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We have a patch of exposed brickwork immediately beneath some asbestos roofing that the previous owners never got round to upvc cladding. Bit of an eyesore as it’s at ground level, and been on my todo list for years. But I’m hesitant about drilling to fix battens etc. Should I make that section of roofing wet first? Should I use some CT1? Should I leave it as is? Or is there little risk if disturbing it?
Ta
Are you actually drilling the roofing?
If not I don't see the issue.
(It's not 'just' asbestos it's a mix and is still in place all over the country.
It's only an issue if you start smashing/grinding it up - and it's pretty tough stuff)
I was told a few years ago not to disturb it because even drilling a few inches away can release dust for a long time, hence wondering if wetting it is wise. I might be dramatising it but TBH asbestos isn’t something I want to mess with.
Are you sure it's asbestos? Worth getting a bit tested if unsure.
If you really need to drill near it or on the supporting wall then I’d thoroughly wet it first. Wear a disposable suit and one of the good breathing protectors from somewhere like Screwfix. The surface of the roofing does break down releasing the fibres and it’s not a direct relationship between exposure times and concentration.
It’s not worth risking for a bit of cladding!
Hope this helps.
Wet it down a bit. It’ll be fine. Or follow wheelsonfire’s more risk-reducing approach.
When I was a kid asbestos sheeting was a common material for garage side walls. Watching the little fibres glint in the sunshine after they were kicked was surprisingly pretty. I haven’t died of mesothelioma or skin cancer yet.
The risk of asbestos-induced disease increases with exposure. It is a stochastic relationship though so only no exposure has no risk. But you’ve probably used talcum powder at some point OP so …
In time honoured tradition just hold your breath and squint while drilling...
Or ask WorldClassAccident to do it for you.
You'll be fine, it's a really low grade material anyway as far as asbestos products gom it's bonded into the cement so doesn't readily release fibres if you aren't drilling it directly.
If there's a risk of vibration at a roof sheet mounting point I would coat that area with PVA to anchor any loose fibres, inside and out. It's extremely unlikely that you would need to but a good idea to check before you start.
Asbestos is a hazard for people who work with it regularly (eg as their job), not for one-off domestic DIY jobs. And you aren't even doing anything with it, just somewhere in the neighbourhood.
Asbestos is a hazard for all. Length of exposure, amount of microfibres you inhale does not appear proportional to the risk. Look into the history. It was shown to be harmful to health (the most positive diagnosis) a long, long, time ago, it was acknowledged and ignored. Capitalism doesn’t work! Oh well it might do if you you don’t actually do any work, don’t live in a high rise at risk from poor building practices, don’t do any physical work, don’t contribute to society?
Rant over!