Garage roof ?

[Padrig]

Though not strictly a volvo question, I was wondering if anyone knew when they stopped using asbestos for garage roofing. I have a Compton concrete sectional garage that I bought second hand from the vicarage next door to me in about 1992. I actually remember it being erected new in about 1985. Although the roof looks like asbestos, I was told by a builder that it could be corrugated cement fibre board. The garage is in good condition and I would hate to get rid of it if it's ok. I believe there is a date when it became illegal to use asbestos for garage roofing and other buildings, if that date is pre 1985, I should be alright. Thanks for any help.
Padrig

[Hezi]

Hi

Could be asbestos the majority of it is not a problem "Blue" is a particular problem.I think you can still buy specific types of sheeting.The danger is typically from airborne fibres when broken up (hence disposal regs)
If its in good nick i wouldn't worry

Steve

[RoscoMac]

I believe certain types of asbestos were still being used in construction up until the 1990s, worryingly enough!

As previous post suggests - if it is unbroken & left as is, it will be fine.

R.

[111]

Most people dont realise that it is in old artex & old lino(spelling???) so if you are scrapping old artex off be warned. If it is asbestos and you are worried you can seal it with a varnish or pva, All asbestos will cause a health problem but as stated blue is the worst and only when the fibres are loose. It is not against the law to have it.

[Glen Morangie]

I replaced a garage roof around 1987 with new non asbestos panels, after it was damaged in the storms. The rules regarding disposal of old asbestos bonded cement were well established by then, so I think it's likely your panels are OK.

[murphysdad]

Hi
I worked with asbestos removal in the 80s and i think it was an import ban in1985,however it was not completely banned in uk till 1999.
If it is left alone your garage roof should be ok, its only when broken/disturbed you may have a problem.
Regards Murphysdad

[DLM48]

replaced my roof about two/three years ago after storm damage - i HAD to get the specialists in to remove it. Two guys turned up with nothing special on just casual clothes no respirators masks gloves or anything and proceeded to break it into bits and throw it in the back of their tranny pick up - when i questioned them about 'safety issues' they said this is 100% safe but the regs say only we can remove and dispose of it - that last bit i had discovered as the council had a fit when i asked them to remove the panels that had blown off the roof.

[cootuk]

1999 was the year that all asbestos use was banned, apart from high performance products. Imports were banned in 2000.

When I got rid of my old garage roof I wetted the roof down, wore a paper suit, mask, and goggles. All the panels had to be double wrapped in Visqueen for acceptance at the Council asbestos skip.
My neighbour hired a man with a van who just ripped it off with no concern for dust etc...I would imagine he fly-tipped it.

[steve39]

if as got asbestos content it is of vitually no harm to you unless you cut it with a grinder or physically smash it and inhale the dust even then it is very low content ,ive just been on a site were we have dealt with some, hse (health and safety officer ) talked us through all asbestos issues .

[minesa240x3]

Hi I quite often carry out the removal of asbestos cement roof panels,did a garage roof only last thursday.So long as you take care not to cut drill sand or smash it then it isn't that bad,I would say that you should definately wear the correct PPE safety equipment when handling it.A face mask paper coveralls goggles and gloves.Please don't start drilling it to make the holding down hooks fit or sawing it even by hand also damp it down so as to help stop the dust,It's amazing how many products contain asbestos,even pitchfibre sewer pipes have been added to the list.We have to inform the local authorities that we intend to pass through thier area and the highways agency,then we have to book a time and date when we can take it to tip.It is classed as a hazardess waste product.All small pieces have to be double bagged,for the stuff we handle including the old safety gear when finished with it's red bag clearly labelled which is then placed into a clear bag also clearly labelled.I could go on about the friability of it as well as wether it is crialitic and so on but suffice to say just be cautious and don't be robbed by cowboys,You can do it yourself and most local tips will allow small amounts to be deposited free of charge.
If in doubt ask and I could find out chapter and verse for you.
Regards Brian.