Many older homes in the United States feature asbestos materials used in design and construction. Back in the 1930s to 1950s, home builders viewed asbestos as a strong, lightweight material ideal for roofing and ceiling applications. Asbestos has excellent fire resistance, and it’s a great electrical insulator.
However, public opinion on asbestos changed in the 1970s. People exposed to asbestos started to develop respiratory issues involving the lungs. Soon after, medical science started linking asbestos poisoning to building materials used in home construction.
As a result, no new construction projects after the 70s used asbestos. However, plenty of old construction features asbestos materials used in the roofing system. In the 60s, people would replace these tiles without a second thought.
However, after learning about the health risks associated with the material, homeowners must call a professional contractor to remove asbestos tiles from the roof. Trying to remove the tiles yourself can be dangerous, causing the fibers to spread throughout your home, where family members breathe them in.
So, what do you do if you accidentally removed asbestos tiles from your roof?
Use an At-Home Asbestos Testing Kit
The first thing to do is test the tile to see if it’s asbestos. You can purchase a home testing kit online and use it to test the tile. The test is simple to conduct and readily available from online suppliers like Amazon.
The test takes a few minutes to finish, and you’ll have your answer right away. If you can’t find a testing kit online, call a local roofing contractor with a good reputation in your area.
The contractor will tell you if the tile has any asbestos in it. If they find you have an asbestos roofing system, they can arrange the roof’s removal, disposal, and replacement.
Consult with a Roofing Specialist for Asbestos Tile Removal
It’s critical you replace an asbestos roof for the health of your family. Asbestos causes horrible hardening of the tissues in the lungs and painful, slow death over many years.
Check your insurance policy to see if you have a clause allowing for replacing asbestos roofs. If you work with a professional roofing contractor, they can file and negotiate your claim with your insurer on your behalf, saving you the time and hassle of dealing with them yourself.
A professional roofing contractor has plenty of experience in removing asbestos roofs. They have the skills and equipment required to remove it without releasing the fibers into the air in your home.
They’ll remediate the air after they finish the job and replace the roof with durable, long-lasting materials at an affordable price.
Wet asbestos needs immediate expedition of the materials. Inhalation risk is low with wet asbestos, but it is still present. Fortunately, a professional roofing contractor will have respirator equipment on hand to prevent the fibers from entering the lungs.
Choose the right partner for the task, don’t rely on a fly-by-night service provider. Give Zona Restoration a call!