Asbestos was once a widely used building material, especially in siding and roofing material. Despite its versatility and efficiency, it can be dangerous if damaged or disturbed. In this post, I help answer the most frequently asked questions about asbestos roofing and provide information about several local roofing contractors.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a combination of six naturally occurring fibrous minerals (chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, anthophyllite, tremolite, and actinolite) and is used in roofing and siding materials. Because of its ability to resist heat, fire, electricity, and even sound, it was considered the perfect material for roofing and siding materials, two areas of a home that see the most sun and withstand the most from Mother Nature.
Roofing shingles that contain asbestos were used primarily on homes (and larger buildings) constructed before 1980. Despite its toxicity, it has yet to be banned by the EPA. Asbestos, however, was a hazardous air pollutant regulated by the Clean Air Act of 1970.
Asbestos can be found in roofing shingles, but also in a number of other roofing materials including tar, asphalt liquids, roofing felt, caulking, sealant, roofing cement, cement-based shingles, flashings, vents, and corrugated roofing.
What is the danger?
Asbestos is generally considered safe as long as it is contained. When the roofing shingles and other materials containing asbestos become damaged from normal wear and tear or inclement weather, the asbestos becomes disturbed and airborne, also known as “friable.”
When asbestos particles become friable, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled and ingested. These fibers cling to any tissue in the body’s respiratory system, which even our immune system cannot fight.
When inhaled or ingested, asbestos can cause a handful of serious medical conditions including mesothelioma, chronic respiratory illness, and asbestosis.
Illnesses caused by asbestos exposure are difficult to diagnose. It can take between 10 and 50 years for the effects of asbestos exposure to manifest into noticeable symptoms.
It's important to be clear that according to the EPA, there is no safe level of asbestos exposure.
When left contained and undisturbed, asbestos could be considered safe; but on a roof, especially the roof of an older home, there is a good chance that a tile or shingle could be disturbed and releasing asbestos fibers.
Can a roof with asbestos shingles be repaired?
No. First, these shingles are no longer manufactured. Second, it is against the City of Omaha building code to repair roofs with asbestos. And third, finding the same type of shingle available is near impossible because once removed from existing homes, they are sealed and disposed of differently than regular roofing materials.
Additionally, if you were to repair your roof on your own, there is a good chance you will damage additional shingles and the underlayment in the process.
How do you remove it?
If you suspect your roof or the roof of a home you are considering purchasing to contain asbestos, have it inspected by a professional asbestos contractor before disturbing or removing it. Unless you are a professional, do not attempt to inspect or remove anything on your own.
There are several steps a contractor must do to remove and dispose of asbestos roofing materials. In the state of Nebraska, a contractor must fill out a form from the state letting them know where the job site is and the details of the replacement. The state needs to be informed of how the home and roof will be prepared, removed, and disposed of. Once approved, one of three state inspectors will verify that the site is properly protected.
When a contractor removes this type of material from your roof or siding, they will be covered head-to-toe in protective gear including a respirator mask. This is to ensure that there is absolutely no exposure to the material. Asbestos is incredibly dangerous, even if exposed to it just once.
Contractors will spread a plastic sheet on the ground around the house where the material is being removed. They will then wet down the asbestos roof with water and liquid soap; this is to limit dust particles in the air. The goal is to keep the asbestos material wet, even after removal.
Using a flat pry bar, they will remove the roofing material starting from the top and working their way down. All asbestos material will be placed in plastic bags and sealed, then taken to the landfill. Operators at the landfill need to be informed in advance of any asbestos materials being dropped off. The landfill only accepts this type of material twice a week and will assign contractors a window of time to drop off the materials.
Should I buy a home with asbestos roofing?
This is a tough question to answer. As long as the roof is intact and in good condition, you should be fine. Just know that if you live in any home long enough, you will likely be replacing a roof at some point. (Keep in mind, however, that slate roof tiles containing asbestos have been known to last up to 100 years.) Understand that replacing a roof that has asbestos shingles will cost more because of the precautions the contractors have to take in order to safely remove and dispose of the hazardous materials.
Again, if you are looking at a home that you suspect has asbestos materials, hire an asbestos inspector to ease your mind. Make sure they thoroughly examine the entire roof and provide you with a written report of his/her findings. The only way to know for sure if a roof has asbestos is to have a professional collect a small sample and send it to a laboratory for testing.
Should your inspector find asbestos in the roofing materials, and you would like to have this abated, this is something you can work into your negotiation and purchase agreement for the home. Be aware that many insurance companies no longer insure roofs with asbestos shingles. Some companies that do may require the roof to be inspected and provided a certified letter stating that it’s in good condition. It’s best to contact your insurance company to know what is and what is not covered.
Generally, you might not have to worry too much about that because wear and tear of a roof is fairly common, especially in Omaha with the frequency of hail and gusty winds we experience, which necessitates replacing the roof. Generally, on older homes with slate tile shingles, you’ll find asbestos in the materials. These types of shingles add character and charm to older homes, but can be dangerous when disturbed and also expensive to repair.
Local Companies and Reviews
South O Roofing
Phone: (402) 612-0791
Website: https://southoroofing.com
BBB Rating: A
Positive reviews: South O Roofing is praised for its professional service, timeliness, the quality of work, and for being able to make the process seamless and easy to understand
Rooforia Home Exteriors
Phone: (402) 281-2891
Website: http://rooforiaexteriors.com
BBB Rating: A+
Positive reviews: Rooforia is highly rated for its contractors’ strong work ethic, reliability, and the quality of work completed.
Red Rhino Roofs
Phone: (402) 502-4270
Website: http://redrhinoroofs.com
BBB Rating: A+
Positive Reviews: Red Rhino roofs are touted as being prompt, professional, and attentive throughout the entire process.
Royalty Roofing and Renovations
Phone: (402) 216-8850
Website: https://royaltyroofing.org
BBB Rating: A+
Positive Reviews: Royalty Roofing and Renovations are praised for being knowledgeable about the whole process, including questions involving insurance. According to reviews, they are also prompt, attentive and available to answer questions or address concerns.
Thompson and Thompson 3rd Generation
Phone: (402) 296-6051
Website: https://www.thompsonthird.com
BBB Rating: A+
Positive reviews: Thompson and Thompson, 3rd Generation is known for being friendly and professional, and having excellent communication skills when dealing with insurance companies.
Additional Resources
EPA: Asbestos Laws and Regulations
Omaha Asbestos Contact for EPA
Doug Gillespie
(402) 471-0548
doug.gillespie@nebraska.gov
