Manage in Place
Asbestos-containing materials that remain in good condition and are unlikely to be disturbed may be managed in place under an appropriate asbestos management plan.
Commercial & Industrial Roofing
Asbestos Roof Removal & Replacement
Specialist solutions for deteriorating asbestos cement roofing on commercial and industrial buildings. We help property owners assess their roofing requirements and plan suitable removal and replacement works.
Asbestos Removal & Replacement
When Does an Asbestos Roof Need Replacing?
Where an asbestos cement roof has deteriorated significantly, removal and replacement with a suitable non-asbestos roofing system may be the appropriate long-term solution.
Elite Waterproofing works with commercial and industrial property owners to consider the condition of existing roof coverings, the scope of work required and suitable replacement options.
Asbestos roofing work requires appropriate assessment, planning, training, insurance and controls. The applicable licensing and notification requirements depend on the material and the work being undertaken.
Contact our team for advice about your existing roof and to discuss a quotation for removal and replacement.
Every building and asbestos-containing
roof must be assessed individually
before determining whether repair,
refurbishment or replacement is suitable.
Assessing the Options
Repair, Manage or Replace?
Not every asbestos-containing roof needs immediate removal. The appropriate approach depends on its condition, the likelihood of disturbance and the requirements of the building.
Building Owners & Dutyholders
Managing Asbestos in Non-Domestic Premises
Asbestos management is an important responsibility for those who have duties relating to non-domestic premises. The following principles reflect the guidance covered on our original website.
Take reasonable steps to identify
asbestos-containing materials and
record their location, amount
and condition.
Presume materials may contain
asbestos unless there is
strong evidence otherwise.
Maintain an up-to-date record
of known or presumed
asbestos-containing materials.
Assess the risk of exposure
to people who may encounter
or disturb the materials.
Prepare a management plan
describing how identified
asbestos risks will be controlled.
Implement the management
arrangements and any
required protective measures.
Review and monitor the plan
periodically, keeping information
and arrangements current.
Provide relevant information
to anyone who may work on or
disturb asbestos-containing materials.
Official guidance:
For current legal responsibilities
and asbestos management requirements,
consult the
Health and Safety Executive's asbestos guidance
.
This information is an overview and
does not replace a suitable asbestos
survey, risk assessment or plan of work.
Understanding the Material
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring fibrous minerals that were widely used in construction and industry because of their durability and resistance to heat.
The minerals are chrysotile, crocidolite, amosite, anthophyllite, tremolite and actinolite. Chrysotile (white asbestos) and amosite (brown asbestos) were among the more commonly used forms.
Asbestos fibres were incorporated into many products, including roofing materials, cement products, insulation, ceiling products, flooring and other construction components.
Inhalation of airborne asbestos fibres can cause serious illnesses, including mesothelioma and other asbestos-related lung diseases. Asbestos use is therefore strictly controlled, and new use of asbestos was banned in the UK.
Common Building Materials
Where Can Asbestos Cement Be Found?
Asbestos cement combines cement with asbestos fibres to produce rigid construction products. These materials can be found on older commercial, industrial, agricultural and domestic buildings.
Asbestos Cement Roof Sheets
Frequently found as corrugated sheets on older industrial units, agricultural buildings, garages and outbuildings.
Wall Cladding
Profiled asbestos cement sheets were also used as external cladding on walls and industrial building elevations.
Gutters & Downpipes
Some older roof drainage systems incorporated asbestos cement gutters, rainwater pipes and fittings.
Flues & Ducts
Asbestos cement components may be present in older flues and certain ventilation or building service systems.
Drainage & Water Pipes
Asbestos cement was used in some water and drainage pipes, including older buried services.
Other Building Components
Asbestos-containing materials may also be found in other historic construction products. Their presence cannot reliably be confirmed by appearance alone.
Asbestos in Construction
The Historical Use of Asbestos
Asbestos was used extensively during the development of modern industry, particularly for insulation and heat-resistant applications in machinery, boilers and buildings.
Its use expanded further during the twentieth century, including the post-war construction period, when affordable and durable building materials were in high demand.
As evidence of the health risks associated with asbestos exposure became increasingly established, its use was progressively restricted.
The UK prohibited asbestos insulation and coatings containing certain forms of asbestos in the 1980s, with the remaining use of chrysotile asbestos banned in 1999.
Buildings constructed or refurbished before 2000 may still contain asbestos, making appropriate surveys and management essential before relevant works begin.
Planning the Work
Safe Removal & Roof Replacement
Before asbestos roof removal takes place, the material must be correctly identified and the proposed works assessed. The plan should consider exposure risks, safe access, protection of occupants, waste handling and appropriate disposal.
Removal of asbestos cement sheets that can be handled without substantial breakage may fall within non-licensed work. Different requirements apply where materials are significantly damaged or the work is likely to release more asbestos fibres.
The replacement roof must also be selected with regard to the building structure, intended use, insulation, weather resistance and relevant design requirements.
Further information is available through the HSE guidance on non-licensed asbestos work and HSE Asbestos Essentials .
Request a Quotation
Planning an Asbestos Roof Replacement?
Whether your commercial roof is deteriorating, repeatedly leaking or approaching the end of its serviceable life, Elite Waterproofing can discuss the existing condition, available information and potential replacement options.