Cladding over an existing asbestos garage roof might seem like a cost-effective and convenient solution to an old leaky roof. However, this approach carries significant risks and potential long-term complications that far outweigh the initial savings.
Health Hazards
Asbestos garage roofing sheets contain materials that are not dangerous until they are disturbed, cracked or broken. When this happens they can release microscopic fibres into the air. Inhaling these fibres can lead to severe health issues, including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. The process of installing cladding involves activities like drilling and nailing, which can disturb the asbestos material below, increasing the risk of fibre release.
Structural Concerns
Cladding adds extra weight to the existing roof structure. Many asbestos roofs, especially those installed decades ago, were not designed to support this additional load. This can lead to structural issues, including sagging or even collapse in severe cases. Moreover, if moisture becomes trapped between the old roof and the new cladding, it can accelerate the deterioration of both materials, compromising the roof’s integrity and leading to costly repairs.
Hidden Deterioration
Covering an asbestos roof with cladding conceals the original material, making it difficult to monitor its condition. Any damage or deterioration of the asbestos-containing materials goes unnoticed, potentially leading to undetected asbestos exposure over time. Regular inspections become challenging, and minor issues can escalate into significant problems without visible warning signs.
Legal and Environmental Implications
In a Home Report in Scotland, you are legally required to declare the known presence of asbestos in your property – even in a garage roof. This is because it is considered a material that must be disclosed to potential buyers when selling a property. Failing to do so could lead to legal issues. If asbestos is found in the garage roof (even under cladding), it could put off potential buyers, affect the sale price or cause delays as buyers may insist on the removal of the asbestos. Current regulations require that asbestos materials be properly removed by licensed professionals (SEPA licensed).
Professional Recommendations
Most garage roof experts strongly advise against cladding over asbestos roofs. Instead, the recommended approach is the safe removal and replacement of the asbestos-containing materials by SEPA licensed professionals. This ensures that all health hazards are effectively mitigated, and the new roofing system meets current safety and building standards. Garage Roof Scotland strongly believes that cladding over is a short-term fix that only creates an even bigger problem to solve further down the line.
Removing an asbestos garage roof does require additional safety precautions and disposal costs, making it slightly more expensive than standard roof removal. As a result, replacing your old asbestos garage roof with a new one will be a bit pricier. However, the overall cost may be more affordable than you expect. Garage Roof Scotland’s advice to customers is simple: if the quote exceeds your budget, it’s best to wait until you’re financially ready to have the job done properly rather than opting for a cheap substandard solution!
Removing an asbestos garage roof does require additional safety precautions and disposal costs, making it slightly more expensive than standard roof removal. As a result, replacing your old asbestos garage roof with a new one will be a bit pricier. However, the overall cost may be more affordable than you expect. Garage Roof Scotland’s advice to customers is simple: if the quote exceeds your budget, it’s best to wait until you’re financially ready to have the job done properly rather than opting for a cheap substandard solution!
Conclusion
While cladding over an asbestos garage roof might appear to be a quick and economical fix, it introduces significant health and structural risks. The potential for asbestos exposure, structural compromise and even future issues when selling your property makes this approach inadvisable. We believe that investing in the proper removal and replacement of asbestos roofing by qualified garage roofing professionals is ALWAYS the right thing to do. It will ensure the personal safety of everyone living at the property and help preserve your property’s value in the long term
If you have an old asbestos garage roof, please get in touch or give us a call on 07932637646. Garage Roof Scotland is an affordable, experienced garage roofing company. Although we are based in Edinburgh we work throughout the whole of Scotland.