Why Were Asbestos Added To Roof Sheets

Advertised as a fireproof alternative to other roofing materials such as asphalt asbestos cement roofs were popular not only for safety but also for affordability.

Why were asbestos added to roof sheets.

Stephanie kidd editor in chief roofers and asbestos exposure. Written and fact checked by. The problems with the roof sheets occur as they deteriorate with age and consequently become more brittle. Corrugated asbestos sheets were used in the roofing and siding of all types of buildings especially in factories and farms.

Often these sheets were used as siding corrugated roofing and soffit material. They would not warp or rot and were resistant to damage caused by insects. However later studies had made the startling discovery that asbestos containing materials acms were a great health hazard. Asbestos flatsheet because fibrous cement is much more water resistant than drywall flat sheets of asbestos cement found their way into the interiors of homes and businesses as walls and underlayment for flooring.

Corrugated roofing sheets made of asbestos is common in uk homes constructed prior to 2000. There could even be asbestos contained within the cement of your garage to help improve insulation. Thanks to its impressive durability and fire resistance the mineral was widely used in a variety of roofing slates. Since the cement sheets were fireproof manufacturers initially considered them safer as compared to wood.

However due to various non financial constraints i prefer to not remove the asbestos cement roof at present but get it shielded if that can be done safely even if it means some extra cost. When roofers inhaled asbestos fibers they put themselves at risk for developing diseases as serious as cancer. Asbestos was added to roofing shingles and tiles exposing roofers to the carcinogen daily. After much search i managed to find a certified agency that has professionals specializing in asbestos removal in my country they do not offer roof shielding services only roof removal.

This article gives a history of the production use of asbestos cement roofing siding products. Manufactured from a mix of asbestos fibers and hydraulic cement asbestos cement roof shingles were rigid durable and fireproof. Adding asbestos to the cement made the corrugated roofing sheets more heat resistant weatherproof and durable. We include research articles as well as patent citations that help trace the use of asbestos cement in and on buildings from the late 1800 s to the present.

Cement sheets are one of the most commonly used roofing products that the mineral is found in and there are still a large number of buildings around the uk that have an asbestos cement sheet roof. Asbestos cement roofing siding history dates codes patents give a history of cement asbestos siding roofing product use.