Asbestos Roof Removal

Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate mineral that has long, thin fibrous crystals. Since the mid 1980s most developed countries have banned asbestos because of it's health risks. During the late 19th century asbestos was an increasing popular material used among builders because of its resistance to heat, electrical and chemical damage, sound absorption, and tensile strength. Asbestos is toxic, and the inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause serious illness including:

• Malignant Mesothelioma
• Lung Cancer
• Asbestosis (Type of Pneuoconiosis)
  

About Asbestos Shingle Roofs

Asbestos shingle roofs present themselves in a variety of shapes and sizes. The shingles are not entirely asbestos but are of mineral fiber and cement with some asbestos content. The content of asbestos in each shingle varies from each manufacturer with test results ranging from 5% to 35% asbestos in each shingle. The material is commonly referred to as ACM (asbestos containing material), also known as a transite material or a rigid board made of asbestos fibers and cement. The matrix material of transite is so tight that is is very hard for the asbestos to become airborne, unless the material is mishandled or decomposing.

Uses in the roofing industry

Asbestos has been used extensively in the roofing industry throughout the years. Since the health related concerns of asbestos have become apparent, companies that once produced asbestos shingles have ether  ceased business operations or have stopped using the material and found a material that will simulate the properties of asbestos shingles.

While it was commonly thought that asbestos was only used in shingles and sidding, it was also widely used in insulation, felt underlayments, simulated wood trim, electrical insulation, construction lumber, cements, mastics, putties, and other types of selants used in roof aplications. Asbestos was a good mineral to add in many items before the health risks were found out because of its immune forces against heat, weather, moisture, wear, insulation, and sound proofing.

Assesments

If your worried that your home has asbestos problems on your roof siding, or any where throughout the house you need to contact an asbestos testing company as soon as possible. Companies provide certified inspectors who confront asbestos in head on by preparing comprehensive surveys and testing to identify the location and quantity of asbestos containing materials and hazards. Samples are collected of suspected asbestos and are tested. Air sampling in sites is followed by a fiber counting to determine the levels of asbestos fibers present. Asbestos companies can provide services such as:

• Asbestos management
• Carry out all types of asbestos surveys and comprehensive reports with recommendations
• Project management of asbestos removal
• Asbestos Air monitoring
• Issue site clearance certificates
  

Repairs

The best thing to do with asbestos material in good condition s to leave it alone. Disturbing it may cause a health hazard where it did not exist before. Asbestos cement roofing shingles are not likely to release asbestos fibers unless they are sawed, drilled, or cut. If you asbestos roof shingles are in bad share there are two types on corrections repairing or removing.

Repairing- With any type of repair the asbestos remains in place, but it may make later for removal of asbestos.

• Sealing- This involves treating the material with a sealant that either binds the asbestos fibers together of coats over the material so the fibers cannot be released.

• Covering- Involves placing something over or around the material to prevent release of asbestos fibers.
  

All repairs whether they are major or minor should be done by professionals, because with improper handling you could shed years off your life and create a hazard around your home.

If you plan on taking on minor repairs on your own make sure to follow all precautions. You need to use a respirator, and protective clothing, making sure to always wet the asbestos with a few drops of detergent to keep it from becoming airborne. There are commercial products designed to fill holes and seal damaged areas listed in the telephone directory under Safety Equipment and Clothing.