Fibre warn of damage caused to asbestos roofs during the UK’s big freeze

Dec. 7, 2010 - PRLog -- The UK has seen some of the heaviest snow fall in the last couple of weeks all over the country. With the cold weather set to continue, this is causing problems for older properties with asbestos roofs and other asbestos containing materials.
The biggest risk seems to be to buildings already in a state of disrepair which may not stand up to the weight of the snow and the freezing temperatures. Asbestos was widely used in homes and commercial construction through the mid-'70s. One of the most commonly known uses for asbestos materials was in roofing shingles or tiles. If your home was built or renovated anytime before 1980s, your roofing shingles could be asbestos roofing shingles. Since that time, most manufacturers have sought out alternative materials for roofing, and asbestos roofing shingles are less common in newer buildings.
These days, asbestos is a frightening word. Since the mid-'70s, it's become common knowledge that asbestos is dangerous. When it is "friable" - a word applied to asbestos fibers that can become airborne - it can be inhaled and ingested. The inhaled and/or ingested asbestos fibers are the cause of a rare cancer called mesothelioma. While it's described as "rare," the incidence of mesothelioma is rising and is expected to continue to rise for the next 10 to 20 years as those people who were exposed to asbestos through the 1970s and early 1980s develop the condition. Because of the association of mesothelioma with asbestos, many people panic when they learn that their roofs are made with asbestos.
While friable asbestos presents a very real health hazard to those who are exposed to it, asbestos-containing roof shingles that are in good condition pose a very low risk. It is when they become deteriorated that there is an exposure threat from the breakage of the asbestos sheets.
There is reason for concern though. Roof sheets are seldom the only source of asbestos in a house that is tiled with them. Asbestos was widely used in construction in everything from flooring adhesives to ceiling insulation. If you learn that your home has roofing tiles made of asbestos-containing material, it is likely that there are other sources of asbestos in your home or building.
Fibre is asking all to check the conditions or their roofs and buildings and ensure that the adverse weather has not caused any damage to materials which may contain asbestos.
Barry Softley, Managing Director advises “We want everyone to be asbestos aware which is why we are highlighting this issue now. Asbestos is still a very real threat to people and the recent bad weather may have caused further deterioration to existing buildings. Make sure no further damaged has occurred to your building and if you think it has then seek professional advice on what the best course of action is”.
For more information about asbestos you can look on the HSE website and for information about repair and management of asbestos in buildings please contact the professionals.

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