If you’ve ever wondered: How dangerous is asbestos roofing?, then this article is for you! Corrugated asbestos roofing sheets were once commonly praised for their strength and fire resistance. However, if the material is damaged or disturbed, we now know that asbestos fibres can cause serious health issues if they become airborne. The team at Strongguard examines the dangers of asbestos roofing and how to ensure that the removal of asbestos roof tiles is carried out with the utmost care and safety.
Asbestos is part of a naturally occurring silicate mineral group made of soft, flexible fibres. These fibres were commonly used to reinforce and add strength to roofing materials, insulation, plastics, and cement due to their resistance to heat, fire, corrosion, and electricity.
In particular, corrugated asbestos roof tiles were widely installed in homes throughout SEQ built before 1983 due to their durability and low cost. Asbestos roofing was also widely used in Australian homes until the 1980s due to its superior strength, remarkable thermal qualities, and resistance to fire. Recent discoveries have found that, today, asbestos poses significant health risks and property complications.
When asbestos roofing is intact and in good condition, the health risks are relatively low. However, over time, the roof will likely become more brittle, especially under Queensland’s intense sun, heavy rains, and frequent hailstorms. This deterioration increases the risk of asbestos fibres being released into the air. Activities like cutting, drilling or even a big storm can disturb the material, releasing microscopic fibres into your home environment.
These airborne fibres can be inhaled and become lodged in the lungs, where they may stay for decades, often without symptoms, until it’s too late. For this reason, asbestos is widely regarded as a silent killer and was banned from use in Queensland in 2003. However, it still remains in many older homes and apartment buildings.
So, you may be wondering, is living under asbestos roofing as dangerous as people say? Unfortunately, asbestos fibres are microscopic. They cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. If a person ingests asbestos dust, the fibres will become permanently trapped in the body, triggering chronic inflammation, scarring, and even genetic damage to the body’s cells. Science is yet to identify a way to reverse the cellular damage caused by asbestos.
Long-term or repeated exposure can cause deadly illnesses such as:
The symptoms of these diseases typically do not appear until about 20 to 30 years after initial exposure. While no amount of asbestos can be considered safe, asbestos is most dangerous when a person is exposed to a strong concentration in one hit or moderate amounts over a longer period. Even minimal exposure carries risk, especially for families living under ageing asbestos roof tiles.
You may feel safer if you take a proactive approach to removing asbestos in your home, thereby saving yourself stress, financial expense, and health risks in the long run.
Aside from health concerns, asbestos roofing in your home presents practical issues. Trying to sell or insure a property with asbestos roof tiles can be a complicated process. You may be disappointed to find that insurers may charge higher premiums or refuse coverage. As public awareness of asbestos risks increases, future regulations may require the removal of asbestos roofs, potentially resulting in higher long-term costs.
Removing asbestos roofing is not a DIY job. It requires licensed professionals with the right tools, training, and protective protocols in place. At Strongguard, we’re fully certified and experienced in asbestos roof removal and offer services across Brisbane and South East Queensland. Here’s how we handle the process with care:
Our team begins by thoroughly wetting down the entire area using a polyvinyl acetate (PVA) solution to reduce dust. We continue to spray a 1:10 PVA solution as we go, keeping the asbestos wet until it is safely packaged for transport. To avoid disturbing the asbestos, we remove any nails from your roof before removing it, which helps reduce the risk of breakage. Each sheet is carefully unfastened and lowered by hand, never dropped, to avoid cracking or releasing harmful asbestos fibres. For high-set homes, we use mechanical lifts to lower the material safely and securely.
Once your asbestos roofing sheets have been safely removed, we then vacuum your ceiling space using industrial-grade asbestos vacuums. Finally, we spray a PVA sealing solution on your ceiling to bind any remaining fibres.
To guarantee the safe and compliant disposal of the asbestos, we stack your asbestos sheets together. We then tightly wrap the asbestos roofing sheets in two layers of heavy-duty plastic to prevent contamination from occurring. These are then transported by a licensed asbestos waste carrier to an approved disposal facility, in full compliance with Queensland regulations.
All asbestos we remove is disposed of responsibly in the safest way possible to protect you, your family and our Strongguard team.
After your asbestos roof removal, we arrange an independent inspection to ensure your roof space is 100% asbestos-free. You’ll receive a clearance certificate from the third-party inspector for your records.
Only when the area is completely safe and the asbestos has been removed will we begin your roof replacement. We inspect and reinforce the existing timber battens by rescrewing them into place. Finally, we will install your new roof with scribed capping, valleys, flashings and fastenings. Your old asbestos roof will be replaced with a safe, modern metal roof using high-quality COLORBOND®, ZINCALUME® or COLORBOND® Ultra materials that will last for many decades.
A new metal roof not only eliminates the risks of asbestos roofing but also boosts your home’s curb appeal, weather resistance and long-term value. If you act today, you could save yourself a massive headache in the future.
With over 30 years of experience, Strongguard is one of Brisbane’s most trusted roofing specialists. We’re known for:
We understand the asbestos risks Queensland homeowners face and take every precaution to protect your family and property.
Don’t wait for a storm or accident to expose you to asbestos dangers. If you’re wondering, “Is living under an asbestos roof dangerous?”, it’s time to act! While living under intact asbestos roofing may hold little risk today, to protect your family tomorrow, it’s time to think about asbestos removal.
Contact Strongguard today for a free quote on asbestos roof removal and replacement with high-quality, modern and compliant roofing materials. Our team services South East Queensland and the Brisbane area.
Call (07) 3623 4422 or visit our website to book your inspection.
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