The property's ageing asbestos roof sheeting, before its regulated removal and replacement.
A completed roof with new colour-coated metal sheeting, upgraded supports, insulation, flashings, and waterproofed adjoining areas.
The client contacted iKapa about replacing an existing asbestos roof, plus several other deteriorated or vulnerable areas around the property. The goal was to safely remove the asbestos roofing, install a modern insulated roofing system, replace damaged transparent roof coverings, and improve the waterproofing around the south-facing windows.
Around 300m² of asbestos roof sheeting was safely removed and disposed of by an approved asbestos contractor, in line with the relevant regulations. The roof structure was upgraded with new timber purlins, insulation underlay, colour-coated metal sheeting, flashings, and waterproofing to the adjoining parapets. About 250m² of ceiling insulation was installed to improve thermal performance. A further 15m² of deteriorated polycarbonate sheeting was replaced, and the adjoining zinc roof was serviced — screws replaced, rust treated, and minor waterproofing repairs made. The existing entrance dome was removed and replaced with a new 5m × 5m frame and clear Perspex covering, and the south-facing windows were sealed and waterproofed, with drainage openings added to stop water getting trapped in the frames. The combined project took around a month.
This was a complex, multi-part roofing project — regulated asbestos removal, structural upgrades, new roofing, insulation, and repairs across several adjoining roof and window areas, all coordinated as one job. Replacing asbestos roofing is also an ideal opportunity to upgrade the roof structure and insulation at the same time, improving both weather protection and indoor comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to remove an asbestos roof myself to save on costs? +
No — asbestos removal is regulated for good reason and needs to be handled by an approved asbestos contractor following the correct safety and disposal procedures, not attempted as a DIY job.
Since the roof was already being replaced, why add insulation at the same time? +
Once the old sheeting is off and the structure is exposed, it's the easiest and most cost-effective point to add ceiling insulation — doing it separately later means opening the roof back up.
Why do south-facing windows need extra waterproofing attention in Cape Town? +
South and southeast-facing elevations tend to take the brunt of Cape Town's wind-driven winter rain, so seals and frames on that side wear out faster and need drainage detailing to stop water pooling in the frame.
Need an asbestos roof safely replaced?
Reach out to Ikapa Waterproofing and Roofing for tailored solutions in Cape Town.