PREPARATION OF ASBESTOS ROOFING FOR APPLICATION OF SOLACOAT

It costs as much to remove the asbestos roofing as to replace it with Colourbond.

Some 7 years ago we were asked to supply a quote to apply Solacoat to an asbestos roof in Ballina NSW.

Upon inspecting the roof we found it covered in mould. As pressure spraying is forbidden on asbestos roofing we applied a mould remover. This did not work. Our Engineer took a small sample of the asbestos to the Physics Department at the Southern Cross University in Lismore. They put it under their Electron microscope and found that it was algae not mould.

We then sprayed the roof with a mixture of copper sulphate and water. Mix 200 grams of copper sulphate to 1 litre of water. Spray the roof thoroughly and repeat again the next day.

Leave to dry - minimum of 2 days so as to allow the copper sulphate to kill the algae. Stir the same mixture into the Solacoat, i.e.; at no more than 50ml per litre. This should ensure that any remaining algae will be killed.

We cannot guarantee that there is not any mould present so include a mould remover with the initial spray of the roof. Do not mix the Mould Killer with the Solacoat. It may not be compatible with the acrylic base.

It will usually require 2 applications of Solacoat to seal the porous asbestos roof sheeting.

Copper sulphate is available through most Rural Supplies outlets.