Asbetsos Roof End of Life Case Study
A client approached us to inspect an asbestos cement roof on a building they were considering leasing for a ten year period.
The outside of the roof was heavily contaminated with lichen and moss and under normal circumstances, our recommendation would have been to clean down the roof and re-seal it.
Asbestos cement roof sheet contaminated with moss and lichen
However, an internal inspection revealed that the roots of the growth had penetrated the asbestos cement roof sheets, causing the cement matrix to break down, contaminating the space below with Chrysotile asbestos.
Inside view of asbestos cement roof
Because the cement matrix was breaking down, the roof sheets were losing much of their tensile strength, making the roof dangerous. Essentially, it had reached the end of its useful life because of lack of maintenance.
Lichen and moss growing through an asbestos cement roof Moss and lichen growth to the underside of an asbestos cement roof sheet
The only solution in a case like this is complete roof removal, since the roof sheets will continue to deteriorate with age and because it was so fragile, over-coating was not possible.
The client obtained quotations for replacing the roof and decided that the cost would be too prohibitive and therefore pulled out of the lease, leaving the landlord with an expensive problem.
Had the roof been properly maintained over the years, this situation could have avoided.
If the outside of your asbestos roof is covered in moss and lichen, it is important to have it cleaned and re-sealed or coated, as to leave it can result in asbestos contamination in the work space below.
Cleaning and resealing is the cheapeast available option, but only if action is taken early enough.
To arrange a quotation for cleaning and re-sealing an asbestos roof on commercial property only, please contact David Carter on 01564 824554 or 07800 790427.