How to Remove an Asbestos Roof Safely
If your roof hasn’t been damaged or disturbed, asbestos shouldn’t pose too much risk
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) vacuum cleaner
- Spray bottles
- Non-powered hand tools (scrapers, pry bars, putty knives)
- Plastic sheeting or tarps
- Wetting agent or gentle detergent
- Plastic or polyethylene sheeting
- Sealant or encapsulant
- Warning signs and barrier tape
- HEPA filters
Curious about the safest way to tackle an asbestos roof removal? Handling asbestos demands precision, care, and adherence to safety protocols. In this comprehensive guide, we dive into the intricacies of how to remove asbestos roofs—providing a step-by-step breakdown of the necessary precautions, tools, and methods essential for a secure and responsible removal process.
Leave asbestos removal to the professionals. Long periods of exposure to a high volume of disturbed asbestos can have harmful effects on your health, including serious diseases like asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.
Prepping to Remove Asbestos Roof
Before you start an asbestos roof removal project, you need to check your local regulations and guidelines regarding asbestos removal. Obtain any necessary permits, if required, and ensure that you follow proper safety procedures to protect yourself and others from asbestos exposure.
Take Safety Precautions
Photo: PixeloneStocker / Moment / Getty ImagesIt is always best to hire a professional to handle any project relating to asbestos inspection or removal. When disturbed, asbestos particles can distribute into the air and harm the health of those exposed to it. That being said, if you are going to proceed with this project, you need to take proper safety precautions before kicking off, including:
Put on personal protective equipment (PPE) such as disposable coveralls, gloves, safety goggles, and a respirator mask with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.
Close off the area and make sure no one enters while you are working. Use warning signs or barricades if necessary.
Wet the asbestos material with water to minimize the release of fibers.
Lay down plastic sheeting to catch any debris or fragments.
Clear the Roof
Before you can remove the asbestos roof, you need to clear any loose debris or objects off of the roof. Be careful not to disturb the asbestos material.
Dampen the Roof
Photo: Carlos Ciudad Photos / Moment / Getty ImagesOne way to help ensure safety is to use a spray bottle to dampen the asbestos roof thoroughly. This helps to prevent the release of asbestos fibers into the air.
Cut and Pry Roofing Sheets
Once the roof is wetted properly, you will carefully cut the asbestos roofing sheets into manageable sections using a utility knife. Gently pry up each section using a pry bar, taking care not to break or damage the material. Then, you will place each section directly into heavy-duty plastic bags, ensuring they are tightly sealed. You can double-bag the asbestos waste to provide extra protection.
Clean Your Workspace
Photo: PixeloneStocker / Moment / Getty ImagesBe careful when cleaning up any remaining debris or dust on the roof and surrounding area. You will also want to place all used tools, equipment, and contaminated clothing into plastic bags for disposal.
Dispose of Materials Safely
You can contact a licensed asbestos waste disposal facility in your area to arrange for proper disposal of the waste. Make sure you follow local regulations and guidelines for the transportation and disposal of asbestos materials.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
It’s important to remember that asbestos removal can be dangerous, and it is strongly recommended that you hire a professional asbestos removal company for this job. These pros have the necessary expertise, equipment, and knowledge to safely handle and dispose of asbestos materials. Not only is removing an asbestos roof dangerous; it’s also not cheap. You will need to buy hundreds of dollars, if not closer to thousands, worth of supplies to get the job done, and you won’t be able to reuse any of them–due the dangerous nature of asbestos.
Hiring an asbestos abatement professional near you can cost a lot of money–you can expect to pay between $1,192 and $3,240. But your health, and the health of your loved ones, is more than worth the cost of asbestos removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is possible to repair an asbestos roof if the damage is minor. However, it is crucial to follow proper safety procedures and regulations while doing so. It’s always recommended to hire a professional asbestos roofing contractor who specializes in asbestos roof repairs to ensure the work is done safely and correctly.
It is strongly advised not to touch or disturb asbestos-containing materials unless necessary. Asbestos fibers can be released into the air when the material is damaged or disturbed, posing serious health risks if inhaled. It is best to leave any handling of asbestos to trained professionals who can remove the asbestos safely.
Walking on an asbestos roof can pose a risk. Asbestos roofing materials can become brittle over time, increasing the chances of them breaking or releasing fibers when stepped on. Additionally, walking on an asbestos roof without proper precautions can cause further damage to the material. If possible, avoid touching an asbestos roof in any way and consult with a professional about removing and replacing the roof.
Asbestos itself does not typically leak from a roof. However, if an asbestos-containing roof is damaged or deteriorated, it can release asbestos fibers into the air. This can occur when the roof is disturbed, such as during maintenance or repairs, or due to weathering over time. Exposure to airborne asbestos fibers can be harmful to health, so it is important to address any damaged asbestos roofs promptly and safely.
