Asbestos in Roofing

Asbestos was a popular material in roofing products for much of the 20th century until it became apparent that it could cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other serious diseases. While asbestos is no longer used in roofing, you may be at risk of mesothelioma if you worked with these products in the past. Learn how we can help if you’ve been exposed to asbestos in roofing.

Fact-Checked and Updated by: Laura Wright

Last updated:

History of Asbestos in Roofing

Asbestos was widely used in residential and industrial roofing products until the 1980s. Asbestos roof materials could withstand extreme weather, resist fire, and lasted for decades.

Corrugated asbestos roofing sheet on a building

Chrysotile asbestos, also known as white asbestos, was the most common type used in roofing.

While asbestos made roofing materials stronger and more durable, it put countless workers and their families at risk of mesothelioma and other illnesses decades later.

Key Facts on Asbestos in Roofing

  • Products: Asbestos asphalt, felt, flashing, shingles, tar, and asbestos cement roofing
  • Health risks: Mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and other asbestos-related diseases
  • Manufacturers: Bird & Son, Celotex, GAF, Johns Manville, Ruberoid, and many others
  • Compensation options for victims: Personal injury lawsuits, wrongful death lawsuits, asbestos trust fund claims, and VA benefits

If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may qualify for financial compensation and other types of support. Learn more in our Free Mesothelioma Guide.

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Why Was Asbestos Used in Roofing?

Asbestos helped make many roofing materials stronger, which is why so many products contained the substance before the 1980s.

Asbestos in roofing was:

  • Affordable and easy to find
  • Lightweight and durable
  • Water, heat, and fire-resistant

These qualities made asbestos roofing an easy choice for builders, but the health risks far outweighed the benefits.

Is Asbestos Still Used in Roofing Products?

New roofing materials no longer contain asbestos. However, structures built before the early 1980s may still have asbestos roofing.

These older roofs may have deteriorated over time, increasing the risk of asbestos fibers being released.

Never try to remove asbestos-containing roofing materials yourself. Only asbestos abatement professionals have the proper tools and training to do it safely.

Asbestos Roof Cancer Risks

When asbestos roof tiles are damaged or deteriorate, they can release tiny asbestos fibers into the air. If breathed in, these fibers can lodge in the lungs and other tissues, causing damage that may lead to cancer and other serious health problems 10-50 years later.

Asbestos exposure can cause:

  • Mesothelioma: A rare but aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
  • Lung cancer: A type of cancer that begins in the cells of the lungs where abnormal cells grow uncontrollably to form tumors.
  • Asbestosis: A chronic condition caused by scarring of lung tissue, which may lead to lung cancer in some cases.

Family members could also be at risk of asbestos-related cancers and diseases due to secondary exposure.

This could occur when someone who worked with or around asbestos brought home fibers with them on their clothing, skin, or hair.

Asbestos Roofing Companies

Dozens of corporations manufactured asbestos roofing products. Negligent asbestos companies were aware of the health dangers but chose to keep the public in the dark and protect their profits.

Companies that used asbestos in roofing products include:

  • Bird & Son, Inc.
  • CertainTeed
  • Ehret Magnesia Manufacturing Co.
  • GAF
  • H.H. Robertson
  • Johns Manville
  • Philip Carey Manufacturing Co.
  • Ruberoid

This is not a complete list — many other companies made, sold, and distributed asbestos-based roofing products, putting millions of innocent people in harm’s way.

If you were exposed to asbestos in roofing and later developed mesothelioma, an asbestos lawyer can identify the products that made you sick and the companies that produced them.

Get a Free Case Review to connect with top asbestos attorneys in your area.

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Types of Asbestos Roofing Products

Asbestos was a key material in many roofing products for much of the 20th century, putting countless workers and their loved ones at risk of exposure.

Some of these asbestos products included:

  • Caulks, Seals, & Mastics
    Caulking and other materials were used to repair and maintain roofs, extending their lifespan by fixing leaks or damage.
  • Cement Sheets, Shingles & Tiles
    Cement asbestos roof sheets, shingles, and tiles were used to secure joints, repair leaks, and protect roofs from fire, water, and weather.
  • Corrugated Asbestos Roofing
    Popular in the U.S. from 1920 to 1960, this type of roofing combined asbestos fibers with Portland cement for added strength and durability.
  • Felt and Underlayment
    Asbestos roofing felt provided waterproofing and insulation, creating a durable layer to protect against weathering.
  • Flashings & Vents
    Asbestos was used in roof flashing to prevent water leaks around dormers, skylights, and vent pipes.
  • Insulation
    Asbestos roof insulation was applied to improve energy efficiency and protect against extreme temperatures.
  • Tar and Asphalt
    Asbestos tar and asphalt were used as waterproofing sealants to prevent leaks and weather damage.

If you handled any of these products before the 1980s, you might be at risk of mesothelioma. Contact our Patient Advocates to get help now.

Who’s at Risk of Asbestos Exposure From Roofing Products?

Roofers and roofing contractors faced the highest risk of exposure since they handled asbestos shingles, tar paper, and adhesives on a daily basis.

Other at-risk workers included:

Anyone in these professions should educate themselves on asbestos risks and see a doctor right away if they notice symptoms of mesothelioma.

Financial Compensation for Exposure to Asbestos in Roofing

People exposed to asbestos in roofing products can seek compensation to cover their treatment and daily living expenses.

You may qualify for compensation from:

  • Asbestos trust funds: An estimated $30 billion is available in bankruptcy trusts created by asbestos companies to avoid lawsuits. You may be able to file claims with multiple trusts to maximize your total payout.
  • Mesothelioma lawsuits: Mesothelioma lawsuits award over $1 million on average, and most patients can access compensation without going to court. Mesothelioma lawyers can make the process easy and stress-free by doing all the work for you.
  • VA benefits: Those who served in the U.S. military may be entitled to benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), like disability pay worth over $4,000 a month and free or low-cost health care.

Contact an experienced asbestos attorney for a free case review to learn if you qualify for mesothelioma compensation.

  • $30 billion has been set aside in asbestos trust funds to pay mesothelioma victims
  • $1 million to $1.4 million average settlement amount
  • $9.6+ billion recovered for families by Simmons Hanly Conroy
  • $5 million to $11.4 million average verdict amount

Simmons Hanly Conroy, Mealey’s® Litigation Report: Asbestos, and the U.S. Government Accountability Office

Get Help for Roofing Asbestos Exposure

Countless workers and families were put at risk of mesothelioma and other serious diseases from asbestos in roofing materials.

At Mesothelioma Hope, we help those exposed to asbestos in roofing get the justice and compensation they deserve.

We offer:

  • Medical resources to help manage your diagnosis
  • Legal assistance to pursue financial compensation
  • Practical and emotional support for you and your loved ones

Call (866) 608-8933 or get our Free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about how we can help.

Asbestos Roof Shingles FAQs

Is asbestos still used in roofing shingles?

No, asbestos is no longer used to make roofing shingles. However, many older buildings may still have asbestos roofs.

If you’re working with or around an older roof, it’s crucial to understand the potential health risks and take proper safety precautions to avoid asbestos in roof shingles.

What years was asbestos used in roofing?

Asbestos was used in roofing materials from the early 1900s through the 1980s.

While it mostly stopped being used by the late 1980s, older homes and buildings might still have asbestos roofing shingles even today.

Contact our team for help if you were exposed to asbestos in roofing and now have mesothelioma. You may qualify for benefits and compensation.

How harmful is an asbestos roof?

While asbestos in roofing poses minimal risk if it’s in good shape, damaged or disturbed roof materials can significantly increase the risk of exposure.

If you suspect asbestos in your roofing, you should seek professional advice to avoid the health risks associated with asbestos exposure.

How do I know if my shingles have asbestos?

You can tell if there are asbestos shingles on your roof by checking the age of your building and looking at the shingles. If your house was built or renovated before the 1980s, there is a higher chance it has asbestos roof shingles.

Asbestos roof shingles often have a cement-like texture, appear thicker and heavier than modern shingles, and may have wavy or irregular edges with a grayish or off-white color.

To see if your asphalt shingles contain asbestos, contact a licensed asbestos professional.

Do I need to replace my asbestos roof?

Not necessarily. If the roof is in good condition and undamaged, regular inspections can help you stay safe.

However, if the roof is damaged, showing signs of wear, or deteriorating, it can release harmful asbestos fibers, which pose serious health risks. In this case, replacing the roof is the best way to prevent asbestos exposure.

Additionally, removing your roof may be necessary to avoid disturbing asbestos if you plan to make renovations. Always consult with a certified professional to ensure safe asbestos roof removal.

Laura WrightWritten by:

Lead Editor

Laura Wright is a journalist and content strategist with more than 17 years of professional experience. She attended college at the University of Florida, graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2008. Her writing has been featured in The Gainesville Sun and other regional publications throughout Florida.

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References
  1. Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). How EPA’s asbestos regulations apply to roofing materials. Retrieved December 12, 2024, from https://www.epa.gov/large-scale-residential-demolition/how-epas-asbestos-regulations-apply-roofing-materials
  2. Kottek M, Yuen ML. Public health risks from asbestos cement roofing. Am J Ind Med. 2022; 65: 157-161. Retrieved December 12, 2024, from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ajim.23321
  3. National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). Asbestos fact sheet. Retrieved December 12, 2024, from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/asbestos/asbestos-fact-sheet
  4. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (n.d.). Standard number 1926.1101: Asbestos. Retrieved December 12, 2024, from https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.1101
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