Types of Asbestos Roofing Products
| Product | Description | Asbestos Content | Manufacturers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asbestos-cement shingles | Flat or textured shingles made from Portland cement reinforced with asbestos fibers; often called “transite shingles” | 10–15% chrysotile asbestos | Johns-Manville, GAF, Certainteed, Philip Carey |
| Asbestos roofing felt / underlayment | Asbestos-reinforced felt paper used as underlayment beneath finished roofing; also used in built-up roofing | 15–30% asbestos fiber | Johns-Manville, Owens Corning, GAF, Philip Carey |
| Built-up roofing (BUR) | Multiple layers of asbestos felt saturated with bitumen; standard flat-roof construction for commercial buildings | 15–25% asbestos per felt layer | Johns-Manville, Koppers, Standard Oil roofing products |
| Asbestos-cement corrugated panels | Corrugated sheets used on industrial buildings, barns, and agricultural structures | 10–15% asbestos | Johns-Manville Transite, Eternit, Keasbey & Mattison |
| Asbestos roofing shingles (composite) | Asphalt shingles with asbestos fiber reinforcement; not the same as asbestos-cement but still contains asbestos | Variable — typically 2–5% chrysotile | GAF, Certainteed, Bird & Son |
Roofer Exposure: Installation vs. Tear-Off
Installation of new asbestos roofing products created moderate exposure. Cutting asbestos-cement shingles with a saw or scoring tool released fibers. Nailing shingles in dry conditions released some fiber, particularly if shingles cracked during installation.
Tear-off of aged, weathered asbestos roofing was substantially more hazardous. Decades of weathering can make asbestos-cement shingles brittle and friable. Breaking, prying, and removing old shingles — especially with power tools — released significant fiber quantities. Demolition of buildings with intact asbestos-cement roofing is regulated under EPA NESHAP and requires proper removal procedures.
Homeowner risk: Well-maintained, undamaged asbestos roofing shingles that are left in place generally do not pose a significant airborne fiber risk. The risk arises with damage, attempted DIY removal, or power washing that deteriorates the surface. If you have asbestos roofing shingles in good condition, encapsulation or overlay is typically preferred over removal.
Identifying Asbestos Roofing in Your Home
- Home built before 1980 with flat, gray-colored cement-looking shingles
- Corrugated cement panels on outbuildings or garages
- Multiple roofing layers visible at the eave edge (built-up roofing)
- Shingles that sound hollow when tapped and feel much heavier than modern asphalt shingles
The only way to confirm asbestos content is through laboratory testing of a material sample. See our asbestos testing guide for how to collect samples safely and find an accredited laboratory.
Roofer with Asbestos Diagnosis?
Roofing product manufacturer trusts including Johns-Manville and GAF may owe compensation to roofers diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestosis.