Asbestos Roofing Tiles: What You Need to Know

Asbestos roofing tiles were once a popular choice for homes and buildings due to their durability and fire-resistant properties.

They were widely used from the 1920s to the 1980s, with over 80% of homes in the United States having asbestos-containing roofing materials.

The use of asbestos in roofing tiles was phased out in the 1980s due to growing health concerns.

Asbestos fibers can be released into the air when the tiles are disturbed, posing a risk to human health.

Asbestos roofing tiles were a popular choice for homes and buildings in the mid-20th century.

They were made from a mixture of asbestos fibers, cement, and other materials, which provided excellent insulation and fire-resistant properties.

Asbestos roofing tiles were often used on homes and buildings in the 1950s to 1980s, with some still standing today.

These tiles were prized for their durability and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions, including heavy rain and intense sunlight.

Asbestos roofing tiles were also relatively inexpensive to produce and install, making them a cost-effective option for builders.

However, the use of asbestos in roofing tiles has been largely phased out due to its health risks and environmental concerns.

Asbestos roofing tiles were used extensively in the 20th century, with various types being manufactured for different applications.

Cement asbestos roof sheets, shingles, and tiles were used to secure joints, repair leaks, and protect roofs from fire, water, and weather.

Some common types of asbestos roofing tiles include cement sheets and shingles, which were used to secure joints and repair leaks.

Here are some common types of asbestos roofing tiles:

These tiles were often used in conjunction with other asbestos products, such as caulks and mastics, to create a durable and long-lasting roof.

Asbestos roof shingles were manufactured and supplied from 1920 until 1986. They came in different materials, with asphalt being the most common.

Asphalt asbestos shingles were used on the majority of homes and buildings. They contained asbestos and were often made with added pigment, making them available in various colors.

Asbestos roof shingles were made with materials like asphalt or cement. Asphalt asbestos shingles were the most likely to contain asbestos.

Cement asbestos shingles were less common than asphalt shingles. They were most often used for outdoor structures and low-income housing.

Cement asbestos shingles were used in the past, but their use has largely been phased out due to the risks associated with asbestos exposure. This type of shingle was less common than asphalt shingles.

Here are some key facts about cement asbestos shingles:

Asbestos roofing tiles were a common product in the past, but many companies manufactured and supplied them without warning about the health risks. Some of these companies include Atlantic Asphalt and Asbestos Corporation, Flintkote Corporation, and Johns Manville.

Many types of asbestos roofing products existed, including cement sheets, shingles, and tiles, which were used to secure joints and protect roofs from fire, water, and weather. Corrugated asbestos roofing, popular in the U.S. from 1920 to 1960, combined asbestos fibers with Portland cement for added strength and durability.

Several companies used asbestos in their roofing products, including GAF, Johns Manville, and CertainTeed. These companies, along with many others, put millions of people at risk of asbestos exposure. Here are some of the companies that manufactured or supplied asbestos roofing shingles:

Asbestos was a key material in many roofing products for much of the 20th century, putting countless workers and their loved ones at risk of exposure.

Caulks, Seals, & Mastics were used to repair and maintain roofs, extending their lifespan by fixing leaks or damage. These materials were a crucial part of roofing maintenance.

Cement Sheets, Shingles & Tiles were used to secure joints, repair leaks, and protect roofs from fire, water, and weather. They were a staple in many roofing applications.

Corrugated Asbestos Roofing was popular in the U.S. from 1920 to 1960 and combined asbestos fibers with Portland cement for added strength and durability. This type of roofing was widely used during its time.

Asbestos roofing felt provided waterproofing and insulation, creating a durable layer to protect against weathering. It was an essential component in many roofing systems.

Asbestos was used in roof flashing to prevent water leaks around dormers, skylights, and vent pipes. Flashing was a critical aspect of roofing design.

Asbestos roof insulation was applied to improve energy efficiency and protect against extreme temperatures. It was a popular choice for many builders.

Transite Roofing Panels, also known as corrugated asbestos cement roofing sheets, were often used on commercial and industrial buildings that created harsh conditions. They were a common sight in many industrial areas.

Here are some of the specific applications where Transite Roofing Panels were used:

Companies that manufactured or supplied asbestos roofing shingles include Asbestos Corrugated Sheathing, Asbestos Shingle, Slate and Sheathing Company, and Atlantic Asphalt and Asbestos Corporation, among others.

Some notable companies involved in the asbestos industry are CertainTeed Corporation/Saint Gobain Corporation, Eternit Corporation, Flintkote Corporation, and GAF Corporation.

Asbestos was used in roofing products by dozens of corporations, including Bird & Son, Inc., CertainTeed, Ehret Magnesia Manufacturing Co., and GAF.

Companies like H.H. Robertson, Johns Manville, and Philip Carey Manufacturing Co. also produced asbestos-based roofing products.

Here's a list of some of the companies involved in the asbestos industry:

Asbestos in roofing tiles is a serious concern, and it's essential to understand the risks involved. A single exposure to asbestos is all it takes for some workers to develop mesothelioma.

The greater the frequency, the heavier the exposure, and the longer the duration of occupational asbestos exposure, the greater the risks to health. Factory workers involved in the production of asbestos roof shingles would have experienced high levels of exposure.

Roofers and roofing contractors faced the highest risk of exposure since they handled asbestos shingles, tar paper, and adhesives on a daily basis. Carpenters, construction workers, and other professionals also had a high risk of exposure.

Asbestos exposure can cause a range of serious health problems, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.

Family members could also be at risk of asbestos-related cancers and diseases due to secondary exposure. This could occur when someone who worked with or around asbestos brought home fibers with them on their clothing, skin, or hair.

Here are some occupations that are at a higher risk of asbestos exposure from roofing products:

Asbestos exposure occurs when the microscopic fibers are disturbed and become airborne. This can happen during activities such as roof repairs, removal of asbestos shingles, cutting of shingles, drilling or puncturing of shingles, demolitions, and house fires.

Construction workers are at risk of asbestos exposure from roof shingles. A single exposure to asbestos can be enough to cause mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining around the stomach.

Roofers, builders, and carpenters are among the construction workers who may be exposed to asbestos in roof shingles. They handle asbestos shingles, tar paper, and adhesives on a daily basis.

Demolition workers and sheet metal workers are also at risk of asbestos exposure from roof shingles. In fact, a study published by the Environmental Health journal found that roofing is a high-risk occupation for lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma.

The risks of asbestos exposure are not limited to construction workers who handle roof shingles. Even bystanders, such as firefighters, may be exposed to asbestos when a building catches fire and the roof is damaged.

Here's a list of some construction workers who may be exposed to asbestos in roof shingles:

If you're a construction worker who's been exposed to asbestos, it's essential to educate yourself on the risks and see a doctor right away if you notice symptoms of mesothelioma.

You can't visually identify asbestos in roofing shingles, so professional testing is the only way to know for sure.

Professional testing is the only way to confirm the presence of asbestos in roofing shingles. You should never climb onto the roof and try to determine this for yourself.

Homeowners insurance may cover the cost of replacing asbestos materials, including an entire roof replacement, due to the safety concerns with asbestos roofs aging. If you're unsure, you can get a free roof inspection to determine if your roof has asbestos.

Roof inspections to determine if your roof has asbestos are free. If the inspection discovers asbestos, a roofing company can be a great advocate for the homeowner when dealing with insurance.

You'll need to hire an asbestos technician to conduct a survey assessing the area of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) and give you an estimated price for removal services. This can cost hundreds of dollars, with the average price ranging from $25/m2 to $50/m2.