ensure that no particles escape. The asbestos material will be disposed of correctly and the site will be declared safe once clearance air monitoring demonstrates it to be so.
“I would like to say a big thank you to Mark and the team for the work they carried out on my garage roof following the discovery of asbestos. Being a pensioner it’s important to me I have the trust and confidence in any tradesmen carrying out work on my property. They arrived on time with ID cards, explained the work to be carried out and the length of time it would take and demonstrated genuine care and concern leaving my property in a clean and tidy condition, I would not hesitate in recommending their services.”
– Mrs Reed, Devon
Working With Avanti Asbestos Removals
We are a team of asbestos specialists with over 10 years’ experience offering asbestos management and removal in both the north and south of England. Avanti has an established team, with a proven track record, and a clear focus to create a safe home or work environment for our clients.
Avanti is HSE licensed for the work we do. We aim to be on site with clients within 24 hours of first contact, and quotes are delivered the same day. The technology we employ is regularly maintained and the processes we use are audited consistently. Our reputation rests on us being able to deliver in line with current UK legislation and H&S standards.
Are you worried that you have an asbestos garage roof? For peace of mind, call Avanti today to arrange for an asbestos survey on 0333 3355974
