Asbestos Roof

HaX

HaX

HaX

Associate
Joined
19 Oct 2002
Posts
2,080
Location
Berkshire
Hi there,

I've just moved into a flat in Nottingham which also includes the use of a garage (which is opposite our bedroom Window). It was not until today on opening up the garage that I discovered that the garage the roof appears to be made of corrugated asbestos.

I am aware that Asbestos used to be used in many different ways - eg car, train, tram and tube brake disks, roofing, tiling, flooring etc, and that considering the number of people who will have been exposed, relatively very few people have died from asbestos related illnesses.

Obviously, having read all the media stories regarding the health hazards with Asbestos, I am rather concerned that I may be in fact putting my own health in danger.

Is it worth taking the risk, does anyone else live near a building with Asbestos used in its construction?

Cheers

HaX
 
I think, although Im not 100% that the council may be able to remove it.

If you are renting, then the landlord should be informed, and he should remove it straight away and replace it.

Its really nasty stuff....I did a big project on it for my final year, and you definitely need to get rid of it.

EDIT: corrections, it is mainly the dust of asbestos that is harmful, but the degredation of blue asbestos is most harmful. Im not that knowledgeable! Ive forgotten a lot of things from uni!
 
Last edited:
IIRC asbestos comes in two types, one is much more dangerous than the other, and even then the primary risk is when the asbestos is disturbed (during fitting/removal etc) and creates the dust.

As it's a garage I would suspect the risk is minimal.



[edit]
although the poster aove me probably knows more about it.
 
I thought it was only asbestos dust that was harmful. As in when it is being cut or if it has been broken.
 
Yeah, this is a difficult one, there is literally a bank of garages, and they all appear to have a corrugated asbestos roof, so I'm not sure if x amount of landlords/owners would be prepared to fork out for a replacemnt.

The roofing pannels appear to be fairly solid (not touched them), though have moss growing across them so have obviously been there quite a while.

One of the builders at work said that asbestos roofing sheets only contain 10-15% asbestos and the rest cement. However I've read that as the sheets weather, the cement wears away but the asbestos doesn't, so it still doesn't bode very well.
 
Abestos is safe when its un touched like that, only when you had to move it you need to contact the council. It should be fine sitting on the roof, it is a good insulator and fire resistance material.
 
Werewolf said:
IIRC asbestos comes in two types, one is much more dangerous than the other, and even then the primary risk is when the asbestos is disturbed (during fitting/removal etc) and creates the dust.

As it's a garage I would suspect the risk is minimal.
.
Click to expand...

Abestos comes in 3 types, white, brown and blue.

The problem with asbestos is the potential inhelation of the fibres.

The quantity of asbestos fibres in corrugated sheet roofing is negligible.

Asbestos containing materials - pipe lagging, sheeting etc - are generally fine. usually the removal by overreacting people causes more danger!

Provided the roof sheets are sound, i.e. not breaking up, there there is no problem.

If it is in poor condition, your council will remove it. removal needs to be undertaken by a competent, approved contractor, who will dispose of it properly (not dump it in the canal!)

Millions of buildings in the UK still have asbestos. ALL commercial buildings need what's called an Asbestos Register. This records the location, type and condition of asbestos in buildings. Asbestos does not need to be removed.

:)
 
that stuff is cement asbestos , it is the blue asbestos that causes asbestosis, its the stuff that is fluffy and floats in the air.

the roofing panels are of low risk unless you start cutting them up
 
lordedmond said:
that stuff is cement asbestos , it is the blue asbestos that causes asbestosis, its the stuff that is fluffy and floats in the air.

the roofing panels are of low risk unless you start cutting them up
Click to expand...

Word, thats what I was going to say :eek:
 
So I should be fine having my bedroom window open even though the asbestos roof is only across the parking area?
 
If I was you, I would consult a company that deals with Asbestos removal and advice, and possibly your local council to be on the safe side.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom