Sealing an Asbestos Roof – What, Why & How?
Asbestos isn’t a word any property owner wants to hear. Unfortunately, this doesn’t change the fact that the material is found in an estimated 1.5 million buildings across the UK, according to a recent report from ResPublica.
The good news? Asbestos doesn’t have to bring your renovation plans grinding to a halt. With the right experts on your team, sealing asbestos roof materials is possible. This will encapsulate the hazardous material and most importantly, keep it out of your lungs.
If your home or commercial building has an asbestos roof, or you suspect it may contain asbestos, understanding the risks and knowing the best remediation methods is essential. Not just for personal health and safety but to protect the resale value of your property.
Keep reading to learn more about what asbestos is, why it’s a problem, and the various options available for sealing asbestos roof materials.
WHAT is asbestos?
Once widely used in the construction industry and hailed for its fire-resistant properties, asbestos is now recognised as a hazardous material. The naturally occurring mineral substance is made up of thin, needle-like fibres that when disturbed and inhaled, can cause severe health issues. We’re talking lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis. The material was fully banned in the UK by 1999, but a lot of older buildings still contain asbestos, often on the roof.
WHY asbestos is a problem
Asbestos as a finished product isn’t necessarily dangerous. The issue lies in its invisible fibres. When asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are damaged or disturbed, for example during renovations, the fibres can become airborne. If inhaled, they can lodge in the lungs and cause life-threatening health problems.
We’re not just talking about a dry cough or shortness of breath. Asbestos is the leading cause of work-related deaths in Great Britain, with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) estimating that asbestos-related diseases claim around 5,000 lives every year. Diseases usually take decades to develop and can’t be cured. This is why sealing asbestos roof materials is so important.
As a fire-resistant and insulative material, asbestos was a hugely popular roofing material before being banned in 1999. It’s found in industrial buildings, warehouses and residential properties, sometimes easy to identify and other times flying under the radar.
If your property was constructed prior to 1999, there’s a chance it could contain asbestos. Over time, the material can degrade which increases the risk of fibre release. This is why it’s so important to assess the condition of asbestos roofs and take the right precautions if disturbing the material.
HOW to tackle an asbestos roof
If your roof has been tested and contains asbestos, or even if you simply suspect it could, it’s essential to follow the right health and safety protocols. Here they are at a glance:
Encapsulation
Encapsulation uses a sealant to trap asbestos fibres and prevent them from becoming airborne. It’s a relatively cost-effective method and can not only trap asbestos fibres but extend the life of the roof. One popular option for sealing an asbestos roof is cork spray, an innovative product that encapsulates asbestos fibres while delivering superior thermal and acoustic insulation.
Over-cladding
This technique simply sees a new roofing material installed over the existing asbestos roof. It creates a new, weatherproof layer without disturbing the asbestos. While effective, over-cladding increases the weight of the roof and can call for structural reinforcement.
Removal and replacement
Removing and replacing the asbestos roof entirely is by far the most thorough solution. However, it’s also the most expensive and disruptive. You’ll need to hire specialised contractors to safely remove and dispose of asbestos materials, in line with strict regulations. You’ll also need to budget for a new roof.
Why TIWI CorkSpray has the best solution
Of all the solutions listed above, sealing your asbestos roof with cork spray is arguably the easiest, safest and most cost-effective.
• Total encapsulation
The material forms a seamless, flexible layer over asbestos-containing roof materials to effectively encapsulate harmful fibres and prevent them from becoming airborne. This guarantees the safety of building occupants for many years, and complies with the rigorous health and safety regulations enforced in the UK.
• Excellent thermal and acoustic insulation
Cork spray doesn’t just seal asbestos. It provides excellent thermal and acoustic insulation. This helps maintain a comfortable indoor environment and can drastically reduce your energy bills.
• Durability and weather resistance
Tough and robust, MAP© is highly durable and resistant to extreme weather conditions.
• Easy application
Sealing asbestos roofs with cork spray is straightforward and less disruptive compared to other methods.
Before asbestos encapsulation - cracked and unsafe
After asbestos encapsulation - now safe and protected
The cork spray application process
Cork spray is a highly specialised product which means it should only be applied by an accredited professional. Here’s a glimpse at the process:
The application process
MAP is a highly specialised product which means it should only be applied by a professional.
1. Inspection and preparation
A thorough inspection of the asbestos roof is conducted to assess its condition. Any loose debris or dirt is removed to ensure proper adhesion of the coating.
2. Repairing damage
Minor issues in the roof are repaired to provide a smooth and stable surface for the application.
3. Application
Specialised equipment is used to apply the material evenly across the roof surface.
4. Curing and inspection
During the curing process, the material forms a durable, weather-resistant barrier. Then a final inspection to sign off the project application is carried out.
Seal your asbestos roof with TIWI
If you have an asbestos roof that needs sealing, don’t wait until it becomes a bigger problem. Contact TIWI Cork Spray today to learn more about how MAP can be used to safely encapsulate asbestos fibres, without blowing your budget.
Visit our website at TIWI Cork Spray or call us at 0333 188 2022 to speak to a representative about sealing an asbestos roof.
