Asbestos roofing – roofing lifting

Cause

An inadequate number of fixings, or loose or missing fixings 

Repair

  • if you are not sure whether a fibre-cement cladding contains asbestos, you can get a small piece (about the size of two $2 coins, or approximately 2 x 3 cm) tested at one of the labs listed on our asbestos page
  • if the roof is in good condition, tighten existing fixings where necessary. Replace loose, damaged or missing fixings with 14 g x 75 mm (or longer) hex head screws and neoprene or EPDM washers. Use Class 4 fixings (heavy zinc or zinc-tin coatings or zinc alloy coated heads)
  • if the roofing is in poor condition it should be replaced. You will need to call in a licensed asbestos removalist. You can find a registry of licensed removalists on the WorkSafe New Zealand website

Breathing in asbestos fibres can lead to serious and potentially fatal illnesses. Work with materials that contain asbestos is very strictly controlled. You can find more asbestos details for homeowners on the WorkSafe website.