Asbestos garage roof (any builders here?)

THE AMATUER · 04-09-2008, 5:52 PM

Hi all

My old garage has asbestos roof panels. I want the garage repaired as its in pretty bad condition and going to ruin and I assumed I would need the roof replaced. The roof does not appear to be broken but I thought under building regs it would need changing?

Had a builder round last week who recommended just insulating the roof, boarding it up and make it water tight, leaving the asbestos panels up there. He said there was no need to change them as they are not broken, as it would just be an extra expense to replace them all.

Does that advice sound right? I'm no expert but I always thought asbestos was dangerous so was surprised when the builder said to leave them?

Any advice much appreciated.

jamiesdad · 04-09-2008, 7:34 PM

Hi there

I believe (but am not 100% certain) that your builder is correct

Asbestos is only dangerous when it is damaged and therefore fibres and dust can be inhaled

I know its not a comprehensive answer but hope it helps

Regards

Threemonkeys · 04-09-2008, 7:39 PM

Asbestos is only dangerous when reduced to dust as in demolition, sawing or drilling, if you are repairing it and there's a chance of creating dust dampen it. You could also apply pva 50/50 with water first, when this dries will seal any surface fibres's while you work, wear a paper overall, mask and gloves.

RichardK · 04-09-2008, 9:24 PM

Your builder is correct. There are many buildings with some kind of asbestos, and the advice is always to not disturb it unless it is really necessary.

It costs a lot to have it removed, so it is definitely best to leave it if you can.

IAN P · 05-09-2008, 10:14 AM

I had a quote for removing the asbestos from my garage roof about 5 years ago,£3,000.

Needless to say,i still have an asbestos roof

moob · 05-09-2008, 7:21 PM

The asbestos in old garage roofs is very low risk - it is embedded in the concrete and not really friable. I'd follow your builders suggestion if it's intact.

The LA I work for has a disposal facility for low risk asbestos and we have lots of folk bringing in garage roof panels like this.

danmc_82 · 05-09-2008, 9:16 PM

My whole shed is asbestos. I covered it in pva then applyed green paint so now it just looks like a green wooden shed. It doesnt bother me it being asbestos, its low risk anyway because it is concrete based.

THE AMATUER · 05-09-2008, 11:32 PM

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I'm still in two minds after reading about asbestos on my local councils website. They say its fine if it's intact and in good condition (which I think mine is) BUT then says it only lasts about 50 years before it breaks up. Mine has been up a long time, not sure how long but judging by the state of the garage it looks quite old. It also says it not wise to paint asbestos.

Just thinking it may be wiser to get rid of it now while the rest of the garage is being done!

moob · 06-09-2008, 9:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by THE AMATUER

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I'm still in two minds after reading about asbestos on my local councils website. They say its fine if it's intact and in good condition (which I think mine is) BUT then says it only lasts about 50 years before it breaks up. Mine has been up a long time, not sure how long but judging by the state of the garage it looks quite old. It also says it not wise to paint asbestos.

Just thinking it may be wiser to get rid of it now while the rest of the garage is being done!

The advice on your council website will be generic and precautionary for obvious reasons - they don't want litigation from anyone messing around with asbestos, then contracting mesothelioma years down the line. The number of people that see local authorities as an easy target these days is incredible.

It doesn't just break up spontaneously - the asbestos will be a encased in concrete and in low concentrations. If you cover it over - there is no risk - risk = hazard x exposure afterall.

I work in Environmental Health and deal with these enquiries on an almost daily basis.

dunks517 · 06-09-2008, 10:20 AM

Last year, I kid you not but this happened at my local tip, I had an abestos panel that was sound but needed skipping so I asked that advice of the gentleman at the tip regarding the council's policy on asbestos disposal. His advice was 'stick it in a bin bag, chuck it in the general waste and dinnae tell nae body'. i was shock to say the least.

THE AMATUER · 06-09-2008, 3:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moob

The advice on your council website will be generic and precautionary for obvious reasons - they don't want litigation from anyone messing around with asbestos, then contracting mesothelioma years down the line. The number of people that see local authorities as an easy target these days is incredible.

It doesn't just break up spontaneously - the asbestos will be a encased in concrete and in low concentrations. If you cover it over - there is no risk - risk = hazard x exposure afterall.

I work in Environmental Health and deal with these enquiries on an almost daily basis.

Thanks. I may use the garage as a gym in the future, would it not be safer to replace the asbestos in this case? My concern is if its left and does crack or break without my knowledge I could be exposing myself to tiny particles, especially if I'm working out in there for hours at a time.

RichardK · 06-09-2008, 5:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by THE AMATUER

Thanks. I may use the garage as a gym in the future, would it not be safer to replace the asbestos in this case? My concern is if its left and does crack or break without my knowledge I could be exposing myself to tiny particles, especially if I'm working out in there for hours at a time.

If having the asbestos there will stop you from making use of the garage in the way you want to, and you can afford the extra money required, then have it removed.