If you have a roof with suspect asbestos-containing materials in your home, you should think about replacing the structure. Asbestos is a hazardous building material which can cause health deterioration if not controlled. In simple terms, this mineral has fibres which damage respiratory tissues when inhaled. Over time, it can cause diseases such as lung cancer and asbestosis. Fortunately, you can ensure that your home remains safe by conducting asbestos roof replacement. Here are some essential tips to remember during the project.
Check for Asbestos
You should not work on your roofing using assumed information. It is important to confirm the condition of the roofing before proceeding. Under ideal circumstances, you should hire a consultant to determine if there is actual asbestos in your building. You should also have some samples sent to a laboratory for analysis. The testing process will allow you to get a clear grasp on the situation and proceed based on confirmed results.
Dampen the Material
If your roofing has asbestos, you will need to remove the material before proceeding with the replacement process. Unfortunately, disturbing the stable asbestos can be disastrous. Simply speaking, bonded asbestos is not dangerous because it is stable. However, if the material is harmed during removal, the small particles will dislodge and rise into the air. If this contaminated air is inhaled, there will be problems. Therefore, you should plan on wetting the asbestos material before disturbing the roof. The moisture will stabilise the fibres, allowing you to proceed safely.
Isolate the Area
You might not be able to prevent the rise and movement of asbestos particles completely. Therefore, you should plan on isolating the area of contamination. In simple terms, you should not allow the harmful particles to leave the workspace. You should remember that direct handlers will have appropriate gear, but if the material leaves that area, it will affect unprotected people. For the best results, you should turn off air conditioner and cover the doors and windows. You should also minimise the residue in the house by covering all surfaces with polythene.
Dispose Correctly
Finally, you should establish a good plan for disposing the asbestos after the removal of the roofing material. You should clean up the affected area with a damp cloth or an industrial vacuum. Then you should place the asbestos waste and any contaminated clothing or material into appropriate disposal bags. You should seal these bags and label them. You can drop off the waste at a hazardous waste facilty or contact a waste disposal company.
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