Asbestos roofing was once essential in UK construction, however, we now know that asbestos poses a serious and persistent risk.
Understanding the dangers of asbestos roofing is critical not only for protecting your health, but also for ensuring compliance with UK law.
This guide explores the risks of asbestos, how to identify them, and the safest ways to manage or replace asbestos roofing.
How Dangerous is Asbestos Roofing?
The answer depends on the condition of the asbestos roofing. When intact and undisturbed, asbestos-containing materials are generally safe, as their fibres remain bound within the structure. However, once asbestos roofing is damaged it becomes highly dangerous.
Weathered, frail or disturbed asbestos sheets can release microscopic needle-like fibres into the air. These fibres are extremely hazardous when inhaled, as they can lodge deep in the lungs and lead to serious, often fatal, health issues.
Conditions That Make Asbestos Roofing More Dangerous
Asbestos roofing, when intact and well-maintained, typically poses minimal risk. However, this changes when the roofing deteriorates or is damaged, as microscopic asbestos fibres can then become airborne, posing significant health risks. Several factors can lead to the release of asbestos fibres:
Weathering Over Time 🌧️
Prolonged exposure to natural elements gradually weakens asbestos roofing. UV rays, rain, frost, and acid rain contribute to surface degradation, leading to cracks, leaks, and structural weakening. Over time, these conditions make the material brittle and prone to releasing fibres into the environment, even with minimal disturbance.
Biological Growth 🪴
Moss, lichen, and algae often thrive on asbestos roofs, particularly in damp or shaded areas. These organisms take root in the surface, breaking down the roofing material over time. Attempts to clean or remove this growth without proper safety measures—such as using pressure washers or harsh brushes—can inadvertently disturb the asbestos and release fibres.
Wear and Accidental Damage 🛠️
Routine maintenance or repair activities, such as drilling, cutting, or removing roofing panels, can easily disturb asbestos. Similarly, storm damage from high winds, hail, or falling debris can crack or break panels, creating dangerous conditions. Without professional handling, even minor disturbances can result in significant fibre release.
Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure
The health risks associated with asbestos exposure are both severe and long-lasting and symptoms may not appear for 10 to 60 years after exposure, making it a “silent killer. Exposure to asbestos fibres causes a range of serious and often fatal health conditions:
Mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer, develops in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart and is almost always linked to asbestos. Its symptoms-chest pain, shortness of breath, and fluid buildup – typically emerge decades after exposure, often leaving patients with limited treatment options. Asbestosis, another devastating condition, results in scarring of the lungs, leading to persistent shortness of breath, chest tightness, and chronic coughing, with advanced cases progressing to respiratory failure.
Lung cancer risk is significantly heightened by asbestos exposure, particularly when combined with smoking, with symptoms such as persistent coughing, wheezing, and weight loss often signaling advanced disease. Pleural thickening, where the lining of the lungs becomes thicker and less flexible, reduces lung capacity and causes chronic discomfort. Each of these illnesses underscores the critical importance of minimising exposure and ensuring that asbestos-containing materials are managed with the utmost care.
Key Facts
- 5,000 deaths annually in the UK are attributed to asbestos-related illnesses.
- 20 tradesmen die each week from diseases linked to past asbestos exposure.
- Smoking further compounds the danger, exponentially increasing the risk of lung cancer.
How to Determine If Your Roof Contains Asbestos
Read our guide to identifying asbestos roofs to learn more.
Identifying asbestos in your roof is the first step toward mitigating its risks. Knowing the signs can help you take appropriate action.
Age of the Building 🕰️
If your property was built or renovated before 1999, there’s a higher likelihood that asbestos may be present in the roofing.
Corrugated Panels 🏠
Asbestos was commonly used in corrugated roofing panels, which are lightweight and durable but prone to fibre release as they age.
Moss or Lichen Growth 🥬
Asbestos roofs often host moss or lichen, which accelerate material deterioration and may indicate the presence of asbestos.
Given the health risks, it’s crucial to consult a professional to confirm whether your roof contains asbestos. An asbestos survey will assess its presence and condition, guiding you on the safest course of action.
What Should You Do If You Have an Asbestos Roof?
Deciding how to address an asbestos roof depends on its condition and potential risks. Replacement is typically the safest option for damaged, leaking, or deteriorating asbestos roofs, ensuring no further risk of fibre release. Once the roof is removed installation of modern, safe roofing materials can start.
Safe Handling, Replacement and Removal
Handling asbestos roofing requires strict precautions. Attempting to remove asbestos yourself is highly risky and may violate the law. Professionals follow specific protocols to ensure safe removal, including:
- Minimising disturbance to the material to prevent fibre release.
- Using specialised equipment and protective gear.
- Properly wrapping and disposing of asbestos waste at licensed facilities.
By consulting experienced asbestos removal services like us, you can protect your health, comply with regulations, and replace your roof with a safer alternative.
Managing Asbestos Roofing
Effectively managing asbestos roofing is essential for ensuring safety, compliance with regulations, and the long-term value of your property. Whether you’re disposing of asbestos waste, considering roof replacement costs, or exploring alternative materials, understanding your options can help you make informed decisions.
Disposal of Asbestos Roofing Waste
Disposing of asbestos roofing waste requires strict adherence to UK regulations designed to protect public health and the environment. Mishandling asbestos waste can lead to legal penalties and serious health risks.
Legal Requirements
In the UK, asbestos waste is classified as hazardous and must be disposed of at licensed facilities. Homeowners and businesses are prohibited from disposing of asbestos in general waste streams. If you’re managing a property, you have a legal obligation to ensure that asbestos waste is handled and transported by licensed professionals.
Safe Transport
Asbestos sheets and debris must be transport by licensed carriers. For broken asbestos sheets, particular care is required, including bagging and securing to prevent fibre release.
Approved Disposal Sites
Many local councils accept small amounts of asbestos waste at designated recycling centres. However, it’s important to contact the site in advance to confirm they can accept your materials. Larger quantities often require hiring licensed asbestos removal companies, which can safely transport the waste to approved facilities.
Costs for professional disposal services vary based on the volume and location but are a necessary investment to ensure safety.
Cost of Removing and Replacing an Asbestos Garage Roof
The cost of removing and replacing an asbestos garage roof depends on several factors, including the size of the structure, the condition of the roof, and the materials chosen for replacement.
Removal Costs
- Small garages typically range from £500 to £1,000.
- Larger structures can cost between £1,000 and £2,000.
Replacement Costs
- Replacing an asbestos garage roof with modern materials typically costs £2,000 to £4,000, but could be more, depending on the materials used and the complexity of the project.
- Severely damaged or crumbling roofs require more extensive handling, increasing costs.
Investing in professional removal and replacement ensures compliance with regulations and significantly reduces health risks. To learn more about the cost involved, read out handy guide to the costs of asbestos roof removal and replacement.
Alternatives to Asbestos Roofing
Modern roofing materials offer safe, durable, and cost-effective alternatives to asbestos, eliminating the health hazards while providing improved performance. Common options include:
Steel Roofing
Known for its durability and ability to withstand harsh conditions, steel is a long-lasting, very popular alternative to asbestos.
Rubber Roofing
Eco-friendly and easy to install, rubber roofing provides excellent water resistance and flexibility.
Concrete Fibre
Resembling asbestos cement in appearance and durability, concrete fibre is a safer, modern alternative.
Each material varies in terms of cost, ease of installation, and lifespan – read our guide to replacement materials to learn more.
The Environmental Dangerous of Asbestos
Improper asbestos disposal can have serious environmental consequences. Once released, asbestos fibres contaminate soil and water, posing long-term risks to wildlife and nearby communities. Because these fibres are non-biodegradable, they persist indefinitely, turning contaminated sites into costly hazards requiring extensive remediation.
Engaging licensed professionals ensures that asbestos is safely removed and transported to approved facilities, protecting both the environment and public health. By working with experts like Excel Asbestos, you can play an active role in safeguarding ecosystems while improving the safety and sustainability of your property.
Additional Considerations
Regulations and Responsibilities
The UK has strict regulations governing the management and disposal of asbestos to protect public health and the environment. Property owners, whether residential or commercial, must understand their legal responsibilities to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.
- Homeowners: While there is no legal obligation for homeowners to survey or manage asbestos in their properties, they must follow proper procedures when removing or disposing of asbestos. Failure to do so can pose risks to health and the environment.
- Businesses and Property Managers: Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, businesses have a duty to manage asbestos in their premises. This includes identifying the presence of asbestos, keeping it in good condition, and ensuring that any work involving asbestos is conducted safely by trained professionals.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failing to comply with asbestos regulations can lead to:
- Fines of up to £20,000 for even minor infractions.
- Unlimited fines or even imprisonment for serious breaches, particularly if they result in harm to health or the environment.
This is why it’s so important to work with licensed asbestos professionals. DIY may seem cheaper in the short term, but the long term effect could be devastating and costly.
Steps to Take in an Emergency
- Avoid Disturbing the Roof: Do not attempt to inspect or repair the damage yourself, as this could release more fibres.
- Seal Off the Area: Prevent access to the damaged roof and keep people away from the site.
- Contact Professionals: Immediately reach out to licensed asbestos removal experts to assess the damage and recommend next steps.
In the UK, many local councils provide guidance and referrals for asbestos-related emergencies. Alternatively, you can contact professional asbestos management companies, such as Excel Asbestos, for prompt assistance.
Long-Term Health Monitoring After Asbestos Exposure
If you or someone you know has been exposed to asbestos, it’s crucial to monitor health over time. Early detection of asbestos-related illnesses can improve outcomes and ensure access to necessary support.
- Consult your GP or occupational health specialist for regular screenings if you’ve been exposed to asbestos.
- High-risk workers, such as roofers or builders, may qualify for additional monitoring through workplace health programs.
Workers in industries with high asbestos exposure risk, such as construction, roofing, and demolition, often have access to valuable resources to safeguard their health. Organisations like the British Lung Foundation (Asthma and Lung UK) can provide support and information on asbestos-related diseases, access to screenings, and guidance for managing health risks. Trade unions can also provide assistance if you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness.
You may be entitled to compensation to support medical costs, lost income, and other impacts on your quality of life. Several avenues for compensation exist, depending on the circumstances of your exposure:
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB):
This government-funded benefit is available to workers who were exposed to asbestos during the course of their employment. Eligibility depends on the diagnosis, such as mesothelioma or asbestosis, and proof that the illness was caused by workplace exposure. - Personal Injury Claims:
If your asbestos exposure occurred due to negligence, such as an employer’s failure to follow asbestos regulations or a property manager’s lack of oversight, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim. This process typically involves proving liability and demonstrating the direct link between exposure and your illness. Compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
The Importance of Professional Assessments
Assessing asbestos roofing requires expertise, precision, and adherence to safety protocols, making it a task best left to trained professionals. Only qualified experts have the knowledge and equipment needed to accurately identify asbestos and evaluate its condition without risking fibre release.
Attempting to inspect or remove asbestos roofing on your own is not only dangerous but may also violate UK regulations. Disturbing asbestos materials can release harmful fibres into the air, posing immediate health risks to you and others nearby. By engaging licensed professionals, you ensure a thorough, compliant assessment that prioritises safety and provides clear guidance on next steps.
Why Choose Excel Asbestos?
When it comes to asbestos garage roof removal and replacement, trust the expertise of Excel Asbestos. Our team of licensed professionals is dedicated to providing safe, efficient, and compliant asbestos management solutions tailored to your needs.
We offer competitive pricing, ensuring exceptional value, while prioritising health and safety in every project we undertake. Whether you need an expert assessment, safe removal, or a modern roof replacement, we’re here to help!
Get in touch with us today for expert advice or a personalised quote. Protect your property and ensure peace of mind with Excel Asbestos.
