In recent months, many homeowners have been busy getting rid of their old asbestos roofs. This busyness is due to both health concerns and upcoming law changes that will make it more expensive and complicated to handle asbestos. Right now, craftsmen are experiencing a significant increase in the number of tasks where asbestos roofing needs to be replaced.
The primary reason for the increased busyness is a new law that will come into effect on January 1, 2025. This law requires that demolition of asbestos-containing materials can only be carried out by authorized companies. This means that private homeowners can no longer remove asbestos from their properties themselves after this date.
The Danish Working Environment Authority (Arbejdstilsynet) will enforce strict compliance with the new rules, and companies without authorization can expect fines of at least DKK 30,000 if they violate the law. Private homeowners attempting asbestos removal without authorization also risk fines.
The growing demand for new roofing sheets has resulted in long delivery times. For example, building material dealer STARK reports waiting times of up to seven months for corrugated roofing sheets. In addition, the focus on safety around asbestos handling has increased, and it is strongly recommended to use professionals for the job. After all, asbestos is hazardous to health if fibers are released, which can happen if the material is damaged during handling.
With the new rules on the way, it’s a good idea for homeowners to plan ahead. If you have an asbestos roof you want to replace, it’s best to do it before January 1, 2025 to avoid the new, strict requirements and potentially higher costs. At the same time, it may be advantageous to order materials and craftsmen well in advance, as demand is high.