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Can Roofing Contain Asbestos? Yes — And It Should Be Tested.
Many roofing products manufactured before the 1990s contain asbestos fibers. Asbestos was widely used in roofing for its durability, heat resistance, and lightweight strength. It was mixed into a variety of materials to extend product life, resist fire, and reduce roof load.Before any roof removal, repair, or replacement, it’s critical to determine if asbestos is present.
Roofing Materials That May Contain Asbestos
The following roofing components are known to commonly contain asbestos:
- Corrugated asbestos roofing panels
- Roof flashing and cement
- Cement-based shingles
- Felt paper and underlayment
- Roof sealants and mastics
- Asphalt shingles (pre-1980s)
- Tar-based roofing materials
- Roofing caulking and adhesives
- Vents and roof coatings
- Built-up roofing layers and membranes
Even if materials look modern, asbestos-containing products can still exist under multiple layers—especially on older buildings or commercial properties.
Why Was Asbestos Used in Roofing?
Roofing products required materials that could:
- Resist fire and heat
- Withstand UV and weather damage
- Remain strong under structural load
- Stay lightweight for installation
- Last for decades without decay
Asbestos met all of these needs. It has a tensile strength greater than steel, is chemically inert, and was cheap to produce—making it a go-to additive for manufacturers until it was regulated.
Notable Manufacturers That Used Asbestos in Roofing
- Johns Manville – Transite corrugated roofing, cement shingles
- GAF / Ruberoid – Shingles, roof coatings, felt
- Flintkote Company – Roofing shingles and Rexalt coating
- Fiberboard Corporation – Rolled roofing, felt
- Barrett Roofing – Roofing cement
- AmChem / Black Cat Roof Coating
- Georgia-Pacific, National Gypsum, Asbestone
Even if your roof’s brand isn’t listed, it may still contain asbestos. Manufacturer lists are not exhaustive, and product labeling may be missing or incorrect.
When Should You Test Roofing for Asbestos?
Testing is required or recommended when:
- You’re planning a roof replacement or repair
- The roof is damaged, leaking, or degrading
- The structure was built before 1985 (or materials are suspect)
- You’re filing for a CDPHE demolition permit
- You need documentation for due diligence, insurance, or sale
- Local permitting or your roofing contractor requests clearance
Colorado Regulation 8 requires testing if more than 32 sq ft of suspect material will be disturbed during renovation or demolition.
Risks of Roofing Asbestos Exposure
When roofing materials containing asbestos are cut, pried, torn, or scraped, fibers can become airborne. High-risk activities include:
- Tear-offs
- Drilling or cutting vents
- Removing flashing or underlayment
- Grinding sealants or mastics
- Hauling or dumping roofing debris
Inhaled fibers can cause:
- Asbestosis
- Mesothelioma
- Lung cancer
Exposure also creates liability for workers, contractors, building occupants, and the property owner.
Enviocore’s Roofing Asbestos Testing Process
1. On Site Evaluation
Our CDPHE-certified inspector visits the site to identify all suspect materials on:
- Sloped and flat roofs
- Flashing, valleys, and vents
Underlayment and layers beneath tear-off zones
2. Sample Collection
We extract small, minimally invasive samples of roofing material. All samples are:
- Properly sealed and documented
- Labeled by location and material type
Sent to a NVLAP-accredited laboratory3. Sample Collection
4. Lab Analysis
Samples are analyzed using:
- PLM (Polarized Light Microscopy) – Standard method for roofing
- TEM available if regulatory sensitivity is needed
5. Final Report
You receive a digital report within:
- 24 hours (standard turnaround)
- Same-day (expedited available)
Reports include:
- Sample locations and material description
- Lab results and asbestos content
- Regulatory notes and compliance status
- Next-step recommendations
Roofing Asbestos Testing FAQs
It added fire resistance, strength, and lifespan at a low cost. It was ideal for heat- and weather-exposed materials like roofs.
If older layers or reused materials are present, yes. Asbestos-containing products may still exist under newer roofs.
If the repair disturbs 32+ sq ft of material, testing is required by CDPHE Regulation 8.
You’ll need to hire a licensed General Abatement Contractor (GAC) to remove the affected material before work can resume.
What Is Your Roofing Project?
If you’re considering replacing old roofing, call EnvioCore today. We will help you find out what you’re dealing with before you risk exposing your family or workers to the dangers of asbestos fibers.