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Sealing an Asbestos Roof: How & Why Explained

old destroyed asbestos roof. asbestos roofing design.

Asbestos is a word that can strike fear in property owners and site managers, but it's more common in older roofs than you might realise.

You'll find asbestos in thousands of buildings across the UK, from Doncaster right down to Devon. It’s considered a hazardous material and a major health risk, but getting rid of asbestos doesn't need to scare you.

You have choices, like sealing asbestos roofing. Fast, affordable and safe, encapsulation is an increasingly popular solution for British homeowners and businesses. Read on as we take a closer look…

Asbestos in the UK

Durable, fire-resistant and affordable, asbestos was popular for a reason. Builders coveted it from the 1950s right through to the late 1990s when it was finally phased out in the UK. Unfortunately, the ban came too late.

Asbestos fibres can cause serious health issues when inhaled, including mesothelioma and asbestosis. Even more concerning, symptoms can take decades to materialise. The latest stats from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reveal asbestos still causes around 5,000 deaths a year in the UK, despite being banned for 25 years.

Is your asbestos roof a risk?

Worried your roof might contain asbestos? It’s good to be aware of the risks but it’s also important to understand that asbestos fibres are only dangerous when they become airborne. So, a well-maintained asbestos roof that’s intact and undamaged generally isn’t a major issue.

That said, factors like weathering and age can come into play over time. Natural wear and tear, or deliberate projects like renovations, can disturb asbestos fibres and lead to potential risks.

The solution? Rather than replacing your roof altogether (which can be expensive not to mention inconvenient), why not consider sealing your asbestos roof? This budget-friendly approach not only traps asbestos fibres in place but extends the life of your roof.

Why sealing your asbestos roof makes sense

Sealing, also known as encapsulation, involves covering asbestos roofing material with a protective coating like cork spray. It binds asbestos fibres together and prevents them from becoming airborne. As well as keeping asbestos fibres out of your lungs and airways, encapsulation creates a weather-resistant barrier that protects your roof from UV rays, wind, rain, snow and anything else Mother Nature throws at it.

Cost-effective

Compared to solutions like hiring a professional abatement team, sealing an asbestos roof is a far more affordable option. You’ll speed up the process and avoid the high costs associated with disposing of hazardous materials.

Minimised disruption

Instead of weeks of work, sealing asbestos roof materials can be completed in a matter of days.

Extended roof life

Encapsulation protects the roof from further weathering and saves you money in the long run.

Immediate risk reduction

Sealants like spray cork eliminate the risk of asbestos fibres becoming airborne and provide instant peace of mind for you and anyone else using the building.

How to seal an asbestos roof

Sealing asbestos roofs is straightforward but is a job that should always be carried out by professionals.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to what’s involved:

1.    Initial inspection and assessment

The roof should be thoroughly inspected by a certified professional before work begins.

2.    Cleaning the roof

Any moss, dirt or debris should be removed from the roof before a sealant like spray cork is applied. Special precautions are taken during the process to minimise the release of asbestos fibres.

3.    Application of the sealant

A specialist sealant is applied after the roof is clean and dry. It bonds the asbestos fibres and locks them in place for good.

4.    Final inspection

A final inspection ensures that the roof is fully encapsulated and that there are no exposed areas.

5.    Ongoing maintenance

Sealing provides long-term protection from asbestos but it’s important to monitor the condition of your roof regularly. Annual inspections will help catch issues early.

A note on environmental and ethical responsibility

Sealing asbestos roofs isn’t just about protecting your health. It’s also about doing what’s right for the environment and your community. By choosing encapsulation over removal, you’re helping to minimise the amount of hazardous waste that ends up in landfills and prevent unnecessary exposure to asbestos fibres.

Sprayed cork: a game-changing encapsulation solution

Natural and sustainable, cork spray is derived from the bark of cork oak trees and offers best-in-class thermal and acoustic insulation properties. When used to encapsulate asbestos roofs, sprayed cork not only traps asbestos fibres in place but creates a breathable barrier.

Eco-friendly and sustainable

Spray cork is made from a renewable resource which makes it a great choice for environmentally conscious property owners.

Excellent thermal insulation

Cork spray does more than just seal asbestos. It offers superb thermal insulation and helps to regulate indoor temperatures.

Tough and durable

The natural elasticity of cork allows it to expand and contract with temperature changes. This helps to prevent cracks and provide long-lasting protection to the roof, even in harsh climates.

Kerb appeal

Safety comes first but kerb appeal definitely matters. Sprayed cork delivers on both fronts and can improve the appearance of your roof while offering protection from asbestos fibres.

Don’t panic – take action with Total Trades

Asbestos is a hazardous material and should be treated with extreme caution. What it shouldn’t do is cause you stress or drain your budget. If your property has an asbestos roof, don’t panic. With the right approach – like sealing asbestos roofs with sprayed cork – you can manage the risks without breaking the bank or exposing yourself to asbestos fibres.

At Total Trades, we specialise in providing safe, cost-effective solutions for sealing asbestos roofs. Our experienced team is here to guide you through the process and make sure your roof is safe, sturdy and free from asbestos fibres. If you have concerns about your asbestos roof or want to explore your options for sealing and protecting it, we’re just a phone call away on 0333 5771139 or contact us to request a free quote.

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