☣️ Asbestos in Roofing Products — What Every Homeowner Should Know

Most homeowners are surprised to learn that some older roofing products in New Zealand may contain asbestos — especially products that still look solid from the outside.

One of the most common examples is Decramastic metal tile roofing, along with certain older textured coatings and roofing materials used throughout the 1950s–1980s.

The important thing to understand is this:

If asbestos-containing roofing materials are disturbed, broken, water blasted, cut, or removed incorrectly, they can become a serious health risk.

That’s why asbestos roofing should never be treated like a normal roof repair or replacement.

🧱 What Roofing Products May Contain Asbestos?

Some older roofing systems and coatings may contain asbestos materials, including:

✅ Decramastic metal tile roofs
✅ Old textured roof coatings
✅ Some cement-based roofing products
✅ Older cladding and soffit materials
✅ Certain backing or underlay materials in older homes

Many homeowners don’t even realise their roof may contain asbestos until a roofing company inspects it.

⚠️ Why Asbestos Roofing Is Dangerous

Asbestos becomes dangerous when fibres are released into the air and inhaled.
This can happen during:

• Roof removal
• Grinding or cutting
• Water blasting
• Drilling or breaking materials
• General deterioration over time

Because of these risks, asbestos roofing materials must be handled carefully and in accordance with strict NZ health and safety regulations.

🔍 Not Sure If Your Roof Contains Asbestos?

If your roof is older — especially if it has Decramastic tiles or textured coatings — it’s best to get it checked professionally before any work begins.

At Aquashield Roofing, we can help identify suspicious materials and guide homeowners through the next steps.
If asbestos is suspected, samples can be professionally tested to confirm whether asbestos is present.

Never assume a roof is safe to remove or repair without proper assessment.

🦺 What Happens If Asbestos Is Found?

If testing confirms asbestos, the process changes completely.
The roofing work must then be managed using proper asbestos procedures and licensed specialists where required.

This may involve:

✅ Controlled removal methods
✅ Specialist asbestos handling teams
✅ Approved disposal procedures
✅ Site containment and safety controls
✅ Compliance with WorkSafe NZ requirements

The good news is: homeowners don’t have to figure this out alone.

Aquashield Roofing can help coordinate the process and ensure the roof replacement is handled safely, professionally, and correctly from start to finish.

🏡 Replacing an Old Asbestos Roof

Many homeowners choose to replace older asbestos-containing roofs with modern long-run Colorsteel roofing systems.

This provides:
✅ A safer long-term solution
✅ Modern weather protection
✅ Lower maintenance
✅ Improved appearance and property value
✅ Peace of mind knowing the old roof has been dealt with properly

✅ Final Word: Don’t Take Risks With Suspected Asbestos Roofing

If you suspect your roof may contain asbestos, don’t disturb it or attempt DIY repairs.

The safest step is to contact an experienced roofing company that understands the risks and can help guide you through the correct process.

At Aquashield Roofing, we help homeowners identify potential asbestos roofing products and work alongside the right specialists to ensure everything is handled safely and professionally.

Safe process. Proper guidance. Roofing done the right way.

👉 Contact Aquashield Roofing today to arrange a professional roof assessment if you suspect your roof may contain asbestos-containing materials.