How To Manage Asbestos Roofs
For many shingle roofs in Jacksonville Beach, especially those on homes built around the early twentieth century, a common roofing shingle used was asbestos based. A durable, fireproof, waterproof and very wind resistant product, asbestos shingles are an age-old anomaly still protecting homes almost a century later. Unfortunately, many insurance companies view these roofs as a possible hazard and consequently are not underwriting homes with roofs over 15 years old and of course asbestos shingle roofs fall into this category.
Asbestos exposure in most instances pose serious health risks including lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. But the shingles used on roofs a century ago were actually coated with a substance that kept the shingle pretty much intact so asbestos particles, left undisturbed usually pose no health risk. Additionally, if your asbestos roof shingles are in good condition, free of vegetation growth or damaged of any kind, they are unlikely to pose a health hazard. If, however asbestos roof shingles become damaged, cracked, or broken their fibers can be released into the air causing significant health risks to anyone exposed.
General Information About Asbestos Itself
For many years manufacturers and mining companies of asbestos were aware of the deadly side effects of asbestos exposure and said and did nothing to protect their workers. The harmful effects of asbestos occur when someone breathes in the airborne, tiny sharp fibers, or asbestos dust which gets ingested into the body and lodges itself in the lungs or stomach lining. Over many years, this deadly material lies dormant but its irritations cause many different types of diseases and ailments, along with different types of cancer not easily cured.
The use of asbestos being mined and manufactured into products ranging from automobile brake liners, hot water and steam lines wrapping in ships, additives in cement and construction products and even asbestos used in household products was actually banned in 1989 in the US.
Can I Install Asphalt Shingles, Metal or Tile Roofing Products Over it?
If you have an asbestos shingle roof it is very important not to disturb the roofing material by attempting to cover it up with any type of roofing product. Nailing into these fibrous products can disturb the existing material and cause an unsafe environment. The underlining roof structure needs to be assessed for any damage that will need to be removed and stabilized before a new roof can be installed.
If you have damaged or a deteriorated asbestos shingle roof it is best removed by a professionally licensed remediation contractor.
Also repairing an asbestos shingle roof is not recommended for any reason. Pulling off broken shingles or portions of the asbestos shingles will disturb the existing asbestos. Also, it will be impossible to obtain asbestos shingles to match the originals since they are illegal to sell.
Most municipalities have specific guidelines and codes used to protect the general public from asbestos exposure. Permits are necessary for the removal of asbestos-containing building materials, and there are strict regulations regarding the disposal of discarded asbestos-containing products, which must be done in a licensed facility. Materials containing as little as 1% asbestos usually are subject to these restrictions and enforcement and fines maybe severe if not properly adhered to.
Why Choose Sunrise Roofing Company
If you are unsure whether you should replace your roof, no matter what it is made of: asbestos shingles, metal, tile or asphalt shingles, give us a call! We can evaluate the condition and composition of your roof, check for damage, and help you understand your options for roof repair or replacement. Give us a call at 904-323-1929 for a free roofing evaluation and inspection today. We can help you with all your roofing services, including roof replacement, roof maintenance and roof repair. We are a General Contractor as well as a Licensed Roofing Contractor in Jacksonville Beach servicing all of North Florida with over 25 years-experience.
