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Is My Asbestos Garage Roof Dangerous?

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Garage Roof Scotland
Is My Asbestos Garage Roof Dangerous?

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous rock, found in many parts of the world. Its use was finally banned in the UK in 1999. Up until then, it had been used widely in materials commonly found in homes, buildings and vehicles e.g. brake pads, roof sheets, Artex and fire blankets. It was a very popular material because it was cheap to produce, insulating, fire-resistant and strong. However, it was later discovered that if the tiny fibres in asbestos are inhaled they can lead to fatal diseases such as lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma. The first symptoms can appear anywhere between 10 and 50 years after the first exposure and there is no cure.

 

Asbestos in garage roofs

If your garage roof has cement roof sheets and was made in the 60s, 70s or even 80s, there is a good chance that it contains asbestos. Fortunately, if the asbestos roof sheets are in good condition and left alone then they are not dangerous.

However, if the garage roof is old, the cement in the roof sheet may start to deteriorate and break down. This can lead to fibres being released into the air. This is when the garage roof should be replaced. Repair of this type of roof is not usually an option as scraping off moss and lichen or drilling holes can release more asbestos fibres.

Replacing an asbestos garage roof

Asbestos is a very dangerous material and so removing an asbestos garage roof is not something we would advise doing yourself. We would always recommend getting an expert to remove it. They will wear the correct standard and type of protective clothing when removing the asbestos. In addition, they should double-bag the materials and label with the correct hazard warning signage before disposing of in an authorised landfill site.

If you suspect that you have an asbestos garage roof it is advisable to call a garage roofing company licensed to remove and dispose of asbestos. You will then be sure that they know how to handle and dispose of asbestos safely.

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