If asbestos products are in good condition, then you really have nothing to worry about. However, if they become damaged or they deteriorate, it is essential that they are repaired or removed to ensure the health & safety of your family. There are ways you can maintain them to improve their longevity, or repair them once damaged. The main goal of all maintenance and repair measures is to stop the release of asbestos fibres contained within the product.
Here are some suggestions:
- Cracked asbestos – You should seal the crack with a product like PVA glue, polyfiller or paint. If the damage is more significant, the entire sheet should be replaced and the old sheet disposed of correctly.
- Small hole in asbestos – To encapsulate any asbestos fibres and protect the sheet from further damage, exposed edges should be painted or sealed with a PVA glue solution or similar product.
- Weathered asbestos – Ordinary paints do not bond well to the surface of weathered asbestos, however, other special sealants/surface coatings can be used to seal the material. We recommend seeking advice from professional painters in this situation.
- Weathered or hail-damaged asbestos roofing – It’s definitely best to get the professionals in for this one! Asbestos-related risks aside, the dangers of working at height, on a damaged surface, are reason alone to get a licensed expert on board. There are many roof repair companies out there that specialise in installing asbestos roof encapsulation systems, so it might be best to give one of them a call.
Most of these are short-term solutions only, and ultimately it would be preferable to engage the services of a licensed professional to replace the damaged sheets (with asbestos-free alternatives) and dispose of them lawfully.