Still living under an asbestos roofing system in your Adelaide home? You’re not alone. Thousands of properties across South Australia – particularly those built before the late 1980s – still have asbestos in roof sheets, tiles, or lining.
But here’s the concern: while the material was once praised for durability and fire resistance, we now know it poses serious health risks. And it’s not just during demolition or renovation. Even minor weathering or ageing can release fibres into the air.
In this guide, we’ll explore how replacing asbestos roofing improves indoor air quality, what risks to watch for, and how licensed professionals make the removal process safe and legal in Adelaide.
Why Asbestos Was Used in Roofing – And Why It’s Now a Problem
For decades, asbestos roofs were common across Australia. The material was cheap, fireproof, and long-lasting – perfect for roofing panels, eaves, and insulation.
But health data changed everything.
Asbestos fibres are invisible to the eye and can stay airborne for hours. When inhaled, they settle in the lungs and cause long-term health problems. According to Safe Work Australia, asbestos exposure is linked to asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other forms of cancer – even decades after contact.
While asbestos roof tiles in Australia were phased out in the late 1980s, homes built before 1990 often still contain asbestos on roof structures, especially in older suburbs like Prospect, Woodville, or Marion.
How Asbestos Roofing Affects Air Quality Indoors
Here’s what many homeowners don’t realise: it’s not just tradespeople at risk. Weathered or damaged asbestos roofing can slowly release fibres over time – especially if the material is cracked, aged, or flaking.
Factors that increase fibre release include:
- Roof sheeting degradation from UV exposure
- Wind and rain erosion of old roof sheets
- Moss growth breaking down sealed surfaces
- Renovation or DIY work disturbing roof panels
Once released, airborne asbestos particles can travel into your home through ceiling vents, roof cavities, or broken seals – contaminating indoor air even if the interior ceiling looks fine.
Signs Your Roof May Contain Asbestos
Not sure if your roof is a risk? Here are common clues your home may still have asbestos roof:
- The property was built or re-roofed between 1940 and 1990
- Roof sheeting looks fibrous, corrugated, or cement-based
- You see the branding “AC” (asbestos cement) on old sheets
- There are visible cracks, moss, or deterioration
- You haven’t had a roof inspection in over 10 years
Still unsure? A licensed professional can safely test a sample without disturbing it.
The Health and Safety Benefits of Asbestos Roof Replacement
Replacing an asbestos roof is more than a cosmetic upgrade. It actively improves your home’s safety, air quality, and long-term livability.
Here’s how:
1. Eliminates Ongoing Fibre Risk
Once the material is removed and safely disposed of, you eliminate the root cause of airborne asbestos exposure. No more risk during storms, high winds, or warm summers when roofing expands and contracts.
2. Seals the Roof Cavity
Modern replacements include updated sarking, insulation, and sealing techniques that prevent dust and outside air from entering living spaces.
3. Improves Ventilation and Temperature Regulation
Old asbestos roofing was rarely installed with proper airflow or thermal consideration. A new roof allows you to integrate vents, insulation, or even solar reflective sheeting – making your home healthier and more comfortable year-round.
4. Boosts Property Value
Today’s buyers are savvy. A home with confirmed asbestos in roof structures can scare away potential offers. Replacing it shows you’ve invested in safety and compliance – often increasing resale value.
Why Licensed Removal Matters
Here’s the thing: you can’t just rip off an asbestos roof and toss it in a skip.
South Australian law requires that all asbestos roof replacement be carried out by a licensed contractor. They must follow strict guidelines to:
- Contain and seal asbestos dust
- Use PPE and negative-pressure tools
- Transport and dispose of waste legally
- Decontaminate the worksite and surroundings
That’s why involving professional roofers in Adelaide are the safest way to manage asbestos on roof materials. They don’t just remove the hazard – they replace it with modern, high-performance roofing built to last.
What Happens During Asbestos Roof Replacement?
Worried the process will disrupt your home life? Here’s what to expect during a standard asbestos roof replacement project:
- Assessment & Testing – Experts inspect the roof and may take safe samples.
- Safe Removal – Using protective gear, they seal off the area and remove sheets one by one.
- Waste Disposal – Asbestos is wrapped and transported to licensed facilities.
- Roof Upgrade – New roofing is installed using non-toxic, modern materials like Colorbond.
- Final Clearance – The site is cleaned, tested, and cleared for reoccupation.
Most projects are completed within a few days – often with minimal interior disruption.
Alternatives to Asbestos Roofing
After removal, what should you replace it with? Adelaide homeowners usually choose:
- Colorbond metal roofing – Durable, low-maintenance, bushfire rated
- Terracotta or concrete tiles – Ideal for matching heritage styles
- Insulated metal panels – Combine thermal performance with clean aesthetics
A licensed contractor will help you pick the best match for your home’s design, budget, and location.
Final Thoughts
If your home still has asbestos roofing, now is the time to act. It’s not just an eyesore – it’s a silent health risk. By upgrading your roof, you create a safer, cleaner, and more breathable home for your family.
And in a city like Adelaide – where older homes and variable weather are the norm – air quality starts at the top.
Get peace of mind by booking a consultation with licensed roofers in Adelaide who specialise in safe, efficient asbestos roof replacement services.
Because the best kind of roof? One that lets you breathe easy.