That Old Roof Better be Checked for Asbestos!
- Author C. Michael Hunter
- Published November 16, 2011
- Word count 565
The characteristics of asbestos are why it has been incorporated into hundreds of commercial products. Properties such as incombustibility, high-tensile strength, resistance to corrosion, sound-proofing and thermal insulation are only some of the reasons why this material has been widely used by the construction industry.
The application of this component in many roofing materials has been thought to be hazardous to human health by causing several respiratory problems due to its friability, which is its capacity to crumble. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates products containing more than one percent of asbestos and has separated the construction material into friable and non-friable substances. This is based on the amount of silicate fibers (dust) that are released when the substances are damaged or disturbed. Since this is quite hazardous, it is important to determine if the roofing material on a residence contains this hazardous substance.
Identifying Asbestos in Roofs
If a house was built before the 1980’s, it more than likely contains some type of asbestos materials, according to many experts from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Only microscopic laboratory testing (polarized light microscopy) can confirm the presence of the substance when it is cut, sawed, and disturbed. It comes in various colors, depending on how it was used. The more common colors are white, brown, metallic blue, brown-yellow, and green.
Because of the technology used to manufacture asbestos now, it is easy to detect and distinguish it upon a visual inspection; however, a microscope is still needed to determine the type, presence, and amount of the substance.
Products with Asbestos
There are several products that may contain these hazardous fibers. This includes the following: roofing felt; asphalt shingles; roofing tiles; siding shingles; clapboards; sprayed ceiling coatings; troweled coatings; textured paints; ceiling tiles; and spackle.
Exposure to asbestos fibers is very risky as they are considered to be a carcinogen; inhalation of the dust is extremely harmful to human health. Therefore, it is imperative to identify any materials that may possibly contain this substance.
Essential Safety Reminders
Not ALL asbestos-containing products are dangerous, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Exposure is less likely to happen if the material is in good condition; however, if the products are disturbed due to repairs and renovations, it will more than likely lead to the fibers being released and put the occupants of the home at risk. To avoid this possibility, asbestos-containing products should be maintained in good condition. In addition, remember that when the product is damaged or disturbed, prompt isolation of the area should be done and the location should also be isolated to avoid disturbing the substance. After this has been accomplished, an inspector should be contacted immediately for a consultation.
Sometimes when roofing materials easily crumble and crush, it is mistakenly thought to be a result of the aging process. Although possibly true, it could also result from the crumbling of asbestos-containing products. While the degree of friability is usually gauged by how greatly the release of carcinogenic fibers will pose a health hazard, knowing how to identify this substance will help lessen the exposure of household members to its health risks. It is important to be familiar with the types of roofing materials that contains asbestos, especially with older homes. The residence should be checked for this substance so as not to compromise the health of all the household members!
C. Michael Hunter is an expert in residential and commercial roofing. To find out more about Houston Roofers, go to the main website at: http://www.schulteroofing.com.
Article source: https://articlebiz.comRate article
Article comments
There are no posted comments.
Related articles
- Decorating the Humble Ranch House This Holiday Season with Vintage Carved Wood Furniture
- Personalized Carved Wood Doors: Your Gateway to Resort-Style Living at Home
- Cozy Neutrals and Natural Textures: Creating Your Deep, Lived-In Sanctuary
- Home for the Holidays: Creating Wholesome Spaces with Vintage Furniture and Antique Carved Doors
- The Style Upgrade: Why Coretec Floors Outshine Traditional Vinyl
- What’s the Best Way to Plan a Kitchen Remodel in Baltimore? Expert Answers to Common Questions
- Shades of Blue, Dramatic Doors, and a Luxe Music Room
- Curating Vintage Treasures for the Luxury Ranch Farmhouse
- Creating a Sacred Yoga Studio with Carved Wood and Vintage Elements
- Texture that Transforms: Styling Rooms with Custom Sisal Rugs
- Creating Holiday Magic with Vintage Furniture
- 10 Ways to Style Carved Doors in Apartments
- Why Designers Love Patina: The Beauty of Aged Carved Woods
- The Journey of Carved Doors: From Old Palaces to Modern Homes
- How to choose your kitchen worktop for a renovation?
- The Ultimate Home Comfort Checklist: Why Jasper Residents Trust Messmer Mechanical.
- Wildly Elegant: Why Antelope Carpet Is the Ultimate Patterned Carpet for Luxury Homes
- The Art of Carved Doors: From Rustic Charm to Modern Elegance
- Refresh Your Home with the Carefree Spirit of Boho Decor
- The Charm of Modern Farmhouse Décor
- Luxury That Lasts: Why Happy Feet Flooring Is a Smart Investment
- How Carpet Runners and Wool Rugs Transform Stairs, Halls, and Rooms
- Bed Bug Infestation Treatment — What Is The Best?
- From Sheep to Chic: The Style Power of New Zealand Wool Carpet
- North Valley Solar Power
- West Texas Desert Retreat: Eclectic Outdoor Living Spaces & Vintage Tables
- Mountain Cabins Bring Character
- Statement Wall Entryway with Carved Wall Panels: A Celebration of Old World Artistry
- Vintage Hand-Carved Floral Doors: The Soulful Charm of Old World Design
- The Revival of Patterned Carpet in Modern Interiors