What to know about asbestos roof removal

Why roofs are worth a closer look

Asbestos-cement roof sheeting was extremely common — typically containing between about 5% and 20% white asbestos (chrysotile). When it’s intact, it’s relatively stable. But a roof is the most weather-exposed part of a building, and over years of sun, rain and movement the sheeting becomes brittle. Corrugated and flat asbestos sheets that have aged can crack and break easily, and once disturbed they can release fibres ^[2].

Asbestos has been completely banned in Australia since 31 December 2003, but the ban doesn’t touch what was installed earlier — and a lot was. The ASEA estimates asbestos is present in roughly 1 in 3 Australian homes, and any building from before 1990 carries a real chance of containing it ^[2].

Can you encapsulate instead of removing?

Often, yes. Encapsulation seals the asbestos with a coating on and within the material so that even if it’s knocked or damaged, the fibres stay bonded rather than going airborne. For roofs it’s a popular choice because it’s typically cheaper than full removal and replacement — a bit like giving the roof a fresh coat — and it’s a sensible option if the sheeting is sound or would be too hazardous to remove.

It isn’t always the right answer, though: badly deteriorated roofing, or a roof in the way of works, is usually better removed. The honest call depends on the condition of the material, which is why it starts with an assessment. (Enclosure — boxing it in — is generally only a temporary measure.)

The safe, legal way to remove it

Roof removal is a high-risk job that needs the right skills, equipment and licensing:

• Test first. Have suspect roofing tested before any work. Samples can be confirmed by an accredited laboratory.
• Use a licensed remover. In Queensland, a Class A or Class B licence is needed to remove more than 10m² of non-friable asbestos; friable asbestos must go to a Class A licensed remover ^[1]. A licensed removalist isolates the property and surrounding area and works to a safe method.
• Contain, then clear. The work is done to control fibre release, and an independent clearance confirms the area is safe afterwards.
• Dispose of it legally. Asbestos is regulated waste — it’s wrapped, labelled, transported correctly and taken to a licensed landfill.

A note on cost

Roof removal is usually priced on the specifics — the roof’s size, layout, age, materials and access all matter. Because every roof is different, the right approach is a site assessment and a fixed quote, rather than a rule-of-thumb figure.