Many construction companies in Australia used asbestos to roof houses up until the 1980s. Unfortunately, this material will disintegrate from sun exposure and harsh weather conditions—and the issues that creates are more than cosmetic. As the roof deteriorates, asbestos fibres are released and may start to collect in your gutters, easily becoming airborne. Inhaling these particles can lead to serious health conditions. Asbestos is a group of natural minerals made up of soft fibres that feel fluffy when pulled apart. There are three main types of asbestos: chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite. All three are highly concentrated in asbestos roofs.
What Are the Risk of Asbestos Exposure?
Asbestos is widely known as a “silent killer” and is even banned in certain states. It’s not necessarily exposure to asbestos that’s dangerous. It’s exposure to airborne asbestos fibres. When inhaled, asbestos fibres lodge deep within lung tissue—and remains there forever. Over time, this fibres can cause several severe health conditions, including:
- Lung and laryngeal cancer
- Mesothelioma
- Asbestosis
- Pleural (lung lining) thickening or swelling
- Partial or complete lung collapse
Asbestos exposure has also been linked to cancer in other parts of the body, such as the ovaries, colon, and stomach. Symptoms from diseases caused by asbestos often don’t present themselves for 20-50 years after exposure.
When You Should Remove Your Asbestos Roof?
You may be debating whether to have your asbestos roof removed and restored with new material. At Asbestos Watch Brisbane, we provide asbestos roof inspections and are happy to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Here are a few reasons you may want to consider having your asbestos roofing removed:
- The older your roof is, the higher the risk of decay, which, in turn, increases your risk of asbestos exposure—and if you are exposed, you’ll have no way of knowing right away.
- Your homeowners insurance may become more expensive if you have asbestos roofing. Some insurance policies may even refuse your coverage.
- Asbestos roofing can make your property difficult to sell.
- Replacing an asbestos roof is almost inevitable. The sooner you do it, the lower chance you have of future complications. Additional risks of asbestos roofing are still being discovered, and one day it may be compulsory in Brisbane to have them removed.
Outside of removal and replacement, encapsulation is the only other option. However, encapsulation won’t permanently fix a weathered roof, and you could end up spending more money and time down the line.
Asbestos Roofing is Friable
Safeguards to Take During Asbestos Roof Removal
Call Asbestos Watch Brisbane today at 07 3180 1405 to have your asbestos roof inspected or removed.