Asbestos once thought to be a miracle mineral due to its heat-resistant properties and strength, has turned out to be a silent killer lurking in many older properties. While it was a popular building material in the 20th century, asbestos has since been linked to a range of health issues, including cancer. At Fibre-Tech Flat Roofing, we recognise the urgency of dealing with asbestos. Our mission goes beyond just providing high-quality flat roofing solutions – we also offer professional asbestos removal services to keep homes and businesses safe.
Whether you’re a homeowner or manage a commercial property, understanding the importance of asbestos removal is vital. In this blog post, we’ll explore what asbestos is, why it’s dangerous, how to identify it, and why its removal should be a priority. If you suspect asbestos in your property, this guide will help you understand the next steps and how Fibre-Tech Flat Roofing can assist you in removing it safely and efficiently. Contact us today for effective and responsible asbestos removal.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that was widely used in construction from the early 1900s until the 1990s. It became popular due to its high durability, fire resistance, and insulating capabilities. Asbestos could often be found in various building materials, such as:
- Roofing and flooring tiles
- Insulation
- Cement products
- Textured coatings on ceilings and walls (commonly known as Artex)
Asbestos comprises microscopic fibres that can become airborne when disturbed and pose serious health risks if inhaled. There are six main types of asbestos, but the most common ones in building materials are chrysotile (white asbestos), amosite (brown asbestos), and crocidolite (blue asbestos). Despite its past usefulness in construction, asbestos is now recognised as highly hazardous.
Why is asbestos dangerous?
Asbestos is dangerous due to the small, almost invisible fibres it releases when disturbed. These fibres can linger in the air for hours or even days, and when inhaled, they lodge themselves into the lungs. Over time, they cause inflammation, scarring, and, in the worst cases, deadly diseases.
Here are the main health issues linked to asbestos exposure:
- Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen. It’s almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure, and it can take decades to manifest symptoms after the initial exposure.
- Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by prolonged inhalation of asbestos fibres. Over time, it leads to scarring of lung tissue, causing difficulty in breathing and, in severe cases, respiratory failure.
- Lung Cancer
While smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, asbestos exposure is a close second. Those exposed to both asbestos and tobacco have a significantly higher risk of developing lung cancer.
- Pleural Thickening
Pleural thickening occurs when the lining of the lung (pleura) thickens and swells due to asbestos exposure. This condition leads to a reduction in lung capacity and can cause discomfort and shortness of breath.
The long latency period of asbestos-related diseases means that people exposed decades ago may only now be experiencing symptoms. This makes asbestos removal all the more important, as its dangers can lie dormant for years.
How to Identify Asbestos
Identifying asbestos is not always straightforward, especially because it was used in a variety of building materials and often mixed with other substances. Here are some methods to help you determine if asbestos may be present in your property:
Age of the Property
If your property was built before 2000, there is a high chance it contains asbestos. Asbestos was widely used in the U.K. until it was officially banned in 1999.
Common Areas Containing Asbestos
Some common areas where asbestos can be found include:
- Roofing materials such as corrugated asbestos cement sheets
- Ceiling tiles and textured coatings (like Artex)
- Insulation around pipes and boilers
- Cement used in wall panels and garage roofs
Professional Testing
The only way to confirm whether a material contains asbestos is through professional testing. If you suspect asbestos in your property, it’s crucial to have a sample taken and tested by trained experts like Fibre-Tech Flat Roofing.
Never attempt to remove or handle asbestos materials on your own, as disturbing asbestos without proper protection and equipment can release harmful fibres into the air. Contact us today for fast and reliable asbestos removal services.
The Importance of Asbestos Removal
Given the dangers of asbestos exposure, removing it from your property should be a top priority. Asbestos is a well-known health hazard, and the longer it remains on your property, the greater the risk it poses to anyone who comes into contact with it. Whether you’re a homeowner or managing a commercial building, it’s crucial to understand that asbestos doesn’t just sit idly by, it deteriorates over time, increasing the potential for harmful fibres to be released into the air. Here are some of the main reasons why asbestos removal is an essential step for any property owner…
- Protecting Health & Wellbeing
The main reason for removing asbestos is to safeguard the health of everyone who lives or works in a building that contains it. Prolonged asbestos exposure can lead to life-threatening diseases, and the risk grows with every fibre inhaled. By removing asbestos, you are actively preventing potential illnesses such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer, giving you peace of mind that your family or employees are safe from harm.
- Avoiding Future Costs
Leaving asbestos in place can result in far higher costs in the future. Whether it’s due to health-related lawsuits, legal obligations, or more extensive remediation work after the asbestos has been disturbed, early removal can save money in the long run. Waiting too long can lead to complex and costly abatement processes while addressing the issue now can minimise both financial burdens and health risks down the line.
- Preventing Accidental Exposure
Asbestos can be damaged accidentally during renovations, building work, or even routine maintenance. Once the fibres are disturbed, they can spread quickly, putting occupants and workers at risk. Even minor tasks such as drilling into walls or repairing roofing can release harmful fibres into the air, making proactive removal essential for ensuring a safe environment during any future building work.
- Complying with Regulations
In the UK, asbestos management is regulated under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. Property owners, especially landlords and business owners, are legally obligated to identify and manage asbestos-containing materials to prevent harm to tenants or workers. Failing to comply with these regulations can lead to severe legal penalties, including fines or criminal charges, so taking steps to remove asbestos ensures you are meeting your legal responsibilities and safeguarding against potential liability.
- Improving Property Value
Properties containing asbestos can see a decrease in market value due to the dangers and potential costs involved with removal. By removing asbestos, you improve the safety and appeal of the property, making it more attractive to buyers or tenants. In competitive property markets, having an asbestos-free certification can be a key selling point, offering a safer and more appealing option to prospective buyers who are wary of future removal costs or health risks.
- Creating a Safer Environment
If you manage a commercial property, the safety of your employees should be paramount. Regular maintenance or renovations in an asbestos-containing building put contractors and staff at risk. Removal helps ensure a safe working environment. Furthermore, businesses that invest in employee safety through asbestos removal demonstrate a commitment to their workforce, which can improve morale and reduce the likelihood of workplace-related health claims.
- Peace of Mind
Knowing your property is asbestos-free gives you peace of mind. You won’t have to worry about hidden dangers lurking in the walls or ceiling, and you’ll know that your home or workplace is safe for years to come. This sense of security extends to anyone who visits or uses the property, whether it’s tenants, family members, or customers—creating a worry-free atmosphere for all.
- Avoiding Legal Liabilities
Failing to address asbestos contamination can result in legal action if someone becomes ill due to exposure. Asbestos removal protects your health but also shields you from costly legal repercussions. Lawsuits related to asbestos exposure can be complex and financially draining, but proactive removal reduces the risk of litigation, saving you from significant stress and legal expenses in the future.
Ultimately, asbestos removal is not just a necessary precaution – it’s a vital step in protecting your property, health, and future. Whether you are concerned about legal compliance, safeguarding your loved ones or workers, or maintaining the value of your property, asbestos removal addresses all these areas effectively. Contact Fibre-Tech Flat Roofing today to see how we can help.
How can Fibre-Tech Flat Roofing help?
If you believe your property may contain asbestos, you must act quickly and efficiently. Fibre-Tech Flat Roofing offers a comprehensive asbestos removal service designed to handle the problem safely and effectively. Here’s how we can help:
- Testing
Our trained specialists can take a sample of the suspect material and have it tested in a certified lab to determine if asbestos is present.
- Removal
If asbestos is found, we are fully trained and equipped to remove it safely. Our team follows strict safety protocols to ensure that fibres are not released into the air during the process.
- Disposal
After removal, we dispose of the asbestos waste in line with UK regulations. We will provide you with a consignment note, verifying that the hazardous material has been properly disposed of.
- Roofing Replacement
We can replace any asbestos-containing roofing materials with safe, durable alternatives, ensuring that your roof is both secure and free of harmful substances.
Our professional approach to asbestos removal ensures that your property is safe, compliant with regulations, and ready for future use without the worry of hidden health risks.
Ensuring a Safer Future with Asbestos Removal
Asbestos removal is more than just a safety measure—it’s a long-term investment in the health, well-being, and value of your property. By acting now, you protect yourself, your family, your employees, or your tenants from the dangers of asbestos exposure. Whether it’s preventing deadly diseases or ensuring compliance with the law, the benefits of asbestos removal far outweigh the risks of leaving it untreated. At Fibre-Tech Flat Roofing, we’re committed to helping you create a safe, asbestos-free environment. Contact us today for a consultation and let us guide you through the asbestos removal process from start to finish.
FAQs
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a fibrous mineral once commonly used in building materials but is now known to be highly hazardous.
Why is asbestos dangerous?
Asbestos fibres can become airborne and, when inhaled, cause serious lung conditions such as cancer and asbestosis.
Where can asbestos be found?
It is commonly found in older buildings, especially in roofing materials, insulation, and textured coatings.
How do I know if my property contains asbestos?
If your building was constructed before 2000, it’s possible. You’ll need professional testing to confirm its presence.
Can I remove asbestos myself?
No, asbestos should only be removed by trained professionals who can ensure its safe disposal.
How long does asbestos removal take?
The timeframe depends on the amount and location of the asbestos, but our team works quickly to minimise disruption.
What happens after asbestos removal?
We provide a consignment note proving the safe disposal of the material, and can also replace your roof or other materials as needed.
Can I sell a property with asbestos?
Yes, but the presence of asbestos can affect the property’s value and may require removal before the sale.
What should I do if I suspect asbestos in my property?
Contact a professional asbestos removal service like Fibre-Tech Flat Roofing to have it tested and, if necessary, removed.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. If you suspect asbestos in your home or business, contact Fibre-Tech Flat Roofing today for a professional, efficient, and thorough asbestos removal service. Let us help you safeguard your future!
