ROOFING IN CAPE TOWN DEMANDS SPECIAL ATTENTION
RECENT ARTICLE BY INDAWO IN DIE BURGER HIGHLIGHTS THAT ASBESTOS ROOFS CAN AFFECT THE INVESTMENT VALUE OF PROPERTIES
Recently, Indawo appeared in an article in Die Burger about the dangers of asbestos and pending legislation that will govern who can remove asbestos. There can be no doubt that asbestos is a dangerous substance and with so many asbestos roofs in Cape Town still seen, we have no idea, yet, of the dangers this asbestos poses.
According to Indawo, there remain far too many asbestos related structures that have deteriorated to an extent that they are likely to be of significant danger, especially to those near damaged asbestos.
Indawo managing director, Geoffrey Jäck, warns of legislation in final draft stages. This will strictly regulate handling asbestos on buildings. The bill provides for a small amount of asbestos that can be handled by non approved contractors. It is wise for home and building owners to seek expert advice from approved asbestos contractors on the removal of asbestos roofs in Cape Town.
Building owners will have to use registered asbestos contractors for anything larger than 10 square metres. Handling and disposing of asbestos, whether in a good state or not, can only be done by registered asbestos contractors, not just qualified ones.
Asbestos roofs may affect investment values of buildings, significantly reducing their appeal. Investors will consider the cost of asbestos replacement when offering to purchase. This could create a negative price trend, something sellers want to avoid.
ROOFING IN CAPE TOWN IS A COMPLEX ISSUE
Asbestos roofs aside, roofing in Cape Town is a complex project. The high winds, busy access roads and the fact that it is a tourist city adds to the challenges of roofing contractors. Roof replacement requires careful planning and precise installation taking into account the importance of a roof in all buildings.
Roof sheets are large and difficult to handle in the high winds of Cape Town and, in the winter months, rain on top of the wind, adds to the challenge.
With technology advanced to such a degree over the last decade, roofing has taken on a whole new meaning. Largely driven by budget, replacing a roof using materials not suited for the structure could not be the ideal solution. Careful consideration is needed and the right solution selected for the building.
ROOFING REPLACEMENT
The choice of replacement material is not a simple one. Questions to be answered include the strength of supporting beams, choice of tiles, roof coverings or sheeting, pitch of the roof, waterproofing requirements and aesthetics desired. Environmentally sustainable solutions may also be top of mind for many buyers and investors.
Jäck says replacing deteriorating asbestos is crucial to avoid asbestos related illness from ingesting fibres over time.
Indawo can be contacted on 021 941 5000 or email info@indawo.biz.
https://www.netwerk24.com/Sake/Eiendomme/so-knou-n-asbesdak-jou-eiendom-se-beleggingswaarde-20190301