What is the life expectancy of asbestos shingles?

The life expectancy of an asbestos cement shingle roof is 40 to 60 years, with an average of 50 years. It will last longer with luck and diligent maintenance, and we saw one roof a few years ago that was just beginning to fail at 60 years old.

How long do asbestos slate roofs last?

Thinner roof sheeting will usually last around 50 to 60 years. Thicker roof sheeting measuring about a quarter of an inch thick will typically last 70 to 85 years.

Can asbestos roofs be repaired?

When repairing asbestos cement roof damage with sealants or localised repairs isn’t possible, you could consider overcladding, by putting another roof (normally metal) on top of the old roof. This is a proven technique for repairing asbestos roofs and the next best method after coating.

When were asbestos shingles banned?

1989
The 1989 Asbestos Ban and Phase Out Rule put an end to filling roofing products with deadly asbestos fibers that caused diseases like mesothelioma.

Does asbestos affect mortgage?

A property with asbestos roof tiles is generally less problematic for mortgage lenders than homes where the material is part of the main infrastructure. Some providers will have no problem lending, as long as the roof is undamaged and in good condition.

What is the lifespan of a roof?

Slate, copper and tile roofs can last more than 50 years. Homeowners with wood shake roofs should expect them to last about 30 years, while fiber cement shingles last about 25 years and asphalt shingle/composition roofs last about 20 years, the NAHB found.

Can you pressure wash an asbestos roof?

It is dangerous to use pressure washers with ordinary nozzles on asbestos roofs, since the pressure can destroy the surface, contaminating the area beneath. A safer and HSE Approved method is to use a closed box pressure washer.

How do you stop an asbestos roof from leaking?

Seal cracks yourself with the highly durable foil backed butyl tape. This tough rubber tape instantly seals your leaks and protects the interior of your property from further damage. Couple with a primer and cleaning solution for a durable repair, all included with the kit.

Do you have to replace asbestos shingles?

Asbestos-containing roofing and siding in good condition are best left alone. Damaged roofing and siding should be carefully repaired. Sometimes asbestos-containing roofing and siding can be covered with new materials. Check your local building codes.

Will a bank finance a house with asbestos siding?

Will a bank finance a house with asbestos? The short answer: It depends. It may become an issue for government-backed loans with strict minimum property standards. Common building materials that used asbestos: types of insulation, floor and ceiling tiles, siding, roof shingles, and flooring glue.

Can you power wash an asbestos roof?

Cleaning an asbestos roof When you blast an asbestos roof with a power washer, you’ll end up spreading harmful asbestos fibres everywhere. These are invisible and can be hidden among the dirt. This is a sure way to land yourself in a lot of expensive trouble.

What is the life expectancy of an asbestos cement shingle roof?

What is the life expectancy of an asbestos cement shingle roof? The life expectancy of an asbestos cement shingle roof is 40 to 60 years, with an average of 50 years. It will last longer with luck and diligent maintenance, and we saw one roof a few years ago that was just beginning to fail at 60 years old.

When was the first asbestos tile roof made?

Asbestos tile is a type of roofing tile made up of a combination of Portland Cement and asbestos fibers and various fillers. This combination was first used in Europe in the 1870s. Manufacturing in the United States began in 1905.

Are there any maintenance issues with asbestos shingles?

Maintenance – Asbestos cement shingles are somewhat brittle. They are installed in a similar way as slate, and are easily cracked or fractured when walked on by someone not familiar with the material.

What kind of roofing is free of asbestos?

Contemporary roofing product manufacturers make reinforced fiber-cement roofing shingles and other roofing products which look like, perform similarly to, and need to be installed similarly to the original asbestos-cement shingles – but these new products are free of asbestos.