What to Do If You Have an Asbestos Roof

Why Overcladding is the Ideal Solution for businesses in Scotland

Asbestos, once lauded for its fire resistance and durability, has become a significant health hazard due to its link to serious respiratory diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. If you have an asbestos roof, understanding your options for managing it is crucial for ensuring the safety of your employees and the health of your customers. One of the most effective and practical solutions for dealing with an asbestos roof is overcladding. At Pro Clad Roofing, we are an industrial and commercial roofing specialist that deals in overcladding for businesses that have asbestos roofs. With decades of experience, there is nothing we don’t know about overcladding and it’s benefits. So here’s why overcladding stands out as the ideal solution and what steps you should take if you find yourself with an asbestos roof.

Understanding the Risks of Asbestos Roofs

Asbestos roofs, commonly found in buildings constructed before the 1980s, pose several health risks. When asbestos-containing materials degrade or are disturbed, they can release microscopic fibres into the air. Inhalation of these fibres can lead to severe health conditions, such as:

• Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease that causes scarring of lung tissue.
• Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs or abdomen.
• Lung Cancer: Increased risk associated with prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers.

Given these risks, addressing an asbestos roof promptly and safely is essential.

There are three primary options for dealing with an asbestos roof:

1. Leave It In Place: If the asbestos roof is in good condition and not damaged, it may be left in place and regularly monitored. This approach is often the least disruptive but requires vigilance to ensure the roof remains intact. However with the turbulent weather that we get in Scotland, this is often seen as taking a risk that is not worth taking.
2. Remove and Replace: This involves the complete removal of the asbestos-containing materials, followed by the installation of a new roof. While this option eliminates asbestos completely, it is costly, labor-intensive, and poses risks during the removal process due to the potential release of fibres. We of course can provide the complete installation of a new commercial or industrial roof but we understand that for some businesses, this can prove to be too costly an investment.
3. Overcladding: Overcladding involves covering the existing asbestos roof with a new roofing material. This method encapsulates the asbestos, preventing fiber release and offering several advantages over the other options.

Why Overcladding is the Ideal Solution

Overcladding has emerged as a preferred solution for managing asbestos roofs for several reasons:

1. Cost-Effectiveness: Overcladding is generally more affordable than complete removal and replacement. It requires less labor and fewer materials, reducing overall project costs.
2. Minimized Health Risks: Since the asbestos-containing materials remain undisturbed, there is minimal risk of releasing hazardous fibres into the air. Overcladding effectively seals the asbestos, preventing exposure.
3. Enhanced Insulation: The new cladding layer provides additional insulation, improving energy efficiency and potentially lowering heating and cooling costs.
4. Structural Integrity: Overcladding can enhance the structural integrity of the roof, providing added protection against weather elements and extending the roof’s lifespan.
5. Aesthetic Improvement: Overcladding offers an opportunity to update the appearance of the roof, enhancing the overall look and value of the property.

Steps to Take if Your Business Has an Asbestos Roof

If your commercial or industrial property has an asbestos roof and you are considering overcladding, follow these steps:

1. Contact Pro Clad Roofing: By hiring a qualified roofing contractor to inspect the roof and assess its condition we can determine whether overcladding is a suitable option and provide guidance on the best materials and methods.
2. Choose the Right Materials: Select appropriate cladding materials that are compatible with your existing roof structure. Common choices include metal sheets, tiles, or specialised asbestos-cement cladding. We can talk you through all the options.
3. Regular Maintenance: After overcladding, conduct regular inspections and maintenance to ensure the new roof remains in good condition and continues to provide effective encapsulation of the asbestos materials. We provide year round roofing maintenance contracts for clients across Scotland.

Overcladding presents a practical, cost-effective, and safe solution for managing asbestos roofs. By encapsulating the hazardous materials, it minimises health risks, enhances insulation, and improves the structural integrity and appearance of your roof. If you have an asbestos roof, consider overcladding as a viable option and take the necessary steps to ensure a safe and effective implementation. If you have any questions about asbestos roofs or to get a quote for an overcladding roof, simply get in touch with us today. Based in Glasgow, we provide roofing services across Scotland from Inverness to Dumfries (and even further than that).