At South Hams Roofing Services we are experts at removing Asbestos. Our highly professional and skilled team have over thirty years of experience in the removal of Asbestos and we can help you remove yours safely, efficiently and cost-effectively.
This guide aims to help you understand how important it is to remove any suspect Asbestos tiles.
Why Should You Remove Asbestos Tiles?
Asbestos roof tiles, made from asbestos cement, resemble slate tiles but are a mix of asbestos fibers and Portland cement. These factory-made tiles were designed to mimic the look of more expensive slate and were used in both domestic and commercial properties from the 1940s until the UK’s full asbestos ban in 1999. If your roof has smooth, flat tiles similar to slate, they are likely asbestos cement tiles.
These tiles are resistant to water, heat, and wear, lasting many years. When available, they were affordable and widely used, considered one of the best options. However, if any tiles are cracked or damaged, replacement is difficult, as newer cement tiles don’t match in appearance or durability. Many homeowners choose to replace asbestos tiles when doing repairs or upgrades to modern alternatives.
What Does An Asbestos Roof Tile Removal Involve?
Asbestos is a Class “A” cancer causing carcinogen. Because of this you should always use a professional asbestos removal company like South Hams Roofing Services. The process will include:
A trained asbestos removal team, who will use the right protection
The covering of any areas which will need protecting
Barriers which will keep anybody out of the work area
The usage of sprayers which will contain special liquid to control any asbestos dust
The appropriate storage and transportation of any asbestos waste
A final, detailed clean of the work area
And once completed, an asbestos waste certificate
These are just a few factors to consider and there are many more steps involved when removing asbestos tiles, which is why you should always contact a professional when suspecting you may have asbestos on your property.
Can I Not Remove Asbestos Tiles By Myself?
Asbestos is hazardous, and only trained professionals with the proper safety equipment should handle its removal. Attempting to remove asbestos cement tiles yourself is not recommended, as you likely lack the necessary training, equipment, and experience. Doing so could pose serious health risks and legal consequences. Even if you were properly trained and equipped, you would still need to legally dispose of the asbestos waste.
Asbestos disposal is costly, making it a significant part of an asbestos removal professional’s fee. When factoring in the time, equipment, materials, and disposal costs, it’s clear that hiring a professional company, like South Hams Roofing Services, is safer and more economical.
We carry out Asbestos Removal across Devon and Cornwall.
We remove Asbestos and replace it with a safer and far more superior product.
We take care of everything from the survey to the removal.
We take care of the planning and building control when/where it’s needed.
Communication and the quality of our work are our strongest points.
If you suspect you may have Asbestos on your roof, please get in touch with us today.
Learn more about Asbestos
The Beginning of Asbestos
Asbestos was developed in the 1800s, with a European chemist patenting asbestos cement roofing shingles in 1893, calling his creation “Eternit,” meaning “everlasting.” By the early 1900s, asbestos became a popular roofing material due to issues with earlier options. Wood shakes and asphalt were highly flammable, concrete tiles were hard to work with, and metal rusted easily. By 1907, asbestos was widely used as a roofing additive, blending with asphalt to create a fire-resistant, durable product. Asbestos roofing remained in use across the United States for the next 70 years.
Asbestos in Roofing & the Advantages
Asbestos quickly became popular for more than just shingles, being used in roofing tar, asphalt liquids, felt, underlayment, caulking, mastic, sealants, roof flashing, and vents. It soon became a key component in nearly every aspect of roofing and siding.
The popularity of asbestos stemmed from its many benefits. Its fire-resistant fibers were ideal for replacing flammable materials like wood shakes and asphalt, making it a favorite among civic planners and insurance companies. Asbestos was also lightweight, addressing structural concerns with heavy roofs. When added to asphalt, it reduced fire risk and enhanced durability. Asbestos was resistant to rotting, rusting, electricity, and heat, and was easy to work with. It was readily available, low-cost, and highly endorsed by builders for both residential and commercial properties.
The Fall of Asbestos & Mesothelioma
Asbestos was once considered the best roofing material, but the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recognized the serious health risks of airborne asbestos fibers, particularly for workers in manufacturing and installation. It wasn’t until 1989 that significant action was taken to ban asbestos in roofing products, with the Asbestos Ban and Phase-Out Rule ending its use due to its link to diseases like mesothelioma.
When inhaled, asbestos fibers embed in the lung’s lining (the mesothelium), where they remain for life. These particles can cause irritation, leading to scar tissue that forms into cancerous tumors known as mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure is the only cause of this disease. The risk depends on the amount and duration of exposure, with cancer sometimes taking 10 to 50 years to develop, meaning some may not realize the effects of their exposure until much later.
Asbestos Today
While asbestos addressed many issues with early roofing materials, its long-term health risks proved to be hazardous. Once hailed as the best option, it gained widespread use until the dangers became clear. Today, it’s rare to find asbestos in buildings, but when discovered, its removal requires specialized equipment and protective gear to ensure worker safety.
