How to Remove Asbestos from the Roof
If you have an older home, there's a chance you may have asbestos in the roofing. An asbestos specialist can do a test for you, or you can take a sample and submit it to a lab using a home test. If you have asbestos, here are the steps you should take.
Decide if You Want to Remove the Asbestos
Typically, asbestos doesn't pose an issue unless it's exposed to the air. At that point, the fibres can be inhaled, and they can lead to serious respiratory issues and cancers. Even if they seem safely contained in your roof, however, you may want to consider removing them. If the roof is hit by hail or damaged in any other way, they could become exposed and lead to health issues.
Secure the Asbestos
If you decide that you want to remove the asbestos panels, you need to first contain the asbestos. The most effective way to do that is by spraying the fibres with an adhesive. That weighs them down and prevents them from flying around.
Protect Yourself
Even though you are taking steps to weigh down the asbestos, you still need to protect yourself. Wear a respirator whilst working with the asbestos. Also, put on eye protection, long sleeve shirts, and trousers. Keep in mind that the asbestos may build up on what you're wearing. If possible, take off your clothes before you leave the work area, and put them into a sealed bag to be transported to your washing machine. Always shower immediately.
Seal Off the Area
If possible, seal off the area before you start removing the asbestos. For instance, if you are removing asbestos roofing from the attic, seal off the entry between the attic and the rest of the home. You can do that by taping sheets of plastic over the opening. Hang multiple sheets so that you can pass through them, but when they are closed, the layers create an enclosure. When you are done, roll up these sheets carefully and put them in a heavy duty garbage bag.
Dispose of the Asbestos Waste Carefully
When you're done removing your roof asbestos, you can't just throw it away. You need to arrange a pick up or a drop off at a facility that is authorized to take asbestos. Make sure that you label the bags properly as well.
To be on the safe side, you may want to hire an asbestos roof replacement services that can help you remove the asbestos from your roof safely and professionally.
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