Asbestos is a hazardous material that was previously used in many roofing sheets - especially on older buildings. Although asbestos is banned today, there are still many roofs with asbestos-containing materials around the country. Unfortunately, we find that some people still consider high pressure cleaning their asbestos roof to give it a "fresh" look. However, this is both illegal and extremely dangerous - for yourself, your surroundings and the environment.
Why is it dangerous to pressure wash asbestos roofs?
When an asbestos roof is pressure washed, the small, dangerous asbestos fibres are stirred up and dispersed by water and air. These fibres cannot be seen with the naked eye, but they can be inhaled and penetrate deep into the lungs. Even small amounts of asbestos dust can lead to serious diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer and other respiratory disorders over time.
Furthermore, asbestos fibres can spread to nearby gardens, buildings and areas frequented by children and adults. This means that a single high-pressure cleaning can pose a health risk to the entire neighbourhood.
What does the law say?
According to current legislation, it is strictly forbidden to high pressure clean roofs containing asbestos. The Danish Working Environment Authority has clear rules for handling asbestos, and violations can lead to both heavy fines and serious health risks. You can read more about the rules from the Danish Working Environment Authority here:
https://at.dk/regler/bekendtgoerelser/asbest-744/
What should you do instead?
If you have an asbestos roof, we recommend that you have it inspected by an authorised company - like Miljøgruppen ApS. We have more than a decade of experience in the safe handling and removal of asbestos, and we always work according to current regulations and with a focus on both your and the environment's safety.
Contact us for advice
Are you unsure how to handle your roof or do you need professional help? Contact us for a no-obligation chat - we're ready to help you safely and confidently.