I have asbestos roof tiles

I AM looking to buy a house and have viewed several with a roofing material which includes asbestos. Paying a contractor for repairs to or replacing such a roof would be costly. Could I do it myself, and are there certain regulations? T.O.

IT SOUNDS as if the tiles are made of a composite material called in French amiante-ciment (asbestos-cement) or fibro-ciment. You do not need to remove such a roof, unless there are leaks. Generally-speaking the government advises not carrying out work on asbestos yourself but calling on an expert (in this case, a roofer: couvreur) but these composite tiles, used on the exterior, are considered the kind that is the least problematic. For example, where a firm works on them it needs no special accreditation, unlike other forms. You are not banned from doing work on the tiles but it is strongly advised to use a firm to work on a large area (such as replacing the whole roof). You must minimise any asbestos fibres being given off - for your own sake and for others’ safety. Wear an overall (to be thrown away afterwards), mask (with a type FFP3 filter) and (disposable) gloves. Dampen the tiles to avoid particles escaping (but do not use a high pressure jet). Try to remove them without cutting and breaking or throwing them to the ground. You may need to remove elements holding the tiles in place to do this. If vital, cut them with a manual, or slow-moving, tool. Shower carefully afterwards. The waste should be placed in a container labelled “amiante”, as air-tight as possible (eg. a large heavy-duty plastic bag or on a palette covered in a tarpaulin, or, for small amounts, wrapped in film and put in a dustbin liner). Local tips may take this material but they may have limits on the quantity - you should check first. Your mairie should be able to advise. If you use a firm, they will usually remove the waste.