Why Should You Have An Asbestos Garage Roof Removed?
People often worry about finding asbestos within their homes, but asbestos may also have been used in structures outside the home. Garage roofs in particular were often made using asbestos thanks to the material's natural fire resistance and ability to stand up against the elements. Unfortunately, we now know that asbestos can be extremely harmful. That means it is no longer used during construction, but it may still be present in older structures.
Does Your Garage Roof Contain Asbestos?
It's impossible to definitively know if your garage roof contains asbestos unless you have a proper survey done. However, there are some common signs. If the roof is made from a grey corrugated material, asbestos was probably used. Asbestos may also have been used with cement sheets, and this will generally cause small dimples to develop across the surface. Finally, any weather-resistant boarding panels are likely to contain asbestos.
Why Is Asbestos Dangerous?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibre that is composed of long thin crystals. The material itself presents no health risks until it is damaged or disturbed. When this happens, those tiny fibres can break off and be breathed into your body. This can produce several serious health conditions. Over time, lung cancer and mesothelioma can both develop as a result of exposure to asbestos.
Why Should You Remove An Asbestos Garage Roof?
Asbestos garage roofs can be safe when undisturbed, so it's always an option to either leave them be or have them covered with cladding or coating. However, there are still many reasons to have an asbestos garage roof removed, even when it appears to be in good condition.
These include:
- Difficulty With Repairs: Since asbestos is dangerous when disturbed, it can be hazardous to make any repairs to an asbestos garage roof. Even drilling holes or hammering in nails can release those dangerous fibres.
- Lower Property Value: The presence of asbestos tends to put off potential buyers and reduce the price they are willing to pay. That's not going to be as significant when it's just the garage roof they have to worry about, but removing an asbestos roof is still likely to help.
- Long-Term Solution: Ultimately, you're probably going to need to have an asbestos garage roof removed at some point. With that in mind, you might as well get the job done now rather than wait until it has to be done.
- Quick And Easy: You might assume removing asbestos takes a lot of time, but don't let that hold you back. An asbestos removal company should be able to remove your asbestos garage roof within a reasonable time frame.
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