Asbestos encapsulation in Cape Town
Encapsulation seals the surface of sound asbestos cement roof sheets so they can stay in place for now. We apply the coating under our Type 2 registration without any cleaning, scraping or pressure-washing, which the law prohibits. It suits roofs that are still intact; cracked or broken sheets should be removed instead.
Indi Maintenance Services (Pty) Ltd, Registered Asbestos Contractor (Type 2), certificate 2025RAC/CI-180, valid until 26 August 2028. Verify it with the Department of Employment and Labour.
When it suits your roof
- The sheets are intact, with no real cracking, breakage or crumbling edges.
- You want to keep the building as it is for now and plan removal later.
It's not the answer if the sheets are failing, the roof leaks, or you plan solar panels or alterations. Then replacing the roof is usually the better spend.
Why there's no surface preparation
Regulation 24 prohibits cleaning or preparing the surface of asbestos cement. Washing, scraping or brushing would break up the surface and release fibres, so the coating goes on over the roof as it is. A roof with heavy moss or lichen, or one that's breaking up, may not be suitable.
It still follows the legal process
As Type 2 work, encapsulation has a plan of work, a Department notice seven days ahead, a regulated area and a clearance certificate at the end, just like a removal. See how it works.
Questions we get asked
Asbestos removal or encapsulation: which do I need?
It depends on the condition of the roof and your plans for the building. Encapsulation suits sheets that are still sound, where you want to keep the roof for now. Removal is better if the sheets are cracked or broken, or if solar panels, alterations or a new roof are planned. We'll tell you which applies after the site visit.
Does encapsulation make an asbestos roof safe?
It seals the surface of sound sheets, but it doesn't remove the asbestos or change what the roof is made of. The roof still has to be managed as asbestos and can't be drilled, cut or cleaned. We don't make health claims about any roof; the inspection authority's air monitoring gives you measured results.
Can an encapsulated roof be removed later?
Yes. It is removed in the same way as an uncoated asbestos roof, under a new plan of work, with disposal at a designated site and a clearance certificate. Many owners encapsulate a sound roof now and plan removal and a new roof for when the budget allows.
Who may legally encapsulate an asbestos roof?
Encapsulating asbestos cement without surface preparation is Type 2 work, so it must be done under a Type 2 registration. Ours is certificate 2025RAC/CI-180, in the name of Indi Maintenance Services (Pty) Ltd, valid until 26 August 2028. Ask any contractor for a current certificate in the name of the company doing the work.
How long does encapsulation last?
There's no single answer. That depends on how sound the sheets are when they're sealed, and on how much sun, wind, rain and salt air the roof takes. Encapsulation doesn't remove your duty to keep checking the roof's condition.
Get a free quote
Send us the address and a few photos for an estimate within 24 hours, or book a site visit and written quote within 72 hours.