Since asbestos has excellent thermal and insulation qualities, it’s not surprising that the material was extensively used as a Huntsville roofing material in the 20th century. While asphalt-based roofing is more popular today, some buildings still have asbestos roofing. Asbestos shingles are made of a mixture of asbestos and hydraulic cement, raising concerns about its safety. Here, you will know whether or not asbestos shingles can be safe for use.
Asbestos Shingles: What You Should Know?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate mineral that is in the form of long, thin macroscopic crystals. Roofing shingles containing asbestos were popular due to their durability, robustness, and fire resistance. The material did not rot or warp over time and was resistant to damage by insects. But later studies pointed out the adverse health benefits of asbestos. Asbestos-based roofing becomes a health hazard as it ages. Tiny asbestos fibers in the form of powdery dust are released when the roofing is damaged or break downs over time. Once asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can get trapped in the lungs. The fibers accumulate inside the lung over time, causing inflammation and scarring of the lung tissues. As a result, exposure to asbestos fibers can result in lung diseases including asbestosis and mesothelioma. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have classified asbestos as a carcinogen. Asbestos-related diseases can occur only with brief exposures. However, the symptoms typically do not become evident until 10 or even 40 years after exposure to asbestos fibers.
Removal of Asbestos Roofing
Asbestos roofing is sturdy, inexpensive, and fire-resistant. But the material has been banned in many countries due to its health risks. The US is one of the few industrialized countries where asbestos-based roofing continues to be sold in the market. Due to the material’s grave health risks, it is recommended to go for asphalt or other roofing material instead of asbestos shingles. If you have asbestos roofing that shows signs of wear and tear, you should get it removed by an expert asbestos roof removal company. An asbestos roof should be removed with great care due to its associated health hazards. The roof should never be removed by breaking, drilling, or sanding since it can result in the release of microscopic asbestos fibers. To get the asbestos roofing removed in a safe manner, you should contact a roofing removal company. Make sure that the company uses methods that are approved by the EPA. An authorized asbestos removal company will be better equipped to remove asbestos roofing using safe and recommended techniques. Asbestos roofing should be removed while wearing required protective gear, such as face mask and gloves. The company tasked with the removal of asbestos roofing should properly dispose of the roofing material. Not disposing of the material as per the local regulations can result in a heavy fine.
Final Remarks
Asbestos roofing is economical and sturdy. Undisturbed new asbestos roofing does not pose a health risk. But if the roofing material is damaged, it may release asbestos fibers that pose a serious risk to your health. In addition, asbestos roofing becomes problematic over time. The roofing material becomes brittle and starts to deteriorate due to exposure to weather elements, such as hailstorms, rain, and sun. Contact Huntsville roofing company to know about the best type of roofing for your place that meets your roofing requirements and budget.
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