Why UK Commercial Properties Are Investing in Asbestos Roof Removal

From the perspective of UK Industrial Roofing, we understand that managing a commercial property in the United Kingdom comes with a multitude of responsibilities. Among the most critical, yet often overlooked, is the presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), particularly within roofing structures. While the use of asbestos has been prohibited in construction since 1999, countless commercial and industrial buildings erected or refurbished before this date still harbour this hazardous substance. For any dutyholder – be it a building owner, landlord, or managing agent – the need to check for and, crucially, safely remove asbestos from their roofs is not merely a recommendation; it is a legal imperative and a sound business decision.

At UK Industrial Roofing, we specialise in the safe and compliant removal of asbestos roofing, and through our extensive experience, we have witnessed firsthand the profound impact of this hidden threat. This article aims to illuminate why addressing asbestos in your commercial roofing is paramount, covering the critical aspects of health risks, legal obligations, financial implications, and the overarching benefits of proactive removal.

The Silent Killer: Understanding the Health Risks

The primary and most compelling reason to address asbestos in your roof is the severe health risk it poses. Asbestos fibres, when disturbed, become airborne and can be inhaled, leading to a range of debilitating and often fatal diseases. These include:

• Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. It is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure.

  
  

• Asbestos-related lung cancer: Similar to lung cancer caused by smoking, but specifically linked to asbestos fibre inhalation.

  
  

• Asbestosis: A chronic respiratory disease caused by the scarring of lung tissue, leading to breathlessness, persistent cough, and reduced lung function.

  
  

• Pleural thickening: A condition where the lining of the lungs thickens and hardens, causing breathlessness and chest pain.

What makes asbestos particularly insidious is the latency period of these diseases. Symptoms often do not manifest until 15 to 60 years after initial exposure. This means that seemingly harmless asbestos in an undisturbed roof could become a deadly threat years down the line for anyone who has been exposed – from maintenance workers and contractors to employees and even visitors to your premises. Even minor tasks such as drilling, cutting, or general wear and tear can release these microscopic fibres into the air, creating a dangerous environment.

The Legal Imperative: Your Duty to Manage

In the UK, the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) places a clear and legally binding "duty to manage" asbestos on those who own, occupy, or have responsibility for the maintenance and repair of non-domestic premises. This duty extends to the common parts of multi-occupancy domestic premises, such as shared roof spaces.

Crucially, this means that if you are a dutyholder, you must:

1. Identify the presence of asbestos: This typically involves commissioning a UKAS-accredited asbestos survey to locate and assess the condition of any ACMs. If there's a suspicion of asbestos and no survey has been conducted, the regulations require you to presume that materials contain asbestos unless there is strong evidence to the contrary.

   
   

2. Create and maintain an asbestos register: A detailed record of the location, type, and condition of any identified or presumed ACMs.

3. Conduct a risk assessment: Evaluate the likelihood of asbestos disturbance and the potential for fibre release.

4. Develop and implement an asbestos management plan: Outline how the risks from asbestos will be managed, including steps for monitoring, maintenance, and, where necessary, removal.

   
   

5. Provide information: Share details of the asbestos register and management plan with anyone who is likely to disturb the asbestos, such as builders, maintenance personnel, or other contractors.

Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to severe penalties, including substantial fines of up to £20,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or, for serious breaches, unlimited fines and up to 2 years imprisonment. Beyond the financial and legal repercussions, there is the undeniable moral responsibility to protect individuals from harm.

Financial Prudence: Long-Term Savings and Property Value

While the initial cost of asbestos roof removal might seem significant, it is a crucial investment that often leads to substantial long-term financial benefits. Consider the following:

• Avoidance of future litigation: The health risks associated with asbestos can lead to costly compensation claims and legal battles if individuals are exposed on your property due to negligence or a failure to manage the risk. Proactive removal mitigates this considerable liability.

  
  

• Reduced maintenance costs: Asbestos cement roofs, common in older commercial properties, are prone to degradation over time. They can become brittle, crack, and leak, leading to ongoing repair expenses. Removing the asbestos and installing a modern, durable roofing system eliminates these recurrent costs.

  
  

• Increased property value: Properties with known asbestos contamination can see a significant decrease in market value – often by 5-15%, and even up to 20% if the asbestos is in key structural areas. Buyers and tenants are increasingly wary of the risks and potential remediation costs. An asbestos-free certification significantly enhances the appeal and value of your commercial premises, making it more attractive for sale or lease.

  
  

• Facilitation of future renovations and sales: The presence of asbestos can severely hinder or complicate any future refurbishment or demolition plans. It adds layers of complexity, cost, and time to projects. Removing it upfront streamlines future property development or transactions.

• Potential tax relief: The UK Government offers Land Remediation Relief (LLR) for registered UK companies that undertake work to investigate and remove or contain contamination hazardous to human health, including asbestos. This can provide a significant tax deduction, offsetting a portion of the removal costs.

  
  

The UK Industrial Roofing Approach: Safe, Compliant, and Efficient Removal

At UK Industrial Roofing, we pride ourselves on our expertise and commitment to safety in asbestos roof removal. We understand that this is a specialised and high-risk undertaking that demands meticulous planning, rigorous adherence to regulations, and a highly trained workforce.

Our process typically involves:

1. Comprehensive Asbestos Survey: We work with UKAS-accredited surveyors to conduct thorough inspections, identifying all ACMs within your roofing structure and assessing their condition.

2. Detailed Risk Assessment and Method Statement: A bespoke plan is developed for each project, outlining the specific procedures for safe removal, including containment measures, personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, and emergency protocols.

3. Licensed and Trained Professionals: All our operatives are highly trained, UKATA-accredited, and adhere to the strictest safety protocols. For high-risk asbestos removal, we partner with licensed contractors as per HSE requirements.

4. Controlled Environment: We implement robust containment strategies to prevent the spread of asbestos fibres, including sealing off work areas, utilising negative air pressure units, and employing HEPA filtration systems.

5. Safe Removal Techniques: We employ specialist tools and techniques designed to minimise fibre release, often preferring hand tools where possible to reduce disturbance.

   
   

6. Licensed Disposal: All asbestos waste is securely packaged, labelled, and transported to licensed waste disposal facilities, ensuring full compliance with environmental regulations. We provide consignment notes for complete transparency.

   
   

7. Air Monitoring and Clearance: Throughout the removal process and upon completion, independent air monitoring is conducted by UKAS-accredited testers to verify that airborne fibre levels are below regulatory limits, ensuring the area is safe for reoccupation.

   
   

8. New Roofing System Installation: Once the asbestos is safely removed, we can install a modern, durable, and energy-efficient roofing system tailored to your property’s needs, offering improved insulation and longevity.

We recognise that business continuity is vital. Our teams work diligently to minimise disruption to your operations during the removal and replacement process, ensuring your commercial activities can resume as quickly and safely as possible.

Conclusion: A Foundation for a Safer, More Valuable Future

For commercial property owners and managers across the UK, the presence of asbestos in roofing is a legacy issue that demands immediate and professional attention. Proactive identification and removal are not just about ticking a regulatory box; they are about safeguarding human health, protecting your assets from legal liabilities, enhancing your property's market value, and ensuring a smoother path for future development.

At UK Industrial Roofing, we are committed to providing a comprehensive, safe, and compliant solution to your asbestos roofing challenges. We believe that by investing in professional asbestos removal, you are investing in the long-term health and safety of everyone associated with your premises, laying a secure foundation for a more valuable and worry-free future. Do not let hidden asbestos become a visible problem. Contact us today to discuss your asbestos roofing concerns and take the crucial step towards a safer commercial property.