Asbestos roofs banned from 2024

Asbestos roofs banned from 2024, you may already know: as of December 31, 2024, asbestos roofs are banned, including for large companies. Why? Asbestos can be very harmful to your health. For this reason, it has been prohibited in the Netherlands since 1993 for individuals and companies to (re)use, store, sell, import, give away, reapply and process asbestos. Since 2005, this applies to the entire European Union.

Why is asbestos dangerous?

The reason asbestos is not allowed in new products is because asbestos fibers can be life-threatening if you inhale them. You may not notice the damage to your health right away, as it can take years. Eventually, it can cause lung cancer, cancer of the lungs, peritoneal cancer (mesothelioma) or dust lung (asbestosis).

Asbestos roofs become damaged over time by weather and wind. For example, after hail damage. Sooner or later there comes a time when asbestos fibers are released. Inhaling these fibers is then difficult to prevent.

Property owner is responsible

The older the roof, the more likely it is that asbestos fibers will eventually be released. That's why the government wants all asbestos roofs removed by Dec. 31, 2024. A few rules do apply to removing your asbestos roof:

The property owner is responsible for removing (or having removed) your asbestos roof.
Before you demolish the roof, you must file a demolition notification with your municipality. If you leave the demolition to a specialized demolition company, ask them to file a demolition notification with your municipality.

Replacing the asbestos roof

Just because the owner is responsible for removing the asbestos roof on time does not mean he or she has to do it themselves. In fact, in some cases it is not allowed to remove asbestos yourself. Here are some examples of situations where an asbestos removal company must be called in:

• the asbestos roof is already damaged;
• the asbestos roof is larger than 35m2;
• there are asbestos-containing shingles on the roof;
• the asbestos roof is on a commercial building.

Asbestos does not always have to be removed immediately

To make sure whether or not there is asbestos in something, a specialized demolition company such as DCC can have an inventory report done. It is possible that the asbestos fibers are contained in other materials, such as cement. If this cement cannot be easily damaged and one stays away from it, the risk is minimal. There is no immediate need to remediate. However, we do say that prevention is better than cure. Therefore, we often advise to clean up these asbestos fibers in time as well.

It is also wise for the building owner to identify and evaluate potential hazards to workers. So that it is completely clear how the building can be used safely.

Long-term demolition or renovation plans for your commercial building or factory anyway? Engage DCC for asbestos remediation. We can also have new roofs put back on. Either way, we make sure your project is done safely and efficiently.

We can also help you with soil remediation and demolition work.