Many commercial, residential and industrial buildings in South Africa still have asbestos roofs, despite asbestos products having been banned since 2008. Replacing asbestos products is expensive and hazardous. Crommelin SA provide a specialist product to deal with the problem and extend the life of asbestos procducts safely and within the confines of the regulations.
Hazards of asbestos roof cleaning and removal
Many years of exposure to the elements weathers the surface of asbestos roof sheeting. This develops a loose, friable surface layer susceptible to colonization with dark lichen and moss.
The lichen penetrates the surface cement and this exposes the harmful asbestos fibres below. This weakens the asbestos roof sheeting and reduces the insulation properties of the roof, causing a substantial increase in roof cavity temperatures.
Hazardous airborne fibres are a primary concern, especially when asbestos roof sheeting is removed. The preferred method to deal with asbestos roofs is to seal them, effectively encapsulating the asbestos fibres, and extending the lifetime value of the roof.
Sealing asbestos roof sheeting
Legislation now makes it imperative to reseal asbestos roofs. Traditional methods of cleaning the unstable surface, with high pressure water jets have been banned because of health concerns. Abrasive cleaning is even more dangerous. Encapsulation is the safest, cheapest alternative to asbestos roof sheeting removal.
Crommelin Fibroseal Primer was developed to soak through the lichen and friable asbestos surface to the sound base material below, effectively binding these elements and sealing the asbestos roof. Fibroseal Topcoat is then coated onto the primed surface. This durable protection is UV resistant, resists the regrowth of lichen and moss and is decorative.