Can Asbestos Be Found In Gutter Boards?
Gutter boards are an integral part of your property's structural setup and play a tremendous role in how safe your property is.
Over the years, gutter boards have gone through several composition advancements. This includes the materials they are made out of in the UK.
For those wondering about their particular gutter boards, it is essential to know whether or not they are asbestos-free.
This article will take a deeper look at asbestos in gutter boards and what your potential options are to remove the problem for good.
Asbestos in Gutter Boards
Yes, it is common for older properties to have gutter boards that include a little bit of asbestos. This has to do with the underlying material that was used back in the day.
Asbestos was common to strengthen exterior materials such as gutter boards.
The goal was to solidify the gutter boards to make sure everything was appropriately sealed. Rain can lead to significant issues and to combat this, manufacturers were taking the time to include asbestos.
This is why asbestos can be found in gutter boards especially with older properties.
Options for Removing Asbestos in Gutter Boards
1. Inspection
You will have to take the time to inspect the rooftop to see how bad the asbestos is.
In some cases, you may not have a large segment of the rooftop that has asbestos. This means you can start making adjustments to the gutter boards and only remove some of the components that are in place.
However, you should take the time to inspect everything top to bottom. This will make it easier to understand your particular situation with the gutter boards and what to do about them.
2. Complete Removal
A lot of property owners will pursue this option because it is a clear-cut solution and one that is going to take care of the problem for good. You don't want to drag things and that is why a standard solution such as this is the way to go.
In general, a complete removal means you are going to replace the gutter boards and the surrounding materials with the help of a professional.
If you do this carefully, it is easy to make sure nothing is contaminated and everyone is safe indoors. Remember, the asbestos can spread into the property if there are any breakdowns in the structural integrity of your roofing.
This is why assuming the asbestos is on the outside is not something to lean on. You still have to make sure to remove everything with tremendous care.
3. Partial Replacement
You will have to think about a partial replacement.
With partial replacements, you are going to remove a small segment of the roof to make sure everything is asbestos-free. In some cases, you can use a coating on top of the gutter boards but that is not recommended as it is still going to pose a risk of contamination.
It is better to go with a full replacement, but this is an option that you are going to have available to you as a property owner.
Final Thoughts
Asbestos is a troubling reality for older properties and it is something property owners have to account for. If the goal is to make sure you are well aware of your options, it's recommended to have an inspection done on the exterior of the house.
This will ensure the gutter boards are in working condition and are not going to be leaving you exposed to asbestos.
With the options listed above, it's possible to stay on top of this and make sure everything works out as required.