Can You Remove an Asbestos Roof Yourself in Devon?

Asbestos has been widely used in construction materials back in the day. In fact, asbestos was once referred to as a "miracle mineral" for its heat resistance and durability. However, it was later discovered that asbestos can cause serious health risks, including lung cancer and mesothelioma.

As a result, asbestos has been banned in most countries, including the UK. Nonetheless, many residential and commercial buildings in the UK still have asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), including asbestos cement roofing.

If you own a property with an asbestos roof in Devon, you may be wondering if you can remove it yourself. The short answer is no; removing asbestos is not a DIY job. In this article, we will explore why it is not safe to remove asbestos yourself and why you should hire a professional asbestos removal company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a leading asbestos removal company in Devon, South West England. We specialize in the safe and efficient removal of all types of asbestos-containing materials, including roofs, insulation, pipes, and more. Our team of experienced and fully licensed asbestos removal specialists follows strict health and safety guidelines to ensure the protection of our customers and the environment.

Asbestos 101

Before we dive into the risks and costs of removing an asbestos roof, let's first understand what asbestos is, where it is commonly found, and why it is dangerous.

Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring minerals that have been widely used in the construction industry for their heat resistance, strength, and durability. Asbestos has been used in a wide range of building materials, including cement, insulation, pipes, roofing, flooring, and more.

When asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed, they release tiny fibers into the air. Breathing in these fibers can lead to serious health risks, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

Why You Should Never Remove Asbestos Yourself

Removing asbestos is not a DIY job. Here are some of the reasons why:

Asbestos is Dangerous

As mentioned earlier, asbestos is a highly dangerous substance that can cause serious health risks. If you are not trained or equipped to handle asbestos, you could be putting yourself and those around you in danger.

Asbestos is Regulated

In the UK, the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 sets out strict guidelines for the handling, removal, and disposal of asbestos. These regulations apply to both residential and commercial properties.

The regulations state that only licensed asbestos removal companies are allowed to work with high-risk asbestos-containing materials, such as asbestos cement roofing. Attempting to remove asbestos yourself without a license is illegal and can result in fines or even imprisonment.

Asbestos is Difficult to Remove

Removing asbestos is a complex process that requires specialized tools, equipment, and clothing. Asbestos fibers are incredibly light and can become easily airborne, making them difficult to contain. If you do not have the proper equipment or experience, you could end up spreading asbestos fibers throughout your property.

Asbestos Can Be Costly to Remove

While hiring a professional asbestos removal company may seem expensive, attempting to remove asbestos yourself can end up being even more costly. If you damage the asbestos-containing material or contaminate your property, you could be facing a hefty bill for remediation and cleanup.

How We Remove Asbestos at Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we follow a strict process to ensure the safe and efficient removal of asbestos-containing materials. Here is an overview of our process:

Site Inspection

Before we start any work, we will carry out a full inspection of your property to assess the condition and type of asbestos-containing materials present. This inspection will help us create a customized plan for the safe removal of your asbestos roof or other materials.

Preparation

We will then prepare the work area by sealing off the surrounding area using plastic sheeting and tape. This will help to contain any asbestos fibers and prevent them from spreading throughout your property.

Removal

Our fully licensed asbestos removal specialists will then safely remove the asbestos-containing material using specialized tools and equipment. We will carefully lower the material to the ground and dispose of it in a licensed hazardous waste facility.

Decontamination

After the asbestos has been removed, we will thoroughly clean the site using HEPA-filtered vacuums and damp cloths. We will also decontaminate our equipment and clothing to ensure that no asbestos fibers are left behind.

Post-Removal Inspection

Finally, we will carry out a post-removal inspection to ensure that all asbestos-containing materials have been safely removed from your property. We will then issue you with a certificate of removal to confirm that your property is asbestos-free.

Ensuring the Safety of Our Customers and Employees

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we take the health and safety of our customers and employees very seriously. That is why we follow strict guidelines set out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Environment Agency.

We are fully licensed, insured, and accredited by ARCA and CHAS, the UK's leading asbestos removal industry bodies. This means that you can have peace of mind knowing that your asbestos removal project is in safe hands.

How to Dispose of Asbestos in Devon

If you need to dispose of asbestos-containing materials in Devon, there are specific rules and regulations that must be followed.

In Devon, asbestos waste must be double-bagged or wrapped in heavy-duty polythene and securely sealed with tape. The waste must then be labeled as hazardous waste and taken to a licensed hazardous waste facility.

Household asbestos waste can be taken to the Devon County Council Household Waste Recycling Centre, but it must be double-bagged or wrapped in heavy-duty polythene and securely sealed with tape before being brought to the site.

Contact Us Today

If you own a property in Devon with an asbestos roof or other ACMs, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Instead, contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon today on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected].

Our experienced and fully licensed asbestos removal specialists will be happy to provide you with a no-obligation quote and answer any questions you may have about the process.

Remember, asbestos removal is not a DIY job. Let us handle it and ensure the safety of your property and those around you.