Asbestos has fantastic thermal qualities and it is fire-retardant. These are the qualities that made asbestos extensively used in insulation and roofing throughout the 20th-century. One of the most commonly used roofing products is cement sheets and you will find a large amount of asbestos in these sheets. The problem with these sheets occurs when they begin to deteriorate with age and turn brittle. As a result, it creates a much greater risk of the mineral fibres becoming loose, exposed and airborne. The type of asbestos that is generally used in cement roofing sheets is chrysotile or white asbestos and the removal of these sheets can be done without seeking permission from HSE or the local authority. Even if the cement roofing sheets have not weathered, their constant exposure to elements like, UV rays, moisture, acid rain and frost enhance their risk of degradation. This leaves large areas of asbestos unprotected and if it is not removed properly, it can become a serious risk to your health. If you accidentally breathe the fibres, they will enter your lungs and can cause cancer. Unfortunately, many commercial and residential buildings that were built before 1999 contain asbestos either within the cement or in the form of panels. As a layman, it will be impossible for you to tell whether your roof contains asbestos simply by observing your roof. Moreover, you are advised against disturbing the asbestos-containing materials without the presence of licensed professionals. If you are planning to replace your roof, hire our asbestos surveyors and leverage our asbestos removal service. We will assess your roof to identify asbestos and accordingly craft a removal plan that will cause minimal inconvenience to you.