Asbestos roof replacement on the Gold Coast
Roof Gold Coast arranges asbestos roof replacement across the Gold Coast. The old asbestos cement roof is removed by a licensed asbestos removalist and disposed of at a licensed facility, then a new roof, usually steel, is installed on the existing frame. The work is carried out by independent local contractors, and the two stages should be quoted as one clear scope.
Where asbestos roofs turn up
Asbestos cement was widely used in Australian building until the late 1980s. On the Gold Coast it is most common on:
- older fibro beach cottages in suburbs like Palm Beach, Miami, Tugun and Labrador;
- garages, carports, sheds and laundries behind houses of all ages;
- corrugated "super six" style sheeting on older industrial and farm buildings;
- eaves, flues, gutters and wall sheeting alongside the roof.
A suspect roof should be assessed before any work. Do not drill, cut, sand or pressure-clean it.
The rules in Queensland
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland regulates asbestos removal. Removal of asbestos cement roofing generally requires a removalist holding the appropriate licence, with the class depending on the type and amount of material. The removalist follows set controls: wetting the sheets, removing them whole where possible, wrapping and labelling the waste, and transporting it to a facility licensed to accept asbestos. Depending on the job, notification and a clearance inspection may be needed. Check the current WHSQ guidance, and ask the removalist to explain which requirements apply to your roof.
What happens on the day
- The area is set up with barriers and signage, and neighbours are informed.
- Sheets are wetted, unfixed and lowered carefully, avoiding breakage.
- Waste is wrapped in heavy plastic, sealed and labelled, then taken away.
- The roof space and surrounds are cleaned, and clearance completed if required.
- The roofer checks battens and tie-downs, lays a blanket and installs the new roof.
Plan the job for a stretch of fine weather, and ask how the house will be protected if rain arrives between removal and new sheeting.
Price
Asbestos jobs cost more than a standard re-roof because of the licensed removal, containment and disposal. Planning bands are on our roof cost guide.
Choosing who does it
Ask each contractor who will physically remove the asbestos, what licence they hold, and whether removal and re-roofing are covered by one written scope or two separate contracts. Ask where the waste will go and whether you will receive disposal records. Ask how long the roof will be open and what the plan is if a storm arrives. A clear, confident answer to each of those questions is a good sign.
