Asbestos Cement Shingles

Hey guys, I was at an inspection today and got into a discussion with the agent about the roof and siding of the house. He thought they were slate I told him they are probably asbestos cement which is probably at the end of it's life. I want another opinion.

They don't look too bad from here. And they look like cement asbestos shingles. Just had one this week that had more deterioration at the edges

Chad, it was a little hard for me to tell, but from looking at the photo, I'd have to agree with your call. While viewing the photo, I kept thinking. .. No slate lies flat on a slate roof, every slate must be angled. I believe that somewhere along the line, it was listed as a slate roof, and that is the information that the realtor is going by. You are the Home Inspector and you make the call.

Sorry for not having a better picture. I took the picture through HIP and I haven't figured out how to easily get the pictures out of it for other use. So I had to do a screen shot from my phone. The other thing makes me think asbestos is the roof structure is just rafters. Slate weighs more and requires extra bracing and supports. I also read that moss WILL NOT grow on slate.

Chad D wrote:Sorry for not having a better picture. I took the picture through HIP and I haven't figured out how to easily get the pictures out of it for other use. So I had to do a screen shot from my phone.

No worries. I was viewing from a very small phone with very low picture resolution.

Chad D wrote: The other thing makes me think asbestos is the roof structure is just rafters. Slate weighs more and requires extra bracing and supports. I also read that moss WILL NOT grow on slate.

When you was doing your attic inspection, how far were the nails protruding through the plywood sheathing? The nails from slate roofs should just barely be showing. I agree with the weight issue and the rafters.

I agree with your observations Chad

asbestos but doesn't need to be replaced. It just needs to be re-coated provided it's not cracked/broken up. Pics look pretty good to me; just showing the coating is gone. They make a coating just for this tile - don't use paint. These tiles should last 200 years with a coating every 30-40 years.

brochure from a manufacturer shows these asbestos shingles in this pattern. 1930's!

One of my inspectors was inspecting a house recently with shingles that look exactly like your picture. The client had already hired a roofer to inspect the roof at the same time. The roofer confirmed they are asbestos cement shingles. I didn't know they can last 200 years with proper maintenance. Great info, thanks.

Chad D wrote:Sorry for not having a better picture. I took the picture through HIP and I haven't figured out how to easily get the pictures out of it for other use.

Open the inspection in HIP...Go to Home Inspector Pro Folder...Then Data Folder...Then Temp Folder...You should find your pics there

Looks like AC to me. Recommend test to confirm.

Mike, who do you recommend testing a product that is on the exterior?

Many municipalities have a source that is low cost for testing suspected materials for asbestos. However, the homeowner has to take the sample, usually they have kits with instructions. Otherwise it's an environmental testing lab. There is some okay information here: http://www.asbestossiding.org/

William Chandler wrote:asbestos but doesn't need to be replaced. It just needs to be re-coated provided it's not cracked/broken up. Pics look pretty good to me; just showing the coating is gone. They make a coating just for this tile - don't use paint. These tiles should last 200 years with a coating every 30-40 years.

I concur. If they aren't broken or allowing leaks, leave it. My comment in the report usually addresses the high cost of replacement, if needed, and the limited options for repair.

Pete Campbell wrote:Mike, who do you recommend testing a product that is on the exterior?

Depending on how you need to get the sample, but InspectorLab will test it. I have recently called and talked to them about it. I may get corrected if I am wrong, but I believe it's $15 per sample. They just need it in a ziplock back and clearly marked as asbestos with other COC information. This would apply to the insulation and floor tiles as well.