Asbestos roofs: what homeowners should know

Many Queensland homes built before 1990 contain asbestos somewhere, and roofs and eaves are common places to find it. This guide covers what homeowners should know. For full, authoritative information, see the Queensland Government asbestos website.

Where asbestos can be found on a roof

Asbestos was widely used in building products until it was banned. Around the roof, it may be found in:

• Fibre cement roof sheets, including corrugated sheets often called "super six"
• Eaves and soffit linings
• Some older flue pipes and vents
• Some older gutters and fittings

Not every old fibre cement product contains asbestos, but you cannot tell by looking.

Why you should not disturb it

Asbestos is most dangerous when it is disturbed and fibres get into the air. That can happen when it is cut, drilled, broken, sanded or water-blasted. Do not:

• Walk on a fibre cement roof (it can also break, causing a fall)
• Water-blast or pressure-clean it
• Cut, drill or sand it
• Try to remove it yourself without the right licence and training

Who can remove it

Under Queensland rules, asbestos removal must be done by people with the right asbestos removal licence, using the right controls and disposal methods. The amount and type of asbestos affects which licence is required. The Queensland Government asbestos website explains the rules for homeowners.

How it affects a roof replacement

If your roof or eaves may contain asbestos, a roof replacement has extra steps:

1. Identify it. If asbestos is suspected, testing confirms it.
2. Plan the removal. Licensed removalists remove and dispose of the asbestos material safely.
3. Install the new roof. Once the asbestos is gone, the new Colorbond roof can go on.

The removal is usually priced separately from the new roof, so the quote should make clear what is included and who does what.

Living with an asbestos roof

An asbestos roof in good condition that is left alone is generally considered low risk. Problems come when it is weathered, damaged or disturbed. If your fibre cement roof is cracked, crumbling or heavily weathered, get advice rather than patching it yourself.

Selling or renovating

If you are renovating, extending or selling, an asbestos roof becomes a bigger consideration. Renovation work near asbestos materials needs to be planned carefully, and replacing the roof before other work can make the rest of the project simpler.

What we do

If we suspect asbestos during a quote, we tell you straight away and explain how removal is arranged before any work starts. We will never ask you to disturb it yourself.

This guide is general information, not safety or legal advice. Always follow official Queensland guidance and licensed professionals for anything involving asbestos.