Asbestos Cement Roofs
Some older roofs are asbestos cement sheeting. Here is what that changes about cleaning, painting and removal.
Which roofs
Asbestos cement sheeting was widely used in Australian building for decades, including roofing on homes, garages and sheds. Older Toowoomba properties may have it, often as corrugated “fibro” style roof sheets. You cannot tell for certain by looking; testing a sample is the only way to be sure.
Why it matters
Asbestos cement in good condition and left alone is generally low risk. The danger comes when it is broken, cut, drilled, sanded or cleaned in a way that releases fibres, which can cause serious disease.
Cleaning and painting
Work health and safety rules prohibit using high-pressure water to clean asbestos-containing material, because it releases fibres. Any work on the roof needs controls to avoid disturbing the sheets. Some coatings are used to encapsulate sound asbestos roofs, but only with methods that do not disturb the surface. Ask how the roofer will handle it.
Removal
Removing asbestos is regulated. Larger areas must be removed by a licensed asbestos removalist, and the material has to be wrapped and disposed of at an approved facility. If you are re-roofing a home with asbestos sheeting, the removal is a separate, licensed step. See re-roofing.
Next step
Mention a possible asbestos roof when you call 0468 170 721, so the right person gets the request.
Book a roof check
If a small repair will do instead of a restoration, you should be told.
- Phones
- Weekdays, 7am to 5pm
- Covers
- Toowoomba suburbs
- Cost to ask
- Nothing. The roofer quotes
- One licensed roofer gets your details, and only one
- Photos from the ground, plus where any water shows inside, help a lot
- Ask for repairs, coatings and ridge work to be itemised on the quote