Asbestos Roofing Felt: A Guide to Identification and Removal

Asbestos roofing felt, a common material in older buildings, has been widely used in the UK and other countries for its fire resistance, durability, and affordability. However, due to its hazardous nature, it is now banned from use in new constructions. Understanding asbestos roofing felt is crucial for homeowners, contractors, and anyone dealing with older properties, as it poses health risks if not handled properly.

What is Asbestos Roofing Felt?

Asbestos roofing felt is a type of building material used as a protective layer under roof tiles or slates. It consists of a sheet made from felt impregnated with asbestos fibers. The asbestos fibers give the felt its strength, durability, and fire resistance.

In the UK, asbestos roofing felt was commonly used in buildings constructed before the late 1990s, although it is still possible to find it in older buildings even today.

Types of Asbestos Roofing Felt

Asbestos roofing felt is generally classified into two types based on the type of asbestos used:

White asbestos roofing felt: This type is made from chrysotile asbestos, which is the most common and least harmful type of asbestos. It was widely used in the UK and is generally considered less hazardous than other types.
Brown asbestos roofing felt: This type is made from amosite asbestos, which is considered more dangerous than white asbestos. It was used less frequently than white asbestos in the UK and is more likely to be found in buildings constructed before the 1960s.

Why is Asbestos Roofing Felt Hazardous?

Asbestos fibers are microscopic and can easily become airborne when the roofing felt is disturbed. When inhaled, these fibers can lodge in the lungs and cause serious health problems, including:

Asbestosis: A lung disease characterized by scarring and inflammation.
Lung cancer: Exposure to asbestos can increase the risk of developing lung cancer.
Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer of the lining of the chest or abdomen, which is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos.

The risk of developing these conditions depends on the length and intensity of asbestos exposure. Even short-term exposure can pose health risks, and the effects of asbestos exposure can take decades to develop.

Identifying Asbestos Roofing Felt

Identifying asbestos roofing felt is crucial to ensure safe handling and disposal. While it is impossible to determine the presence of asbestos just by looking at the roofing felt, here are some visual clues that may suggest the presence of asbestos:

Visual Clues

Color: Asbestos roofing felt typically ranges in color from grey to brown, depending on the type of asbestos used.
Texture: It has a rough and fibrous texture, and the fibers may be visible on the surface.
Presence of branding: Some brands of asbestos roofing felt had distinctive markings or logos on the surface.
Age of the building: If the building was constructed before the late 1990s, it is more likely to have asbestos roofing felt.

Asbestos Roofing Felt UK: Common Brands

If you suspect the presence of asbestos roofing felt, checking for brand names can be helpful. Some commonly used brands of asbestos roofing felt in the UK include:

Everite
Turnall
Cape
Marley
James Hardie

What Does Asbestos Roofing Felt Look Like?

Asbestos roofing felt can appear in different forms depending on its application and age. Some common appearances include:

Sheets: Large, flat sheets of felt that are laid under roofing tiles or slates.
Rolls: Rolled-up sheets of felt, often used for repairs or smaller roofing projects.
Corrugated boards: Asbestos can also be found in corrugated roofing sheets, often used in sheds or outbuildings.

Does Roofing Felt Contain Asbestos?

The question of whether roofing felt contains asbestos is a significant one. It is important to remember that asbestos was commonly used in roofing felt before the late 1990s, but it's not always easy to determine if a particular piece of roofing felt contains asbestos without proper testing.

If you are unsure about the presence of asbestos in your roofing felt, it is best to err on the side of caution and treat it as if it does contain asbestos. This is especially important if you are planning to remove or disturb the roofing felt.

What to Do if You Suspect Asbestos Roofing Felt

If you suspect the presence of asbestos roofing felt, it is crucial to take the following steps:

Do not attempt to remove or disturb the asbestos roofing felt yourself. Asbestos removal requires specialized expertise and licensing to ensure the safety of workers and the environment.
Contact a qualified asbestos removal contractor. An asbestos removal contractor will assess the situation, determine if asbestos is present, and provide safe and legal removal services.
Follow the advice of the asbestos removal contractor. They will provide instructions on how to handle the situation safely and legally, including guidance on appropriate protective measures.
Be aware of the legal requirements for asbestos removal. In the UK, asbestos removal must be carried out in accordance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 . This includes obtaining licenses, carrying out risk assessments, and implementing appropriate control measures.

Asbestos in Old Roofing Felt

The presence of asbestos in old roofing felt is a common concern. If you are dealing with an older building, there is a strong possibility that asbestos roofing felt was used. The risk of asbestos exposure increases significantly if the roofing felt is damaged or disturbed. Therefore, it is vital to assess the condition of the roofing felt and take appropriate action if it is compromised.

Asbestos Based Roofing Felt

Asbestos-based roofing felt is a term often used interchangeably with asbestos roofing felt. However, it is important to note that the term "asbestos-based" does not necessarily mean that the felt is made entirely of asbestos. It may contain other materials, but the presence of asbestos makes it hazardous and requires careful handling and removal.

Removing Asbestos Roofing Felt: A Step-by-Step Guide

Removing asbestos roofing felt is a complex process that should only be undertaken by licensed and qualified asbestos removal contractors. Here is a general overview of the steps involved:

Assessment: The contractor will conduct a thorough assessment to determine the type, condition, and extent of the asbestos roofing felt. They will also identify any other hazards associated with the removal project.
Planning: The contractor will develop a detailed removal plan that complies with all relevant regulations and guidelines. This plan will include measures to protect workers, the environment, and the public from asbestos exposure.
Preparation: The work area will be prepared for asbestos removal. This may involve isolating the area, setting up containment barriers, and providing ventilation.
Removal: The asbestos roofing felt will be carefully removed using specialized techniques and equipment designed to minimize the release of asbestos fibers. This often involves wet removal techniques to suppress dust.
Disposal: The removed asbestos roofing felt will be packaged and disposed of in a licensed and secure landfill facility.
Decontamination: The work area will be thoroughly cleaned and decontaminated to remove any remaining asbestos fibers.
Inspection: The contractor will inspect the work area after removal to ensure that it is safe and compliant with regulations.
Documentation: The contractor will provide documentation of the asbestos removal process, including a report that confirms the completion of the work and the disposal of the materials.

Cost of Asbestos Roofing Felt Removal

The cost of asbestos roofing felt removal can vary significantly depending on several factors, including:

Size and complexity of the project: The larger the area of asbestos roofing felt, the higher the cost of removal.
Accessibility of the work area: Removal from hard-to-reach areas can be more expensive.
Type of asbestos: The removal of brown asbestos is generally more expensive than white asbestos.
Location: Removal costs can vary depending on the region.
Contractor's experience and qualifications: The price charged by a contractor can vary based on their expertise and licensing.

Alternatives to Asbestos Roofing Felt

Several alternative materials are available for roofing applications that are safer than asbestos roofing felt. Some popular options include:

Bitumen roofing felt: This type of felt is made from bitumen, a petroleum-based product, and is a common alternative to asbestos roofing felt. It offers good water resistance and durability but is not as fire-resistant as asbestos felt.
Polyester roofing felt: Polyester roofing felt is a synthetic material that offers good water resistance, durability, and fire resistance. It is also lightweight and easy to install.
Membrane roofing: Membrane roofing is a modern roofing system that uses synthetic membranes made from materials like EPDM rubber or PVC. It offers excellent water resistance, durability, and fire resistance.

Conclusion

Asbestos roofing felt presents a significant health hazard if not handled properly. Understanding the risks, identifying the material, and taking appropriate action are crucial for safeguarding health and safety. Always prioritize the use of licensed and qualified asbestos removal contractors to ensure the safe and legal removal of asbestos roofing felt.

Mesothelioma Asbestos Talc Cancer