Many garage roofs which contain asbestos are constructed using flat or corrugated sheets of cement.
How to tell if roof shingles contain asbestos.
If they look old they might have asbestos fibers in them.
Look at the joints.
It has a very distinct style as seen here.
Accordingly if the material contains less than 1 asbestos it is safe and does not require removal.
Asbestos sheets are often fixed together by aluminium runners held on by small nails without a point on the end.
Inside the sheets will be held together in a similar way by plastic or wooden runners.
Most of the times asbestos roofing materials are not dangerous if not damaged and left undisturbed.
Cement which contains asbestos is usually fairly thin with visible fibres running through it.
When mixed with other materials asbestos can be hard to detect but in its regular form it comes in blue brown and white varieties.
When taking a sample be very careful because asbestos dust can get into the lungs and cause cancer.
It is also important to be concerned if the material used contains asbestos.
Asbestos shingles were so common during the 20th century that almost any shingles installed between 1920 and 1986 probably include asbestos.
The only way to safely know whether the roof tiles contain asbestos or not is to have a sample professionally checked under a microscope that uses polarized light.
Mineral fiber probably the easiest to recognize of possible mesothelioma contributing materials is this product.
On roofs themselves asbestos cement can be frequently found in the form of panels gutters insulation roof shingles siding downpipes or the entire roof itself.
Here are some ways to help identify if your garage roof contains asbestos.
The risk here is quite low in fact it is very difficult to determine if the shingles contain asbestos roofing material without a lab test.
Asbestos is a popular material that has been used to reinforce concrete shingles.
The result of the test will lead you to the next step.
Look at the joints.
Also look around the siding roofing and soffit materials for small dimples or shallow craters on the surface which are signs of asbestos.
Therefore when deciding to get a sample do so with certain precautions.
This government guide contains a useful diagram to identify where asbestos may be present on your property.
The only way to know for sure whether your roof contains asbestos is to have a sample tested by professionals in a certified laboratory.
If you don t know the age of the shingles inspect them for wear.
How is it constructed.
Asbestos sheets are often fixed together by aluminium runners held on by blunt ended nails.
What does it look like.
To determine if your building has asbestos check areas where the material was most commonly used like the roof bathroom and basement.
According to roofers taking care of an asbestos roof requires a different approach so that id does not become a health hazard to the residents.
