If you own an older Perth property with fibre cement roofing, you may be wondering whether the roof contains asbestos and what to do if replacement is being considered. The safest approach is to confirm the material and its condition before any work begins, then separate the asbestos removal scope from the new roofing installation.
Asbestos containing roofing can require specialist handling, particularly if the material is damaged, deteriorated or likely to be disturbed. Before arranging replacement roofing, discuss the material, site conditions and proposed work with an appropriately qualified professional and follow current WorkSafe WA requirements.
Understanding Asbestos Roofing in Perth Homes
Older fibre cement roofing may contain asbestos, particularly in buildings constructed during periods when asbestos containing building products were commonly used.
However, the appearance or age of a roof alone cannot confirm whether asbestos is present. Moss growth, weathering or surface changes should not be used by themselves to determine the material or its condition.
If you are concerned that your roof may contain asbestos, avoid disturbing, cutting, drilling or removing the sheets yourself. The material and proposed work should be assessed by an appropriately qualified professional before any replacement decision is made.
When Should an Asbestos Roof Be Assessed?
The condition of the roofing material is an important consideration when planning maintenance or replacement.
Potential concerns can include:
- Cracked, broken or damaged sheets
- Visible deterioration of the roofing surface
- Areas where the material may be disturbed during planned building work
- Water ingress or other roofing problems
- Roofing that requires work which could disturb the existing sheets
These signs do not automatically mean that the roof must be replaced. The appropriate response depends on the material, its condition, the proposed work and the circumstances of the property.
If asbestos containing roofing is damaged, deteriorated or likely to be disturbed, do not attempt removal yourself. Discuss the exact material, scope and site with a licensed asbestos removalist and follow current WorkSafe WA guidance.
Asbestos Removal Requirements in WA
Asbestos removal in Western Australia is subject to specific requirements, and the requirements depend on the type and quantity of asbestos involved.
WorkSafe WA states that licensed removal includes any friable asbestos and more than 10 m² of non-friable asbestos. Licensed removal work must be notified at least five days before it starts, subject to current WorkSafe requirements.
For the latest requirements, refer to WorkSafe WA’s asbestos removal notifications guidance.
The removalist should explain the documented method, containment, notification and disposal steps that apply to the actual job. These requirements can vary according to the material, quantity, condition and site circumstances.
What Happens During Asbestos Removal?
The exact removal process should be determined by the licensed asbestos removalist based on the site and the material involved.
Depending on the project, the removalist may need to establish appropriate site controls, use suitable personal protective equipment, manage potential dust and safely package removed asbestos material.
The removalist will also confirm the disposal arrangements that apply to the project. This includes the appropriate disposal facility, transport requirements and any records or documentation associated with the work.
Homeowners should ask the removalist what controls will be used, what notifications are required and which documents they will receive when the removal work is completed.
Can You Remove an Asbestos Roof Yourself?
Do not attempt to remove asbestos roofing yourself simply because the work appears straightforward.
Damaging or disturbing asbestos containing materials can create a risk of fibre exposure. If your roof may contain asbestos and replacement or other work could disturb it, obtain advice from a licensed asbestos removalist before proceeding.
The appropriate requirements depend on the material and scope of work. A professional can explain whether licensed removal is required and what controls apply to the project.
How Much Does Asbestos Roof Replacement Cost?
There is no single price that applies to every asbestos roof replacement project in Perth.
A detailed quote should separate asbestos removal, replacement roofing and any confirmed ancillary work. The final scope can depend on factors such as:
- Roof area
- Roof pitch and design
- Site access
- Type and condition of the asbestos containing material
- Required asbestos removal arrangements
- Replacement roofing material
- Guttering and downpipes
- Insulation
- Confirmed structural repairs
- Disposal requirements
- Other site specific requirements
Rather than relying on a broad industry figure, homeowners should request a site specific quotation that clearly identifies what is included in each stage of the project.
Choosing Replacement Roofing
Once the asbestos removal scope has been established, the replacement roofing material can be considered separately.
Steel roofing, including Colorbond, may be one option for a replacement project, but the right material depends on the property and project requirements.
Replacement material should be chosen with the roofing contractor after the roof structure, coastal exposure, design, budget and manufacturer documentation have been reviewed.
Permacoat provides re-roofing services in Perth for homeowners considering replacement roofing options.
If Colorbond is being considered, ask for the current manufacturer product information and written project specific warranty. Coverage varies according to the product, roof design and location, so homeowners should review the applicable terms rather than relying on a general warranty period.
The Replacement Process: What to Expect
An asbestos roof replacement generally involves two distinct areas of work: safely managing the existing asbestos containing roofing and installing the replacement roof.
Initial Assessment
The project should begin with an assessment of the existing roof and the proposed scope of work.
The relevant professionals can consider the roofing material, its condition, roof dimensions, access, structural requirements and the work required for the replacement.
A detailed quote should distinguish asbestos removal from the new roofing installation and identify any confirmed additional work.
Asbestos Removal
Where removal is required, the licensed asbestos removalist will determine the appropriate method and site controls.
WorkSafe notifications, where required, should be completed before licensed removal work begins. The removalist should also explain the containment, handling, transport and disposal arrangements that apply to the project.
Do not assume that every asbestos project follows the same sequence or requires the same controls. The documented method should reflect the actual site and material.
Replacement Roofing Installation
Once the asbestos removal component has been appropriately completed, the replacement roofing work can proceed according to the project scope.
The roofing contractor may install the selected roofing sheets, flashings, ridge capping and other components included in the quotation. Insulation, guttering, downpipes or structural work can also be addressed where these items have been confirmed as part of the project.
For homeowners considering replacement roofing, Permacoat’s re-roofing service provides a pathway to discuss the roofing component of the project.
What Should Your Quote Include?
A clear quotation can make it easier to understand the work involved and compare proposals.
Ask the relevant contractors to identify:
- The asbestos removal scope
- The replacement roofing material
- Site access and any required access equipment
- Disposal arrangements
- Any structural repairs included
- Guttering or downpipe work
- Insulation, where required
- Roofing installation
- Applicable warranties and their written terms
- Any exclusions or additional costs that may arise
The removalist will confirm the disposal facility, site controls, timetable and documents that apply to the job.
Keeping the asbestos removal and re-roofing scopes clearly separated can also help homeowners understand which contractor is responsible for each part of the project.
Repairs, Guttering and Other Roofing Work
Not every roofing issue requires complete replacement. The appropriate solution depends on the condition and material of the existing roof and the work that can safely be carried out.
Where the quoted scope includes compatible roofing repairs, Permacoat’s roof repair service can be considered for the relevant roofing component.
Guttering and downpipes may also form part of a broader roofing project where replacement or repair is required. These items should be assessed as part of the site specific scope rather than assumed to be necessary for every asbestos roof replacement.
Where appropriate, Permacoat’s gutter and downpipe services can be considered as part of the replacement roofing project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an asbestos roof always need to be replaced?
No. The appropriate action depends on the material, its condition and whether planned work could disturb it. A qualified professional should assess the situation before a replacement decision is made.
When is licensed asbestos removal required in WA?
WorkSafe WA states that licensed removal includes any friable asbestos and more than 10 m² of non-friable asbestos. Licensed removal work must be notified at least five days before it starts, subject to current WorkSafe requirements.
Is an independent clearance certificate always required?
Do not assume that every asbestos removal project has the same documentation requirements. The removalist should explain the applicable clearance, inspection and record requirements for the specific work.
Should residents and neighbours be notified?
The appropriate site controls and communication arrangements depend on the project. Ask the licensed asbestos removalist what notifications or precautions apply to residents, neighbours and other people who may be affected by the work.
What records should homeowners keep?
Keep the documentation provided for the project, including relevant removal, disposal, clearance and roofing records where applicable. The removalist and roofing contractor should explain which documents apply to the completed work.
Conclusion
Replacing an older roof that may contain asbestos requires careful planning. The first step is to establish what the existing material is, assess its condition and understand whether the proposed work could disturb it.
If asbestos containing roofing needs to be removed, work with a licensed asbestos removalist and follow current WorkSafe WA requirements. Keep the removal scope separate from the replacement roofing scope so that each stage of the project is clearly defined.
For the new roof, consider the property’s structure, location, design, budget and the manufacturer’s current product information before selecting a replacement material.
If you are ready to discuss the replacement roofing component, trust Permacoat‘s 50+ years of experience. Call (08) 9249 5955 for a free assessment.
