Think You Can Clean Your Asbestos Roof? Think Again (and Read This)

Is it safe to clean an asbestos roof?

Let's get straight to the point: No, absolutely not, unless it is your specific job to work with asbestos and you are properly trained and equipped, you should NOT attempt to clean an asbestos roof yourself.

This isn't about being overly cautious; it's about protecting your health and the health of those around you from a material that can have devastating long-term consequences.

While that mossy or dirty roof might be an eyesore, disturbing asbestos without the correct precautions is a gamble you simply cannot afford to take.

Why the Big Fuss? Understanding the Risks

Asbestos was widely used in construction materials, including roofing sheets, for its strength, fire resistance, and insulation properties. However, we now know that when asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are disturbed or damaged, they can release microscopic asbestos fibres into the air.

These tiny fibres, invisible to the naked eye, can be easily inhaled. Once lodged in the lungs, they can cause serious and often fatal diseases, including:

• Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.

  
  

• Lung Cancer: The risk of lung cancer is significantly increased for those exposed to asbestos, especially if they also smoke.

  
  

• Asbestosis: A chronic and progressive lung disease that causes scarring of the lung tissue, leading to shortness of breath and other respiratory problems.

  
  

• Pleural Thickening: A non-cancerous condition where the lining of the lungs thickens, which can cause breathing difficulties and chest pain.

  
  

The latency period for these diseases can be decades, meaning you might not experience any symptoms until many years after exposure. This makes it even more crucial to avoid any unnecessary disturbance of asbestos.

Simply cleaning an asbestos roof, even with seemingly gentle methods like brushing or low-pressure washing, can release these dangerous fibres. The risk is amplified if the roof is old, weathered, or damaged.

The Approved Method: What the HSE Says

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK provides clear guidance on working with asbestos. Their document HSG210 (A12) outlines the correct procedures for handling and working with asbestos-containing materials safely.

For tasks like cleaning an asbestos roof, the HSE generally advises that work should be carried out by trained and competent professionals licensed to work with asbestos.

However, if the asbestos-containing material is in good condition and the cleaning is deemed absolutely necessary and low-risk (e.g., very light cleaning of minor surface dirt), the HSE provides strict guidelines that must be followed. These typically involve:

• Thorough Risk Assessment: A competent person must assess the risks involved and determine if the work can be done safely.

  
  

• Minimising Disturbance: The method used must minimise the release of fibres. This means absolutely no dry brushing, scraping, or high-pressure washing.

  
  

• Wet Methods: If cleaning is deemed necessary, it should involve gentle wiping with damp cloths or very low-pressure washing with specific precautions to contain and collect any run-off.

  
  

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Anyone undertaking even low-risk work must wear appropriate PPE, including respiratory protective equipment (RPE) such as a suitable face mask and disposable overalls.

  
  

• Waste Disposal: Any materials used for cleaning (cloths, wipes, etc.) must be treated as asbestos waste and disposed of safely and legally at a licensed hazardous waste facility.

  
  

• Training: Even for seemingly simple tasks, individuals must have received adequate information, instruction, and training on how to work safely with asbestos.

  
  

Crucially, the HSE guidance emphasizes that if there is any doubt about the condition of the asbestos or the level of risk, you should always seek advice from a licensed asbestos removal contractor.

Don't Take the Risk - Call the Professionals

Cleaning an asbestos roof might seem like a quick and easy way to improve its appearance. However, the potential health consequences of disturbing asbestos are severe and irreversible.

Unless you are a trained and licensed professional with the correct equipment and procedures, it is simply not worth the risk.

Instead of putting your health and the health of others in jeopardy, contact a reputable, asbestos removal or management company (like us). They have the expertise, equipment, and training to assess the situation and carry out any necessary work safely and legally.

"Yer 'ealth's worth more than all the tay in Tipton, mate. Don't goo an' chance it, wun ya?"

Asbestos Contaminated Moss

Inspired by Goose and written and compiled by Elle. Goose (not his real name) is an experienced Asbestos Removal Operative sharing his experience's of the real world.