Asbestos is a group of fibrous materials that occur naturally. They have high tensile strength and versatility. Asbestos has been used for roofing due to their resistance to heat, electricity, and chemicals.

In general, the construction industry makes use of asbestos for pipe installations, floor tiles, sprayed-on fireproofing, ceiling tiles, cement pipes, and sheets, as well as drywall joint compounds. However, UK bans the use of asbestos products in construction because of the risk the substance poses to health. This is the reason exposure to the substance can happen during removal and building renovation.

Benefits of Asbestos Roof

Because asbestos naturally occurs, asbestos products are inexpensive to use in homes and building. Also, asbestos does not burn easily. With its fire-resistant property, it can be a great solution for flooring, roofing, and thermal insulations.  Moreover, the substance is resistant to electricity which makes it perfect when installed near electrical outlets. The use of the material as an additive with materials like cement increases the lifespan of asbestos cement. Plus, asbestos is resistant to termite damage.

Drawbacks of Asbestos

There is not enough reason to stay clear of asbestos; however, the sole reason is big enough to stop industries from utilising it in their construction work. Asbestos has fibres which mix with air and when inhaled continuously for an extended period of time can result in serious health problems. These issues include lung cancer.

Solutions for Asbestos Roof Repair

In case your asbestos roof leaks, there are solutions available to seal asbestos sheets and fix leaky cracks safely and professionally. These include:

• Repairing bolt holes.  Your asbestos roof’s bolt holes will enlarge over time and the washer will corrode because of UV exposure and make it ineffective. To repair this, have the bolt and washer replaced or use a flexible coating or tape for sealing the area.
• Replacing a single sheet. Traditionally, this can be done by removing the old asbestos sheet and replacing it with a new one. But, you can also make use of glass-reinforced plastic GRP over the sheet.

• Refurbishing the roof with a specialist coating. Coatings offer an effective and permanent waterproofing solution. The work includes encapsulating the loose fibres and lichen and bounding them with a primer. A coating topcoat offers a lasting protection and resistance to UV, dirt, and water. A lot of homeowners consider asbestos encapsulation for roofs of all sizes.
• Overcladding. This means putting another roof on top of the old roof. Often, you will have to comply with building regulations and install more insulation to minimize heating costs.