AboutRon Haynes Expertise I can answer questions related to all types of steep slope and low-slope commercial and residential roofing, including asphalt shingles, metal roofing, built-up roofing (tar and gravel), modified bitumen roofing, single ply roof systems, tile, and slate. Questions may relate to design, installation, problem resolution or repair of the roof system.
Experience I have over twenty years experience as a roof consultant dealing with various types of roof systems on commercial, industrial, residential and Government facilities. Experience includes new roof and reroof design, roof repair specification, roof construction, maintenance, failure investigations, performance analysis, inspections, moisture intrusion surveys and studies, and storm damage assessments. I am a registered professional engineer and a Registered Roof Consultant with the Roof Consultants Institute.
Organizations Roof Consultants Institute
Education/Credentials Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering
Registered Professional Engineer
Registered Roof Consultant, Roof Consultants Institute Certified Infrared Thermographer
Awards and Honors Award Winner, Large Roof Replacement Design Document Competition at the 1999 Roof Consultants Institute International Convention. Dept of Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award. Armed Forces Civilian Service Medal.
Question We have recently purchased a house that had a tar and gravel flat top roof. A pitched roof was built on top of the flat roof, but the tar and gravel roof remains. My question: Do we need to worry about asbestos in the tar and gravel roof?
Answer Rose,
If the tar and gravel roof was constructed after about 1983 you should not have to be concerned about asbestos at all, even though a small amount of asbestos could potentially be in roof cements and mastics used in the roof construction (asbestos containing roof cements and mastics still exist today). Roof/home construction before this time increases the potential for asbestos in the roof materials but does not guarantee its presence. In any case, any asbestos in the roof materials would most likely be considered encapsulated by the asphaltic material and non-friable. Or in other words, would not become airborne if left undisturbed. The exception would be if the roof were smooth surfaced and any asbestos-containing roofing felts were exposed vs being covered by asphalt and gravel. In that case, if the felts contained asbestos the fibers could potentially become airborne.
