Many commercial buildings constructed decades ago contain roofing materials that may include asbestos. Before beginning a roof replacement, restoration, or repair project, property owners and contractors should determine whether asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are present.

A common question among commercial property owners is:

How do I know if my existing roof contains asbestos?

The only reliable way to determine whether an existing roof contains asbestos is through proper inspection and laboratory testing by a qualified professional. Visual inspection alone cannot confirm whether roofing materials contain asbestos because asbestos fibers are microscopic and may exist in many different building products.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that was historically used in many construction materials because it provides:

• Heat resistance

• Fire resistance

• Strength

• Durability

• Chemical resistance

Before many uses were restricted, asbestos was commonly included in commercial building materials.

Why Is Asbestos a Concern During Roofing Work?

Asbestos-containing roofing materials are generally not dangerous when they remain intact and undisturbed.

The primary risk occurs when materials are:

• Cut

• Drilled

• Ground

• Sanded

• Removed

• Damaged

These activities can release asbestos fibers into the air, where workers or building occupants may inhale them.

Commercial roofing activities that may disturb asbestos materials include:

• Roof tear-offs

• Penetration repairs

• Flashing removal

• Deck repairs

• Mechanical equipment modifications

Which Roofing Materials May Contain Asbestos?

Older commercial roofs may contain asbestos in various components.

Potential asbestos-containing roofing materials include:

Built-Up Roofing Systems

Older BUR systems may contain asbestos in:

• Roofing felts

• Asphaltic materials

• Mastics

• Coatings

Asphalt Roofing Products

Some older asphalt-based materials may have contained asbestos fibers for reinforcement.

Examples:

• Roofing shingles

• Roll roofing

• Certain membranes

Cement-Based Roofing Materials

Some older buildings may contain asbestos cement products.

Examples:

• Panels

• Sheets

• Flashing materials

Roof Coatings and Adhesives

Older:

• Mastics

• Adhesives

• Sealants

may contain asbestos.

Can You Identify Asbestos by Looking at the Roof?

No.

A material that appears to contain asbestos may not contain asbestos, and a material that looks ordinary may contain asbestos.

Visual clues that may suggest possible asbestos-containing materials include:

• Older building construction dates

• Original roofing systems from certain decades

• Known historical product types

However, only testing can confirm the presence of asbestos.

Step 1: Review Building Records

The first step is reviewing available documentation.

Useful records may include:

• Original construction documents

• Roofing specifications

• Previous renovation records

• Manufacturer information

• Prior asbestos surveys

Older commercial buildings may already have asbestos documentation.

Step 2: Hire a Qualified Asbestos Inspector

Before disturbing suspect materials, owners should consider hiring a qualified asbestos professional.

The inspector may:

• Review building history

• Identify suspect materials

• Collect samples

• Document findings

Sampling should be performed carefully to avoid unnecessary fiber release.

Step 3: Laboratory Testing

Collected samples are analyzed by qualified laboratories.

Testing determines whether materials contain asbestos.

Results typically identify:

• Material sampled

• Presence or absence of asbestos

• Type of asbestos, if present

• Percentage content, when applicable

What Happens If Asbestos Is Found?

Finding asbestos does not always mean immediate removal is required.

The appropriate response depends on:

• Material condition

• Planned work activities

• Regulatory requirements

• Potential for disturbance

Possible approaches include:

Leave Material Undisturbed

If the material is intact and will not be affected, it may remain in place.

Encapsulation

A protective coating may be applied to prevent fiber release.

Removal

Professional asbestos abatement may be required before roofing work begins.

OSHA Requirements for Roofing Work Involving Asbestos

OSHA has specific requirements for construction activities involving asbestos exposure.

Requirements may include:

• Exposure assessment

• Worker protection procedures

• Training

• Respiratory protection when required

• Regulated areas

• Proper disposal procedures

Roofing contractors must evaluate asbestos risks before beginning work that may disturb suspect materials.

How Does Asbestos Affect Roof Replacement Projects?

If asbestos is discovered, it may affect:

• Project schedule

• Cost

• Contractor selection

• Disposal procedures

• Worker protection requirements

Proper planning before demolition can prevent unexpected delays.

What Should Property Owners Ask Roofing Contractors?

Before starting a commercial roof replacement, owners should ask:

• Has an asbestos survey been completed?

• Are suspect materials present?

• Who performed the inspection?

• Are workers trained for asbestos-related work?

• How will materials be handled if asbestos is found?

A professional roofing contractor should identify asbestos concerns before disturbing existing materials.

Common Asbestos Mistakes

Assuming New-Looking Materials Are Safe

Appearance does not confirm asbestos status.

Beginning Tear-Off Without Testing

Disturbing unknown materials can create exposure risks.

Removing Materials Without Proper Procedures

Improper removal can spread asbestos fibers.

Ignoring Building Age

Older buildings often require additional evaluation.

Frequently Asked Question

How do I know if my existing roof contains asbestos?

The only reliable way to determine whether an existing commercial roof contains asbestos is through inspection and laboratory testing performed by qualified asbestos professionals. Older roofing systems, adhesives, coatings, felts, and cement-based materials may contain asbestos, but visual inspection alone cannot confirm its presence. Before roof replacement or major repairs, property owners should evaluate asbestos risks and follow applicable OSHA requirements if asbestos-containing materials are discovered.

For commercial roofing projects, identifying asbestos before work begins helps protect workers, prevent regulatory issues, avoid unexpected delays, and ensure the project is completed safely.

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