Replacing an asbestos roof on a commercial property is never going to be the cheapest option, so it’s good to know that several cost-effective asbestos roof repair alternatives are available.

Having helped many companies and landlords solve their asbestos roof problems, we are pleased to offer nationwide feasibility studies that provides a menu of  options for asbestos roof repair.

This service is offered on a no-obligation basis and because we are both asbestos surveyors and chartered building surveyors, you can rest assured that our expert advice is 100% impartial, unlike roofing contractors who have a vested interest in selling you their most profitable option.

New HSE Licensing Update Imminent

Because asbestos cement works do not usually fall under the licensed category, it has, until now, been possible for any roofer or roofing company to carry out refurbishment or replacement works on asbestos roofs and cladding.

Recently we have been contacted by several roofing companies who have told us that the HSE has visited sites and stopped projects because the works should be treated as though it is licensed, even though they’re not!

Apart from other measures, the consequence was increased project costs due to hiring asbestos decontamination units as well as ensuring that somebody competent (a licensed contractor) was on site to operate this specialist equipment.

Consequently, we strongly recommend that you call us before arranging any major works to an industrial or commercial asbestos roof.

It seems that there has been a policy shift in the HSE that means that any works involving asbestos are likely to attract their attention, which will inevitably increase your costs and could well mean postponement of your roofing project and replacement of your contractor.

This is most likely due to imminent changes in the licensing categories, which look set to include a new “Non-Licensed, HSE Notifiable” category, meaning that 14 days notice will have to be given to the HSE before asbestos roof works commence. This is unlikely to include minor asbestos roof repairs.

Our services include:

• Initial roof survey if necessary
• Specification of works
• Running a tendering process
• Selection of competent contractor
• Act as CDM Co-ordinator
• Monitoring of works
• Valuation statements
• Issuance of relevant certificates (asbestos disposal) and guarantees

For more details, please call David Carter on 0121 711 7110 (8am to 6pm Mon-Fri only).

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Asbestos Roof Repair Methods

Repairing minor cracks in asbestos roof sheets

Minor cracks in asbestos roofs don’t usually cause too many problems, but over time, they tend to grow and open up, particularly after severe frosts.

Therefore, as soon as they are noticed, minor cracks should be coated with a bitumen based or similar coating and whilst still wet and tacky, a repair bandage should be applied. Once dry, the bandage should be over-painted with the coating to ensure a long-lasting repair.

It is also possible to use tape repair systems to fix smaller cracks in asbestos roofs, but be aware that repairs using flashband and similar products are likely to fail quite soon after application.

Specialist tapes are available. The ones to look for use microsealant technology but be aware, they are way more costly than the alternatives, but will save you repeated visits to your roof!

Small Holes & Leaking Bolt Hole Repairs

Over time, the bolt holes in an asbestos roof will become enlarged, as there is always some movement in such roofs.

To fix small holes, we recommend that they are covered with a repair tape and then over-painted with a bitumastic coating or a specialist roof coating such as Acrypol or Aquaseal No.1 – other more expensive and specialist coatings are available, but usually not in small quantities.

When faced with leaks from roof bolt holes, the problem can be solved in the same way as any hole – just tape over the bolt hole with the bolt in position and then coat over it.

It is also possible to remove the bolt and replace the rubber grommet, but this is more complicated since you’ll need access to both sides of the roof, which isn’t always possible.

To remove a roof bolt, it is often easier to use bolt cutters, as the bolts themselves have often been in place for more than 50 years, so might be resistant to a spanner!

Sheet Replacement

DR, or Direct Replacement sheets are available for most commonly used corrugated roof sheets.

These are Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) sheets and are simply placed over the existing sheet and bolted in position. It’s not really a DIY job and of course, the correct health and safety precautions must be considered.

This type of repair will be long lasting and is the recommended method of repairing small areas of asbestos roofing.

Another sheet replacement system is available from Filon, which allows sheets to be slid into place from underneath the roof, which eliminates the costs of expensive netting, scaffolding etc.

Roof Cleaning & Coating

This type of asbestos roof repair is now gaining in popularity and a number of excellent options are available from a variety of manufacturers.

The system you choose will of course be dependent upon a number of variables and we will be pleased to advice clients of the options available to them.

Coating systems are available from around £25 per square metre to in excess of £80 per square metre, so it is important that you speak to independent and unbiased experts about roof coating systems, rather than roofing contractors who tend to be contracted to certain suppliers in order to get their quantity discounts.

Please seek our advice before agreeing to this type of asbestos roof repair, since not all roofs are repairable – and a roofing contractor won’t always know what to look for!

We never recommend a particular coating system until we have conducted a roof condition survey to determine suitability. You shouldn’t either.

Asbestos Roof Over-Cladding

Guaranteed to give you a wind and watertight solution, over-cladding has long been a favourite with clients seeking longevity from their asbestos roof repairs.

This is now less cost effective than it used to be, since building regulations mean that you’ll also have to consider increased insulation in most cases.

Again, we urge you to have a roof survey undertaken in order to determine viability of this option.

Asbestos Roofing & Roof Light Replacement

When an asbestos roof has become troublesome, it’s likely that the roof lights have also degraded.

In order to maintain decent light levels and prevent additional leaks, we recommend that roof lights are also considered when conducting repairs on an asbestos roof.

For impartial advice and information, please contact David Carter on 0121 711 7110. Commercial / Industrial roofs only please.