Uralite roofs: what is it and how to detect it?

Uralite roofs, composed of asbestos-containing fiber cement and popularly known by the company that manufactured the material, were long a common choice in construction due to their durability and affordability. However, its use has been restricted and banned in several countries due to the health risks associated with asbestos.

In many places, legislation such as the Occupational Risk Prevention Law has regulated and prohibited the use of asbestos-containing materials, including asbestos cement, due to the public health risks they pose.

However, although in 2002 it was prohibited that fiber cement contains asbestos, it is still possible that there are structures from previous years that can be maintained until the end of their useful life, as long as they are in good condition, that is, once 30-40 years have passed since their manufacture, according to the study “Materiales con asianto en viviendas: guía práctica” (Asbestos-containing materials in housing: a practical guide).

What is considered an uralite roof?

An uralite roof is a corrugated sheet (usually) composed of fiber cement with asbestos. It is composed of a mixture of cement, asbestos and other materials to strengthen it. These plates have been used in farmyards, small buildings, industrial buildings and even in common areas of residential buildings.

What happens to the roofs of uralite, are they dangerous?

Uralite roofs can be dangerous due to the presence of asbestos in the fiber cement from which they are made. The greatest risk occurs when the structure deteriorates or is handled and asbestos fibers are released into the air that can be inhaled and cause serious respiratory problems, such as asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. For this reason, its handling and removal must be carried out by trained professionals to avoid exposure to these fibers.

Some municipalities are making lists of buildings with asbestos risk, and it is possible to access subsidies or grants to change these elements with the help of a specialized and registered company.

How to detect the roof of uralite

Detecting an asbestos roof can be done through different methods:

• Visual inspection: Looking at the roofing material can provide clues. Uuralite is usually a fiber cement board with a grayish or greenish appearance, with a corrugated texture.
• Construction history: If it is possible to access the construction history of the building or dwelling, original plans or related documents may indicate the use of this type of material.
• Specific tests: Perform specific laboratory tests or tests with kits designed to detect the presence of asbestos in roofing slabs.
• Satellite imagery technology: Specialized companies, such as Agforest, can use satellite technology to map and locate uralite structures in buildings and large areas.

Agforest is a national leader in the development of asbestos censuses and calendars and has successfully collaborated with several municipalities, gaining their trust thanks to our ability to identify asbestos-containing fiber cement structures. This technology allows us to locate and map these roofs, providing accurate information and helping authorities to take effective preventive and management measures.

What solutions are available for uralite roofs?

If you have an asbestos asbestos roof, there are several solutions, some more recommendable than others. Among these are dismantling, replacement with another material, covering, repair, encapsulation or the application of paint and waterproofing.

Dismantling of any uralite roof is the option that must be carried out according to the regulations. If a period of 30 years has elapsed or if it is in a state of decay, any action that does not involve its removal or replacement may be sanctioned. Caution is therefore recommended when carrying out any other intervention.

The replacement with sandwich panels is an alternative once the uralite has been dismantled. This option is highly recommended, as well as being one of the most economical solutions. Sandwich panels, also known as composite panels, offer similar features to the uralite, such as excellent thermal insulation, high strength, low weight and reduced installation costs.

Another option is the replacement of the uralite with imitation shingles. Some types of fiber cement boards can perfectly replace the current asbestos roofs, offering an effective and economical solution. There are options of imitation red tile, transparent tile and even those identical to the asbestos-free asbestos asbestos-free asbestos cement tile.

Covering an uralite roof is only viable if it is in good condition and has not reached the end of its useful life. This action, called dubbing, involves putting something on top of the roof, such as another layer, although it is a short-term and economical solution, it is not recommended, since the uralite will continue to deteriorate over time, which could require the dismantling of both the roof and the roof, significantly increasing the asbestos removal process and costs.

Repairing the roofs of the corrugated iron is completely forbidden according to the regulations. Leaving in the building’s roofs only increases the risk of exposure due to the hazardous nature of the material.