The only way to know for sure whether your roof contains asbestos is to have a sample tested by professionals in a certified laboratory. The result of the test will lead you to the next step. Accordingly, if the material contains less than 1% asbestos, it is safe and does not require removal.
Manufacturers previously commonly printed batch codes on the underside of roofing panels. So it may be worth checking to see whether you can notice any. The batch code identifying asbestos is AC, while for cement fibres it's C or CE.
1989: Asbestos Ban and Phaseout Rule
The rule would have been effective August 25, 1989, but the asbestos lobby successfully fought the ban in court.
How can I check for asbestos in a pitched or flat roof? If you are the property owner, you have several options available to you. Firstly, you could arrange a survey with a specialist asbestos professional, or, you could sample the asbestos roof yourself using an asbestos testing kit.
The three most common asbestos colours that you're most likely to come across whilst working are chrysotile (white asbestos), amosite (brown asbestos) and crocidolite (blue asbestos).
Asbestos Roof Coating is manufactured using premium grade polymers, specially selected for roofing applications requiring exceptional durability, U.V resilience and waterproofing qualities.
Asbestos cement shingles usually have a rougher texture and are more brittle than regular roofing shingles.
The only way to be sure whether a material contains asbestos is to have it tested by a qualified laboratory. EPA only recommends testing suspect materials if they are damaged (fraying, crumbling) or if you are planning a renovation that would disturb the suspect material.
As for how to test for asbestos yourself, only some states allow homeowners to perform a home asbestos test. Check with your state's environmental agency or health department first. If they allow it, you'll be able to purchase a kit with instructions on how to test for asbestos in the air.
Asbestos is no longer added to popcorn ceilings because it's a known health risk. The chances of your ceiling containing asbestos are low for any installations in the late 1980s or after. Newly constructed ceilings don't use asbestos.
Homes built before the 1980s could expose homeowners, their families and others to asbestos. It may hide in cement, floor tiles, insulation, walls and pipes. Our Guide to Asbestos in the Home can help protect you and others from exposure.
If you are concerned about your tiles and want to know for sure if they contain asbestos, you should consider lab testing. EHS uses Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) to test bulk building materials for asbestos.
Asbestos shingles, which are no longer made, can last at most 30 years but aesthetic and performance deterioration is evident much earlier. At this point, it can not be repaired, so it must be replaced and removing them requires special asbestos remediation.
Roofers and other construction workers have long faced the risk of asbestos exposure on the job. Some have developed mesothelioma or other asbestos illnesses and sued the manufacturers responsible. Today, many roofers still work with materials that contain asbestos.
One-time exposure to asbestos can cause diseases, including mesothelioma cancer. Researchers have found repeated exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing asbestos-related cancers. The risk to individuals who have a one-time exposure to asbestos is generally lower compared to long-term or repeated exposure.
Homes built before the 1980s likely have asbestos in them. For instance, if these homes have popcorn ceilings or vinyl flooring, they may contain asbestos. A simple rule is the newer a home is, the less likely it has asbestos materials. Homes built before the 1980s are likely to contain the mineral somewhere.
Your work history, job site records and witness statements come next. Documentation may include your doctor's statement. It must link your asbestos exposure to your diagnosis and should include blood tests and imaging scans.
What does asbestos cement roofing look like? The roof panels are normally a cloudy grey colour and look like a blend of different materials. They are most commonly corrugated (wavy) sheeting like the attached picture.
Asbestos that is in good condition and left undisturbed is unlikely to present a health risk. The risks from asbestos occur when it is damaged or disturbed where asbestos fibers become airborne and can be inhaled. Managing asbestos in place and maintaining it in good repair is often the best approach.
Inspect the surface pattern
Most asbestos materials will have a swirl or dimpled pattern on the surface. Newer materials that don't contain asbestos will have a smoother surface texture. You can't rely on this visual method alone; you should treat a patterned surface with caution.
The use of asbestos in many industries began to decline significantly in the late 1970s, with the enactment of stringent regulations. Many people often wonder, “when did they stop using asbestos?” By 1989, the EPA attempted to phase out asbestos completely, but a full ban remains elusive even today.
Manufacturer's Markings: Check for any manufacturer's markings or stamping on the underside of the shingle; this can be seen from the attic or upon close inspection. Documentation and Receipts: Review any documents from when your roof was installed. These may list the type, brand, and color of the shingles used.