Painting Super 66 roof

[whatever]

Is it possible to paint the super 6 roof? If so, how do I go about it?

thanks

Jordan

[re do 4 u]

I know it as "super 6", the large corrogated fibro stuff. be CAREFUL with it, it is ASBESTOS based.

I would probably just paint it with something like solargard. if it hasen't been painted before it might soak up the first coat, so you could start with a cheap water based undercoat. don't be tempted to clean it first as you will disturb the surface fibres. maybe if it is covered with lichen or mould, a dose of chlorine applied with a soft broom would be ok. also, make sure you walk on the screw lines so it dosen't crack.

[IanA]

Take great care walking on that stuff, Super 6 can be really brittle, and often is not installed with safety mesh underneath. Riding it to the concrete floor below can hurt!!

Also check out if there are any roof light panels. Some of the older fibreglass sheets are difficult to distinguish when you are on the roof. Most Super 6 roofs did not use fibreglass rooflight panels, but there are a few out there.

The asbestos should be disturbed as little a possible, don't do anything likely to raise any dust, don't use a spray gun!!
You may be able to get a foam roller of the correct profile, they are certainly available to suit Custom Orb.

Wetting down first with water will help to compensate for the sheeting absorbing the first coat of paint, if you are using acrylic paint, but don't do this if you are using some other types of paint.

Get some advice from a specialist paint shop (not your local hardware store) if you want a long term solution, I'm not sure how long acrylic will last on a badly weathered AC surface.

Asbestos kills slowly, a fall from a roof can do the job musc quicker. Fall arrest gear would be high on my list.

Good luck. Let uss know how you get on.

[whatever]

Yeah, I know it is asbestos based. That is why you are not allowed to high pressure clean the surface.

I was told that the firbo kind of let the roof space breath, so it is not a good idea to paint it and seal the surface. I am worried that the moisture in the roof sapce will come through the fibro and cause the paint to peel.

Replace it with colorbond is just a bit too costly right now. Around 12 grand for floor sapce of around 120sqm.

[julianx]

I have to ask why you want to paint the roof. If it's purly for aesthetic reasons then I think I would prioritise my lungs a bit higher than a clean roof. Also 12 grand sounds excessive to me I'd get a few more quotes

[Eastie]

I’ve dealt with a few hangars around Australia clad in super 6 and it was the biggest headache to deal with. The main problem I encountered (other than freak hail storms and cyclones) was to do with the cement bonding component breaking down leaving what is referred to as a “furry lining” – asbestos without any bonding agent holding it in.
If this is the case then have it removed by a licensed removalist.

There is a crude test that can be performed for this but to do so would cause asbestos fibres to be released – thus I’m not going to tell you how. However on close inspection of the surface should you be able to see small fibrous clumps of material then you have a large problem.

If you do go down the line of temporary restoration there are specific products available for encapsulating asbestos cement sheeting – your local paint dealer may be able to help or try through the yellow pages. You can expect a maximum of 10 years before you have to deal with it again – contrary to some of the claims made by manufacturers. From memory the treatment and application cost around $50 m2 and that was commercial rates for areas in excess of 2500 m2 and incudes other equipment often required such as a crane and dogbox.

The presence of mould and/or lichen will also determine whether top-coating encapsulation will be effective, as is keeping the roof free from both after coating otherwise it will break down.

All said and done I will repeat the best advice that has been given by others - get the stuff removed by a licensed removalist.

Mark

[GCP310]

I did see in one of the Gold Coast papers a new painting process specially for asbestos roofing. the process is different to normal paint in that it soaks in and attaches itself to the Black "mold" that commonly found on asbestos roofing. this seals it and allows the paint to adhere to the roof.

I shall look thru the weekend papers again and post later tonight the name of the company that does it. Its some space age american licenced process.

G

[GCP310]

Sorry mate, seams i have thrown the paper out that had the advert in it.

I do know its a local goldcoast company who specializes in it.

G

[whatever]

Thanks for the help people, I think I will get a few more quotes on replacing the roof and go from there. Personally I do not want to touch the asbestos if I can avoid it.

Cheers

Jordan