Replacing Asbestos Roof...?

[brianhabby]

Hi there,

In the next couple of weeks we will have to replace this asbestos roof:

My question relates to the handling of the asbestos. What do I need to know and how do I dispose of it once it is off the roof?

Any and all suggestions welcome as usual.

regards

Brian

 

[Digit]

It's white asbestos cement if it is of some age, if more modern a different fibre is used.
Talk to you local council about it. That's good for a laugh if nowt else. They will probably pass you on to a 'hazardous waste company' who will require the entire local population to be evacuated and turn up CBN suits.
You have been warned.

Roy.

 

[Harbo]

If the sheets are handled carefully and left intact they are pretty harmless - it's the loose asbestos fibres which might escape if broken up that are dangerous.

I would replace the roof (stack the old stuff carefully to one side) then ask the council where the nearest licensed tip is located for the disposal of asbestos/cement sheets. That way you will probably not get involved in having a licensed company do the removal?

Rod

 

[OLD]

I believe its a good idea to keep the sheets wet as it helps to hold any free fibres. Where we are you just take it to the reclaim centre and it goes in a specific skip.

 

[devonwoody]

My council are real b.......s they will only let you bring in one bag and sign you in.

After that they give you a name of a waste company that wanted £600 to take mine away and that was two years ago.

Followed it up and it seems they have discretion which allows them to refuse to handle the stuff themselves.

I have heard of others on this forum who say their council come and collect the stuff without any aggro.

I think a campaign on how good the stuff would be for protecting the groundsoil from global warming might make it a more desirable
byproduct :wink:

 

[brianhabby]

Thanks for the replys.

I think I'll speak to the guys at the local tip and see what they say. I remember a couple of years ago we needed to get rid of an old fridge and they wouldn't let us take it to the tip because it was a commercial fridge so they charged us and came and took it away.

Hopefully this stuff might be as straightforward, I'll let you know.

regards

Brian

 

[newt]

Just one point why are you replacing the roof.

 

[brianhabby]

Just one point why are you replacing the roof.

Good question. Answer is - it has been leaking for a good while and the timbers underneath are now rotten and need replacing as well.

regards

Brian

 

[RogerS]

Brian

What most of the guys have said. It does depend on your local council waste site policy so your suggestion of going to see them first makes sense. Don't call the council offices as you'll only get a jobsworth in my experience.

The leominster site has a special container where you open a sliding door and slip the stuff through. Your biggest problem is going to be (a) getting it down in one piece (hollow laugh ..DAMHIKT) and (b) getting it into whatever vehicle you have. Easy enough to cut with a circular saw but wear a mask and keep it wet as suggested.

 

[Digit]

There is another route/root, (oh my Gawd I'm still stuck on the poor English thread), one that I have followed.
Replace the rotten timbers and re-roof with with OSB, felt on top of that then put the Asbestos cement back on top to prevent any wind damage to the felt.
It works well I promise you,

Roy.

 

[brianhabby]

Actually we are thinking of bringing the height up to match the roof next door which will give us more headroom inside.

I suppose it also depends on how many pieces the asbestos is in when it comes off as well.

regards

Brian

 

[Digit]

If you grind the fixings away it should come off intact.

Roy.

 

[dennis]

The best way to remove the fixings is to use a pair of mole grips or small stilsons and simply unscrew them,using a grinder you are liable to create dust as it is difficult to avoid contact with the sheets.As regards cutting with a circular saw I would say a definite no even though I have done loads myself before the hazards were documented,even if you wear equipment there are others to consider as even wetted the dust can travel a fair distance, all cutting and breaking should be kept to a minimum.I would be interested to know how Digit refixed his sheets as nailing would pierce the felt,personally I would not dream of reusing the sheets for whatever reason,I say get shut of them before restrictions become even tighter.

Dennis

 

[matt]

I had to double wrap mine in thick (cannot remember the guage) plastic and seal it with tape. I think it was the Port of London Authority who came and took it away for a nominal sum.