Water butt from asbestos roof

[Andypandi]

Hello. I have a garage in my back garden with an asbestos roof. Does anyone know if it is safe to attach a water butt to this to collect the rainwater? Thanks

[rustylady]

Yes, as long as the asbestos is sound. Are you absolutely sure it's an asbestos roof?

[Andypandi]

When we bought the house the survey pointed it out as being asbestos. It looks sound as there are no leaks in my garage. I have been told that asbestos is fine in place but when you remove it you need specialists so I was concerned about the water coming off it. Thanks for your help!

[Aberdeenplotter]

I wouldn't take the risk with old asbestos sheeting

[Andypandi]

Great thanks! One day we will have it removed but these things all cost money

[SarzWix]

No. No. No. It only takes ONE particle of asbestos to cause cancer. One. Is it worth the risk?

[Andypandi]

Ok thanks.

[Martin H]

Asbestos is fine unless you breath in its dust. So personally I would use the water and not worry.

[salome2001]

Andy, have you had any quotes for removing it? We have to do the same, just wondering what prices you were being quoted in your neck of the woods

[BertieFox]

If you collect the water from the roof to use in the garden or somewhere, it is possible there could be particles of asbestos dust which could dry out on whatever you water, such as the leaves of plants. But you would have to be very unlucky to inhale those... it's just a theoretical possibility.
On the other hand, apart from the expense of having the roof removed, the work itself however well done would result in airborne particles and small pieces of asbestos that could be left on site. I think the 'cure' is often worse than the problem.
What I would do in your circumstances (and we have an asbestos roof on a lean-to) is to paint the roof with some kind of bituminous paint or something else which would 'seal in' the particles and prevent it from becoming dusty.

[Potstubsdustbins]

There were two types of roof sheeting used at the time only one of which contained asbestos.

I have been in the biulding trade all my life and still the only way I could be sure which was which would be to have it tested.

The safest way is to treat it as if it is asbestos and as pointed out above seal it with something like Thompsons 10 year roof seal. Do not abrade the roof before applying the sealant and use a board to spread your weight whilst you work.

Potty

[gardenpassion]

PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT COLLECT WATER FROM THIS ROOF. If you can afford to have it removed then it is worth doing. Asbestos can cause a terrible form of untreatable cancer and it is just truly not worth it under any circumstances.

[Andypandi]

Hiya, no I haven't even looked into it yet as I have only been in the house 2 months. If you get some quotes I would be interested to know

[Andypandi]

I think it may have already been treated with something as the roof is black. It is very hard to tell. I won't put a water butt on it as I do not want to risk it when I am not 100% sure. Thanks all.

[Potstubsdustbins]

Andy,

Slow down a little and do some research, some forms of asbestos are more of a problem than others.

Asbestos cement roofing panels are extremely low risk as the fibres are locked in the cement. The risk is so low that you can use a general builder or even DIY for removal.

The fact you do not need a licensed contractor should give you some idea just how low the risk is.

Bournmouth council even provide disposal facilities for roof sheeting upto 6 sheets a time at Millhams Community Recycling Centre BH11 9LQ.

This stuff only becomes dangerous if you decide to drill it, or abrade it in anyway even then you have to breath it in as it attacks the lungs.

The HSE (not known for a relaxed attitude) and most local councils have advice sheets for the DIY removal of the stuff.

Personally I would be more concerned with what the roof as been covered with for instance it could well be a tar based product rather than whats underneath it.

I don't know how old your garage is but the sheets usually have a working life of some 50-60years before they start to deteriorate, and only then would they become dangerous unless of course there is some accidental damage.