Homeowners with older properties may be living with a hidden danger overhead: asbestos shingles roof. Shingles, which were once praised for their endurance and fire resistance, now pose significant health risks. It is essential to identify and manage them correctly to protect your family and home. If you doubt your roof has asbestos, contact a professional asbestos testing service to address the issue instantly.
What are the signs of diseases linked with asbestos? Mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer, but they appear after twenty to fifty years of asbestos exposure. Therefore, it’s good to understand what asbestos shingles are, how they affect your health, and why professional testing is necessary.
What Are Asbestos Shingles?
From the early 1900s to the 1980s, asbestos shingles on roof structures were quite common. They were valued for their lightweight, weather-resistance, and fireproofing; however, these advantages can be costly, as prolonged exposure to asbestos in shingles can result in severe and, at times, fatal diseases.
The shingles were typically designed to mimic the appearance of slate or other durable roofing materials, making them more difficult for homeowners to distinguish. Today, many older properties still contain this, providing space for hidden dangers.
To confirm whether your house contains asbestos, scheduling a professional asbestos testing service is the most reliable way to know about its presence.
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Are Asbestos Shingles Still Legal?
In the United States, the use of asbestos in new products has been essentially banned, but existing buildings with asbestos shingle roof materials have not been removed. This means millions of buildings and homes still have asbestos. However, apart from the legal aspects, strict safety guidelines must also be followed regarding removal and handling.
Health Risks of Asbestos Shingles
Asbestos shingles might look harmless when intact. However, once they start cracking, deteriorating, or disturbing during roof repairs, they release tiny fibers into the air. Inhaling them, lets them
settle in the lungs, resulting in life-threatening conditions over time.
Some common dangers associated with asbestos roofing shingles are:
- Mesothelioma: It is a rare but aggressive cancer.
- Asbestosis: It is lung scarring, making breathing quite difficult.
- Lung Cancer: With asbestos roof shingles, there is a probability of lung cancer and respiratory issues.
To fully understand the risks, consider a professional asbestos inspection and assessment to determine the extent of your roof’s exposure.
Additionally, consider the symptoms of asbestos exposure and skin issues to gain more knowledge about the health effects caused by asbestos in roof shingles. This outlines common warnings linked to asbestos exposure.
How to Identify Asbestos Shingles?
Asbestos fibers are microscopic; therefore, simply visual inspection cannot confirm their presence, but there are a few clues that can help in determining whether there are asbestos roof shingles:
- You got the roof shingles asbestos installed between 1900–1980.
- You selected asbestos in shingles that resemble slate or cement board.
- Your roof has brittle, gray-colored shingles with fibrous edges.
Never try to remove or break shingles. It’s best to request certified professionals for asbestos air quality testing. The testing guarantees safe handling and reduces exposure risks.
Why You Should Test for Asbestos in Shingles Immediately?
The longer you delay asbestos testing services, the worse the problem will become. Aging property, weather, or DIY repairs can release asbestos fibers in abundance. Therefore, immediate testing provides mental relaxation and helps prevent long-term health issues.
Despite shingles appearing intact, asbestos roofing shingles can deteriorate without warning. Therefore, homeowners should address every case equally hazardous unless proven safe. Testing asbestos shingles roof materials on time can protect your family and ensure the property value doesn’t decrease.
Contact Teton Environmental for asbestos inspection and assessment.
Professional Asbestos Testing with Teton Environmental
Handling asbestos shingles on roof surfaces is a challenging job. It requires expertise and special equipment. That’s why professionals follow strict safety standards for testing, containing, and managing the material without contamination risk.
Regardless of whether you reside in an older home or buy a property that might have asbestos shingle roof, you must collaborate with certified professionals. They can guide you through remediation and safety measures.
Explore Teton Environmental’s Environmental Testing Services for reliable testing, inspections, and management strategies customized according to your property.
