Safety and Compliance Guide for Chicago Homeowners: Asbestos Shingle Removal
Between the 1920s and 1980s, shingles made from asbestos were frequently used in residential roofing in Chicago, average house was built with asbestos roofing products. The main reasons were asbestos asphalt shingles durability, good fire resistance, and insulating qualities. However, asbestos products pose significant health risks, especially for residents living in older homes. While there is no immediate threat to having an asbestos-containing roof, they can be dangerous as soon as they start deteriorating.
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What Are Asbestos Roof Shingles?
Roofers started using asbestos in roof coatings and roof tiles back in the early 1900s. Asbestos in roof shingles quickly gained popularity due to their durability, good fire resistance, and general lightweight construction. The asbestos shingles were the most popular in areas with extreme weather and wildfires. There, asbestos roofs offered long-term protection. In many cases, these roofs could last for up to 30 years.
Besides, thanks to the versatility of asbestos, manufacturers could start releasing shingles in various colors and styles. These roofs were suited for different aesthetic preferences whilst their price was affordable. As a result, asbestos shingles on your roof became a standard choice in the roofing sector and remained such for several decades.
Characteristics of Asbestos in Roofing: How to Tell If You Have Asbestos in Your Shingles
It is likely that apart from asbestos, such shingles can contain cement and other additives, which makes them durable and fire-resistant. The general characteristics of asbestos roof shingles include:
- Durability: Asbestos roof shingles often last from 30 to 50 years with proper maintenance;
- Fire Resistance: Asbestos roofs have excellent fire resistance properties;
- Weather Resistance: In addition, these shingles demonstrate excellent resistance to severe weather conditions.
- Appearance: Asbestos-cement shingles resemble slate or wood shakes and can come in various colors, though many tend to fade over time.
- Texture: Asbestos-cement shingles have a rougher texture compared to regular roofing shingles and are more brittle.
- Composition: There are two main types of asbestos shingles: corrugated (“transite”) and flat (“non-transite”). They both contain asbestos fibers, though the specific composition may vary.
- Weight: Asbestos shingles are relatively lightweight. This makes them easier to install compared to some other roofing materials.
Even though all these properties made asbestos shingles popular in the past, you must remember that the benefits are not worth the severe health issues you can experience from long-term asbestos exposure in Chicago.
Health Risks Associated with Roofs That Contain Asbestos
In the 1980s, public awareness of the severe health risks associated with the use of asbestos grew. As a result, asbestos roof shingles were gradually discontinued. The main reason was that the damaged or deteriorating shingles posed severe health hazards due to the toxic fibres that they released into the air. Consequently, in 1989, the US EPA banned the manufacture, import, processing, and distribution of certain asbestos-containing products, while the UK and EU fully banned asbestos by 1999.
Whether you need a simple repair or a complete replacement, our expert team in Chicago is here to help.
Health Risks Associated With Asbestos
Here is a more detailed explanation of severe diseases that can result from asbestos exposure from your roof shingles and siding:
Note that a long latency period is typical for asbestos-linked diseases. Often, it takes 10-50 years for the first symptoms to develop after the initial exposure. Therefore, if you have lived or worked in buildings with asbestos shingles, you must inform your healthcare provider even if you do not experience any symptoms at the moment.
How to Identify Whether Asbestos Is Used In Roof
While professional testing is the only definitive way to confirm the presence of asbestos, there are several visual cues that can help you identify potential asbestos shingles:
- Age of the building: Homes built before the 1980s are more likely to have asbestos-containing roofing materials.
- Texture and appearance: Asbestos shingles often have a cement-like, fibrous texture and may appear thicker or more durable than modern shingles. They typically have a rougher surface compared to regular roofing shingles.
- Color and pattern: Asbestos shingles frequently come in shades of gray and may have square, rectangular, or diamond shapes. They can also resemble slate or wood shakes, with slate style being the most common.
- Weathering characteristics: Asbestos-containing materials in roofing might show signs of aging differently, such as more noticeable wear or discoloration compared to non-asbestos shingles.
- Brittleness: Asbestos cement shingles are often more brittle than regular roofing shingles.
- Markings: Look for any visible markings on the shingles or in the packaging (if available) that might indicate the manufacturer or material composition.
Remember that visual inspection alone is not reliable for confirming the presence of asbestos. If you suspect your roof may contain asbestos shingles, it’s crucial to have it professionally tested and to treat the material as potentially hazardous until confirmed otherwise.
If you decide to have a professional inspect your asbestos roof, these are the services and costs you can expect:
Additional Checks for Hidden Asbestos in Roofing Shingles and Roof Tiles in Chicago
When you inspect your roof for traces of asbestos, consider the hidden areas as well.
- Asbestos was often used in roofing felt and underlayment materials. Check for old, brittle layers beneath the shingles, especially in homes built before the 1980s.
- Examine the flashing around chimneys, vents, and other roof penetrations. Some older sealants and mastics used for waterproofing may contain asbestos.
- If you have access to the attic, inspect the insulation. Vermiculite insulation, which resembles small pebbles, may contain asbestos and was commonly used in roofing systems.
- Asbestos-cement was sometimes used in the fabrication of gutters and downspouts. Look for signs of deterioration or damage in these components.
- These areas may contain asbestos, especially if they’re made of fiber cement boards. Check for any crumbling or damaged sections.
At the same time, visual inspection is not always sufficient to correctly detect the presence of asbestos. If you suspect any roofing material contains asbestos in Chicago Neighborhoods, have a professional test it before removing it or interacting with it in any other way.
What to Do If You Have Asbestos Shingles: Steps to Identify Asbestos
If you detect asbestos in your roof shingles, you must take immediate precautions. First and foremost, don’t try to remove, repair, or disturb the shingles in any way as you are risking releasing dangerous asbestos fibers into the air. Instead, restrict access to the roof area and inform household members of the danger. Contact a roofing company close to me to safely handle the asbestos removal.
Even if you urgently need to access the areas below the roof in Chicago Areas, for instance, the attic, make sure to wear personal protective equipment along with a HEPA-filter respirator. While inspecting the shingles, do it from a safe distance and check for signs of damage or wear. If you notice anything that’s off, contact a professional asbestos abatement company immediately.
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Encapsulation vs. Removal: Pros and Cons
If you detect asbestos in your shingles, you are faced with two options: either encapsulation or removal. Each approach has its own pros and cons, so it’s a good idea to consult a roofing company close to me for expert guidance.
Encapsulation Pros:
- It is generally less expensive than the full roof removal;
- Causes minimal disturbance to the asbestos shingles;
- Can be performed way faster compared to the full removal.
Encapsulation Cons:
- Often is just a temporary solution that won’t be effective in the long run;
- Requires regular monitoring and inspections;
- Over time, encapsulation materials can degrade, which will potentially lead to the release of dangerous fibers in the air;
- If your roof is severely damaged, encapsulation is not an option.
Removal Pros:
- Eliminates the asbestos hazard completely;
- The removal of asbestos increases your property value;
- Ensures full compliance with asbestos safety regulations.
Removal Cons:
- A drastically more expensive option due to the difficulty and danger involved;
- Requires more extensive work and temporary relocation of the household members;
- If not done properly, removal can cause asbestos fibers to release into the air.
When choosing between encapsulation and removal, it is always better to consult professional roofing installers near me in Chicagoland who can inspect your roof properly and present a final verdict.
Legal Implications For Homeowner Who Use Asbestos Roofing Materials
In IL, the main bodies that oversee the use of asbestos are the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). You also have to check such regulatory documents as the Illinois Environmental Protection Act, the Illinois Administrative Code, and the Asbestos Abatement Act.
Additionally, contractors performing asbestos removal in Illinois must be licensed by the IDPH, and workers involved in asbestos activities must complete accredited training programs. Mind that if you fail to comply with asbestos regulations in the state of IL, you can fall subject to strict fines and even legal action. Note that these regulations can often change so it is better to consult with the IEPA or IDPH for the most up-to-date information on asbestos regulations in Illinois.
Asbestos Shingle Removal and Safety Protocols
If you happen to identify asbestos in any of the areas of your roof, here is the removal process you must follow religiously, and be sure to consult local roofers near you for proper handling and disposal:
- Set up a containment area around the worksite.
- Wear appropriate PPE (respirator, gloves, coveralls).
- Dampen shingles to reduce airborne particles.
- Remove shingles gently to avoid breaking.
- Place removed materials in sealed, labeled containers.
- Vacuum the area with a HEPA filter vacuum.
However, we still strictly recommend using the services of a professional in the Chicago suburbs when it comes to removing asbestos shingles from your roof. In the table below, you can find the estimated costs for asbestos removal services:
Safety Equipment and Certifications Required for Handling Asbestos Roofing Products in Chicago
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) sets forth the requirements for handling asbestos roofing. For instance, the required personal protective equipment (PPE) includes HEPA-filtered respirators, disposable coveralls, gloves, and safety goggles.
Contractors must be licensed by the IDPH, and workers involved in asbestos removal must complete accredited training programs to ensure safety and compliance. The IDPH monitors these requirements, regulates licensed asbestos removal contractors, and enforces rigorous training standards.
Additionally, property owners or contractors must notify the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) at least 10 working days before starting any regulated asbestos project, submitting a $150 fee and a Demolition/Renovation/Asbestos Project Notification Form. Employers are also required to establish a PPE program, including respirator fit testing, safety gear inspections, and decontamination facilities for workers. Specific regulations may vary by project size and scope, so consulting the IEPA or IDPH for the latest asbestos handling guidelines is essential.
Legal and Health Support Options for People Exposed to Asbestos
Remember that if you detect asbestos in your roof, you have certain legal rights that protect you as well as obligations to adhere to:
- In Chicago, sellers must disclose known asbestos hazards to buyers when selling a property. If you purchased a home and later discovered undisclosed asbestos, you can take legal action against the seller;
- Standard homeowners insurance policies typically do not cover asbestos removal unless the asbestos was disturbed by a covered peril like fire or storm damage. However, some insurers may provide limited coverage for asbestos remediation in certain circumstances. Review your policy carefully and consult your insurance agent;
- If you hire a roofing company close to me to remove asbestos shingles, they should carry pollution liability insurance to protect you from potential claims;
- Consider consulting an attorney experienced in asbestos litigation if you believe you have grounds for a lawsuit related to asbestos exposure or undisclosed asbestos in your home;
- Get acquainted with local asbestos regulations in Illinois, which may impact removal procedures and disposal requirements;
- Keep detailed records of any asbestos testing, abatement work, and related expenses.
As long as you understand your legal rights and obligations in the Chicago area, you can address the challenges associated with asbestos in your roof promptly and in a legally compliant manner.
Organizations and Resources for Asbestos-Related Health Issues
Here is the list of associations you can contact if your health was damaged by the contact with tiny asbestos fibers from shingles with asbestos or if you’re looking for roof estimating services near me to assess potential damage.
- EPA (Environmental Protection Agency): Guidelines and regulations on asbestos handling.
- OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration): Safety standards for workers.
- Mesothelioma Support Groups: Emotional and financial support for affected individuals.
- Legal Firms Specializing in Asbestos Cases: Help with navigating liability and claims.
Conclusion
Asbestos was commonly added to asphalt and cement shingles to improve their properties in the early and mid-1900s. Although asbestos shingles are generally safe, they can pose serious health risks if you damage or disturb them. Asbestos exposure can lead to serious diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. If your home in Chicago suburbs was built or roofed before the 1980s, it is likely that your shingles contain asbestos.
If you detect asbestos in your roof or suspect that it might have it, do not disturb the shingles at any circumstances. For your further safety, follow these recommendations: consult a licensed professional in asbestos shingle removal, never try to remove asbestos yourself, as it can lead to health hazards, consider encapsulating your shingles with a sealant, get acquainted with the local regulations and policies that concern the treatment of asbestos in Chicago, conduct regular inspections and maintenance of your roof. If you decide to keep the asbestos shingles, develop a long-term management plan. This should include regular inspections and a strategy for eventual replacement. If you follow these guidelines, you are more likely to protect your own health and the health of your family.
FAQ
What should I do if I accidentally disturb asbestos shingles?
If you happen to disturb asbestos shingles and release asbestos fibers, consult a licensed professional asbestos inspector or hire a professional asbestos contractor for further instructions. Do not ignore this problem, as even your fuully re-roofed shingles may still have asbestos.
Can I sell my house if the roof shingles contain asbestos?
The presence of asbestos in your shingles significantly devalues your property. Mind that in the state of Illinois, you are obliged to disclose the presence of asbestos in the roof when selling the property, to prevent asbestos from harming new homeowners. Non-compliance with this rule can lead to serious fines and even legal action against you.
How much does it typically cost to remove asbestos shingles?
The price for complete removal of asbestos from your shingles typically ranges between $3,000 and $10,000 and more. You must also understand that it will depend on the material of your new roof. For example, asphalt shingles may be a bit more expensive than cement roofing.
Is it legal to encapsulate asbestos shingles instead of removing them?
Yes, it is legal, but this practice can have long-term repercussions that you must be aware of when planning to encapsulate asbestos shingles on your home.
