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Construction Industry/asbestos in mastics used in an old slate roof

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Expert: - 4/2/2011


Question
Hello,

I'm hoping you can help me with this problem.  I am planning to do some work on an old slate roof on an old barn on my property.  The roof currently has built in gutters that I would like to have rebuilt/repaired.  This will be a DIY project, although most of the work will be done by my 2 brothers who have a lot of experience with construction (just not professionally) a neighbor mentioned to me that the mastics used in waterproofing the built-in gutters often contained asbestos.  I've read a bit about it, and looked again at the gutters -  and can see that the material seems to be 'intact' - so my questions is can it be safely removed?  A lab that I contacted wanted $500 to test the coating.  Thanks for any help or advice you can offer.

Answer
Hello Lin,

Asbestos is a more hazardous material when it is in a powder or fibrous state.  For example, years ago acoustic tiles contained asbestos and as the material aged and dried, the asbestos could become air-borne and be a health concern.  Asphalt tile, years ago, was manufactured using asbestos as a binder but the removal of old flooring was not a problem because the asbestos didn't separate.  

Asbestos was added to the mastic to act as a binder and to prevent cracking and separating.  I think the asbestos in the mastic would adhere and not become air-borne.  However, as a precaution you should use a face mask filter when working or demolishing the asbestos mastic.  You know - the paper cup masks with a rubber head band.  They are inexpensive and well worth the effort.  Be sure and caution your brothers to always have
the mask on to prevent the inhalation of any asbestos.  They may not be pleasant to wear but the safety they provide is well worth the inconvenience.

I hope this response is helpful.


Roger
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Roger Zona

Expertise

I am experienced in all types of construction: residential, industrial and commercial; single family, multi-family, mid-rise and high rise buildings (16 story office building) as well as remodeling, additions and tenant improvements. I can field most any question that relates to general construction. I have consulted with infrastructure (utility) contractors also and have a good general knowledge of underground utility construction for subdivisions and commercial projects.

Experience

After college, I began my career in the construction industry. I chose to become an apprentice Architect and 4 yrs later I opened my own architectural design firm. Six years later I moved to Florida to buy & develop land and build. I became a State of Florida Certified General Contractor and operated my business for 45 years. I built all types of residential and commercial buildings including warehouses, shopping centers, high rise apartments and office buildings and developed sites for other contractors. I retired and became a consultant to the construction industry. I maintain my license and continuing education requirements, operate a small construction company and write a weekly newspaper column for the Palm Beach Post (a Cox publication) with the byline "Ask The Contractor". I am the "technical editor" for a publisher of books that relate to home maintenance.

Organizations
Previously - NAHA Currently - FLCA (Florida Licensed Contractors Assoc.)

Publications
Palm Beach Post newspaper - weekly Q & A column Happy Herald monthly real estate publication - monthly column

Education/Credentials
Michigan State University University of Detroit BS in Engineering

Past/Present Clients
I built a home in Palm Beach for a member of the Pulitzer Family. I was responsible for the completion of a twin hi-rise condominium project for G.E. Credit. I was a partner in the successful development of a P.U.D. (Planned Urban Development) subdivision. I represented the largest home builder from France (Bati Service, S.A.) in the development of a subdivision and the design and construction of the homes.

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