Are you thinking of removing the asbestos-cement from your roof?

Many of our customers come to Panel Sandwich Group asking for the best solution for the removal of asbestos cement from their roof. A question that the laws do not make very clear.

Today we still see remains of fiber cement in houses or sheds due to its popularization in construction, especially in the second half of the last century.  In this article we explain how to act when removing fiber cement and what options Panel Sandwich Group offers you to renovate your roof.

What is the fiber cement?

The asbestos-cement is made up of wavy sheets of fibrocement, a material formed by Portland cement and asbestos, a controversial and highly regulated product. This type of material is very common in buildings with asbestos on their roofs, whether residential, industrial buildings, or even pipes.

However, its use is not always harmful. The real danger of being in contact with asbestos-cement is the release of asbestos fibers, which range from two microns to one millimeter.

It is also necessary to take into account the lifespan of the asbestos-cement, of 30 to 35 years from the moment of manufacture. Once this period has passed, the asbestos-cement deterioratesand the asbestos fibers are released that can cause lung diseases to people who come into contact with them.

Is it mandatory to remove the asbestos-cement?

Asbestos-containing building materials, is not completely banned in the United States. Although attempts have been made to ban it over the years, the United States continues to import and use asbestos. 

In fact, in the first three months of 2022, nearly 114 metric tons of asbestos were imported, exceeding the 100 metric tons imported in all of 2021. It should be noted that the use of asbestos-containing products is restricted in the United States, but not completely banned.

Is it a good option to cover the asbestos-cement with another material?

Many people choose to cover their asbestos-cement roof with another type of material, known as doubling. This alternative should only be considered when the asbestos-cement is in good condition and a constant adequate maintenance is maintained to ensure the state in which it is found.

It is a solution that can work in the short term, as it is very economical and allows you to temporarily cover your asbestos-cement roof. However, it is not the best solution in the long term, since the asbestos-cement will continue to deteriorate over time. The problem comes when the asbestos-cement has fulfilled all its useful life. This poses a risk and its removal and deposit is mandatory as hazardous waste.

How do I remove the asbestos-cement from my roof?

If it is necessary to remove the asbestos-cement from your roof, due to it being in poor condition or having completed its useful life, it is important to follow these steps:

1. Professional assessment: It is recommended to have the state of the asbestos-cement assessed by professionals in asbestos removal to determine whether it is necessary to remove the asbestos-cement and replace it with another material.
2. Get permissions and hire a specialized company: The removal of asbestos-cement is a dangerous process and requires a specialized company. Asbestos is a toxic and harmful substance, and its manipulation can lead to serious health problems. Also, it's mandatory to inform the relevant local authorities and get necessary permissions before starting the process.
3. Safe disposal: After the removal, the asbestos must be disposed of in a safe and controlled way to avoid any potential health risks. Usually, the specialized company will take care of this process.

Always remember that this process should be carried out by professionals to ensure that no harmful fibers are released into the atmosphere, causing health problems to the people in the vicinity.

The cost of removing asbestos-cement will depend on the size of the roof and the complexity of the work, so it is best to ask for a quote from a specialized company.

Sandwich Panel as an alternative to asbestos-cement

As a good alternative for your roof, we recommend the sandwich panel. As clarified in previous articles, these panels are an ideal solution for renewing your roof. They can also be used for the overlaying system we mentioned earlier.

We offer various panels for roofs: Cover-joints Sandwich Panel, three and five Frets panels, and the Roof Tile Sandwich Panel, which is the most requested by our customers.

The Cover-joints Sandwich Panel is the most used in industrial environments and logistics centers, but can also be seen in residential constructions thanks to its qualities.

The Sandwich Panel Three Frets is our most economical roof panel, normally used for industrial use. The Sandwich Panel 5 Grooves is the most resistant as it contains more grooves. Thus, the more profiled and grooved the top sheet is, the more mechanical resistance it has.

The Roof Tile Sandwich Panel is the most used by our customers for residential roofs. Thanks to its polyurethane core, it provides great thermal insulation, in addition to having great resistance to impacts and forces. But what stands out most about this panel is its aesthetic aspect, with three different finishes: Red Tile, Aged Albero and Slate Gray.

If you're considering replacing your asbestos-cement roof, the Panel Sandwich Group offers you the best solution, with various models to choose from at very affordable prices.

We've seen how asbestos-cement can potentially harm your health in the long run and what alternatives we propose from the Panel Sandwich Group in this article. To learn more about these or other materials, we recommend that you get in touch with our sales team, who will advise you to find the best price for the Sandwich Panel most suitable for your needs. You can contact us through the form on our website or by calling the phone number +1 904 512-3122.