Asbestos roofs and solar panels
Before booking solar installation, have the materials it may affect checked. If the roof contains asbestos, the project needs to address it before panels are fixed in place.
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The roof covering and materials beneath the fixings
A solar project involves more than the visible roof surface. Have the covering, underlay and planned cable routes described. In Flanders, OVAM prohibits structures such as solar panels on asbestos-cement roofs and work that damages underlying asbestos materials. A recent covering therefore does not establish the composition of every affected layer. Give the removal contractor, roofer and solar installer the same report and drawings.
Plan the order of work
Have the same roof areas assessed
The asbestos report, roofing quote and panel layout should cover the same roof sections. Flag outbuildings, old repairs and uninspected areas. Ask the roofer and installer who checks the supporting structure, fixings and penetrations in addition to the asbestos assessment.
Prepare the gap between removal and replacement
The removal contractor’s availability does not guarantee the roofer’s availability. Agree who arranges access, temporary weather protection and handover to the next company. The solar schedule needs to allow for completion and acceptance of the preceding stages.
Prepare your quote
Supply the address, building type, known dimensions, access and proposed solar project. Include the available inventory and any roofing or solar quote. Request separate scopes for asbestos removal, new covering, insulation and solar installation, with a responsible contractor for each stage.
- Roof covering and underlay identified
- Report shared with roofer and solar installer
- Removal, new roof and solar installation priced separately
- Temporary weather protection and sequence agreed
Before work starts
In Brussels, Brussels Environment states that drilling asbestos sheets to attach solar panels is prohibited. Asbestos procedures depend on the site and region. Have the applicable conditions confirmed before scheduling work. This preparation does not replace a structural assessment or technical approval of the solar installation.
Demotek SRL (enterprise number 0783.397.239) appears on the official FPS Employment list. Approval covers glove-bag removal and hermetically sealed enclosures. The method suited to your site is defined after assessment.
Asbestos rules and official sourcesYour questions
Can solar panels go on an asbestos roof without drilling?
A system described as drill-free is not permission to proceed. In Flanders, OVAM prohibits such structures on asbestos-cement roofs. Have the project assessed before choosing a fixing system and prepare replacement of the affected covering.
Official sources
The covering is new but the underlay is old: what needs checking?
Have the fixings, access and cable routes assessed for contact with the underlay. A report covering only the roof tiles does not answer that question. Describe known layers and uninspected areas; do not open the roof yourself to complete the records.
Does Demotek also install the new roof and solar panels?
This page concerns preparation for asbestos removal. Do not assume that new roofing, insulation or solar panels are included. Have the responsible companies and scope boundaries stated in the quotes before agreeing a schedule.
Panels are already installed: what information should I provide?
Mention the panels, installer’s contact details and available roof documents. Have work on the electrical installation and access to the covering coordinated by the relevant professionals. Do not remove panels or fixings yourself where materials are suspect.