Asbestos-containing roof panels “menuiserite” : how to recognize and remove them?

Asbestos is a harmful substance that was widely used in the construction sector, among other things for roof panels. Asbestos can cause serious health problems, such as lung cancer and asbestosis. That is why it is important to identify and remove asbestos-containing roof panels “Menuiserite” by a certified asbestos expert and remover.

How to recognize?

Asbestos-containing roof panels “Menuiserite” are panels made of asbestos cement, a mixture of cement and asbestos fibers. There are two types of asbestos cement panels: bonded and non-bonded. Bonded panels are sturdy and have fixed fibers that are bound with a binder. Non-bonded panels are less strong and have loose fibers that easily come off.

Bonded panels were mainly used for slate and tile roofs until the 1990s. They are usually light gray, pink or yellow in color and have a waffle structure in the shape of honeycombs. Non-bonded panels were used less often and have a white-gray or other color.

It is not always possible to recognize asbestos-containing roof panels with the naked eye. A sure way to know is to have a sample taken and analyzed in an asbestos lab by a certified company. One can also try to find out the production year of the panels based on plans, invoices or technical sheets. If the panels were installed or produced between 1945 and 2001, there is a high chance that they contain asbestos. If that happened between 1955 and 1985, it is almost certain.

How to remove?

If one wants to remove asbestos-containing roof panels “Menuiserite” , one must take into account the legislation and the safety regulations. Since 1998, it has been prohibited to produce, trade or reuse asbestos-containing products. From 2022, it will also be mandatory to have an asbestos inventory if one wants to sell his home. You can best request this from a certified asbestos expert. The asbestos certificate is mandatory for the sale of buildings that were built before 2001 in Flanders. The asbestos certificate is a document that describes the presence and condition of asbestos in a building.

If you want to have an asbestos certificate made in Flanders, you can contact Asbestattest-aanvragen.be. They are process certified to make an official asbestos certificate.

As a private individual, one is not obliged to remove asbestos-containing applications, unless they are in poor condition or exposed during renovation works. However, it is better to do so, because over time the fibers come loose due to wear and tear and aging.

Removing asbestos-containing roof panels is not an easy task. It requires special protective equipment, tools and waste disposal. Moreover, one must prevent fibers from being released or spread to the environment. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to leave this to a certified asbestos remover who is recognized by FOD WASO (Federal Public Service Employment, Labor and Social Dialogue).

A certified asbestos remover will first perform a risk analysis and draw up a work plan. Then he will take the necessary measures to shield the site, loosen the panels, pack them and transport them to a certified landfill site. Finally, he will clean and check the site for residual fibers.

Conclusion

Asbestos-containing roof panels “Menuiserite” are dangerous for health and the environment. It is therefore important to identify and remove them by a certified asbestos expert and remover. This way one can make his home safe and sustainable.