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. clutches, brake pads, roof sheets, Artex, pipe insulation 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 of these diseases can appear anywhere between 10 and 50 years after the first exposure and there is no known 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 the help of an expert to remove it. This is because to remove asbestos safely, the correct standard and type of protective clothing must be worn at all times. In addition, the old asbestos containing materials must be double bagged and labelled with the correct hazard warning signage. The materials must then be disposed of in an authorised landfill site.
If you suspect that you have an asbestos garage roof it is advisable to call a company who are licensed by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) to remove and dispose of asbestos. They will have the skills, knowledge and equipment to handle this dangerous material safely.
We are an Edinburgh company specialising in garage roof replacement throughout Scotland. We are also SEPA licensed to remove and dispose of asbestos materials, so we can remove your old asbestos garage roof safely too. As a Lidget Compton agent we can also help if you need your old garage removed or if you need a new concrete garage. We visit you on site and advice you on the appropriate garage for your needs and available space. All our work is of the highest standard and our new roofs and garages come with a 10 year guarantee.
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