Does your house have an Asbestos roof? Most people would say that if it’s undisturbed and still in good condition, leave it. However, there is a reason why certain countries banned Asbestos. As a roofing material, Asbestos can last between 30 to 50 years, resulting in many houses still having Asbestos roofing. A common question we’re asked is whether or not they should get the Asbestos roofing removed. If you’re in a similar situation,
What is Asbestos?
Now banned in Australia, Asbestos is a highly toxic material used in roofing between the 1800s and early 20th century. When it’s sitting undisturbed, Asbestos is usually safe. However, if you move it or it breaks, Asbestos particles get into the air, which can lead to a condition called malignant mesothelioma, which is, unfortunately, a severe cancer. Thus, you can understand why Australia has banned the use of Asbestos.
Asbestos has an average lifespan of 50 years. Thus, many homes built in the 20th century still have asbestos roofing. If possible, these homes should have their asbestos removed.
Why should you remove it?
Well, if the reason above hasn’t made it obvious enough, Asbestos could kill you, plain and simple. However, there are some other reasons that you should consider as to why you should remove your asbestos roofing:
1. Makes your home safer
First and foremost, it provides a safer environment for your family. When it comes to asbestos, there is no line drawn between how much asbestos exposure is harmful. One breath could be as harmful as ten. Essentially, by leaving the asbestos roofing up, you’re putting yourself and your family at risk as you don’t know whether or not it’s giving off harmful toxins or when it will. So, as a precaution to keep your family safe, you may want to have your asbestos removed.
2. Ensures your home is built with better materials
Asbestos is also an outdated material. In Australia, it’s been banned since 2003, so if your roof is damaged in any way, the chances of fixing it are low. You’ll most likely need to have a professional come in and replace it anyway because of the toxins from the damage. So, consider getting asbestos removed as an investment in your future. You could purchase a more durable and safe roofing material that’ll last you the next 60-plus years, like metal roofing.
3. To protect your home resale value
Because asbestos was banned in Australia in 2003, and since then, many people know just how harmful it is, having an asbestos roof can do significant damage to your home’s overall value. The idea that someone might be purchasing a house that already comes with risks to their health can be a huge deterrent. Thus, having asbestos roofing removed and replaced with a more modern roofing material could potentially ensure that you turn over a better return on your investment for your house.
4. To avoid the risk of accidents occurring
Finally, you don’t know when and how asbestos fibres will be released into the air. Many people think that this will only happen when renovations are done. However, damage from the elements, branches falling, or an act of God could all cause asbestos to shift and release particulates into the air. So, removing the asbestos would be preventative, taking the unexpected out of the picture altogether and ensuring that your home is safe.
How should asbestos be removed?
Now that you know why asbestos should be removed, here is a rundown on how it should be removed:
- You would first need to check that your house has asbestos roofing
- You would need to hire a professional. There are regulations around how asbestos needs to be handled in Australia. Professionals in the industry know these regulations and have the skills to remove asbestos while minimising the release of fibres
- Before a team comes in to remove the asbestos roofing, ensure that you have the replacement material and a team to install it. You don’t want to be stuck without a roof for a day or two
Hiring a professional to remove asbestos
As we’ve said, asbestos is a dangerous substance to work with. For this reason, getting a professional to handle and remove asbestos is important. AMJ Metal Roofing offer exemplary asbestos roof replacement services, ensuring that all the asbestos you have is removed carefully to prioritise your health and safety.
Final Thoughts
In the end, if not now, you will need to deal with the asbestos later, which might be too late if it has already impacted your health. So, if you were to ask us, we would recommend that you remove the asbestos just to be safer. But weigh up the facts above and decide for yourself.