We’ve all heard of the issues surrounding asbestos and the potential health risks it carries. It was banned in the UK in 1999, but it’s still present in a variety of buildings across the country. In many cases, it never becomes an issue. The asbestos may remain dormant and never pose a risk. However, a leaking asbestos roof can prove dangerous as the fibres have been disturbed, and this could lead to health issues as well as structural concerns for the household.
How dangerous is a leaking asbestos roof?
A leaking asbestos roof can prove to be extremely dangerous, and the longer it goes untreated, the more likely you are to encounter a significant problem.
Asbestos roofs often contain corrugated asbestos cement sheets and are typically found on garages. Favoured because of their low cost and durability, it took considerable time before the risks asbestos posed were fully recognised.
Now that we know more, the true dangers of a leaking asbestos roof can be exposed.
Risks to health of a leaking asbestos roof
The primary concern over a leaking asbestos roof is the damage it can cause to your health. While it may not be noticeable as you enter and exit the garage, the small fibres that water is now encroaching on are gradually being made airborne, and this is where the risk increases. Unfortunately, asbestos can cause almost invisible harm with no symptoms evident for years. It’s only once symptoms become noticeable that people act, and in many cases, it’s often too late to treat effectively. As a result, any sign of a leaking asbestos roof should be tackled as soon as possible.
Asbestosis
By having continual exposure to asbestos fibres, it is possible for a chronic condition known as asbestosis to develop. This is where the lung tissue is scarred and leads to breathing difficulties that are impossible to fix. Over time, the condition can get worse, leaving those suffering from it to rely on oxygen support.
Lung cancer
Prolonged asbestos exposure increases the risk of lung cancer significantly. This can be exacerbated even further if the victim is a smoker.
Mesothelioma
This is a rare form of cancer that is very aggressive. It is commonly linked to asbestos exposure and is extremely hard to treat. In many cases, it leads to a terminal diagnosis.
Structural damage
Aside from health concerns, a leaking asbestos roof can also cause significant damage to the structure of your property. As water encroaches, it will slowly degrade the roofing material. At first, it may not be noticeable, but as it penetrates the surface, the level of degradation will increase and could result in catastrophic levels of damage.
Roof collapse
In the most extreme cases, an untreated leaking asbestos roof could collapse. It may be sections or the whole roof. Regardless, it presents immediate risks to health and safety, as now, not only has the structure been compromised, but asbestos fibres are likely to have been released into the air.
Warps and cracks
As water seeps through the asbestos, it gradually weakens. The weaker it gets, the more likely cracks are to appear, and with cracks comes an increased flow of water, and therefore, an increased level of damage and risk.
Excessive repair costs
Once a roof is leaking, it often requires professional roof leak detection at the very least. In most cases, though, it necessitates repairs or even a complete overhaul. The costs for such work can be high, especially if minor problems are left to develop into something much more significant.
Environmental risks
A leaking asbestos roof won’t just pose risks to health and the structural integrity of a building, but may also cause environmental issues. Asbestos is a resilient material, and once the fibres are released, they become almost impossible to break down.
This could lead to widespread issues in both the local and not-so-local community.
Water pollution
Asbestos fibres are impossible to see, even more so if they have made their way into water sources or drainage. As the fibres coast through the water, they leave traces behind that can be harmful to wildlife and plant life, spreading the problem much further than you’d expect.
Contaminated soil
The asbestos fibres can be carried on the wind and by the water, which may cause them to be deposited in the soil. This can lead to widespread damage that will be impossible or at least very difficult to rectify.
Airborne risks
With a leaking asbestos roof and weakened fibres, the airborne spread of harmful asbestos becomes much more likely. Once collected by the wind, they could affect other people, local wildlife, other properties and more.
How to stop an asbestos roof from leaking
Firstly, you don’t attempt to fix it yourself. This is not only dangerous but also illegal. Asbestos removal in the UK is heavily regulated and can only be conducted by trained and qualified professionals.
If you have a leaking asbestos roof, do not enter the building where the roof is leaking and contact a roof repair specialist for professional guidance.
The reasons it remains illegal for unqualified individuals to remove asbestos and fix the leaking roof are that it is simply too dangerous. By attempting to do it yourself, you run the risk of:
- Accidental release of fibres
- Improper handling of the sheets
- Large fines for breaching the law
Even simply inspecting the leak can be harmful. Touching, drilling or scraping the surface to investigate further will disturb the asbestos fibres, and it is then that problems will be exacerbated.
Is water from a leaking asbestos roof dangerous?
It certainly can be, whilst the largest risk from asbestos is from its inhalation, water passing through an asbestos roof can be dangerous if it is allowed to dry. This is because it may form a powdery residue that, once disturbed, may prove to be harmful.
That being said, whilst the leaking water itself may not cause an immediate risk, caution is always advised, and any leaking asbestos roof should be inspected and treated only by a licensed professional.
At London Property Services, we have a skilled team of professionals specialising in London roof repairs. From roof leak detection to complete roof overhauls, our team is on hand to provide emergency roofing repairs in all London boroughs. Contact us today to discuss your repair needs or book a site visit.
