| During the 1930's asbestos was discovered to be a | | | | not drill or cut into them in any way as doing so can |
| great material to be used in building homes, it's fire | | | | loosen the fibers. |
| resistant as well as sturdy and strong. It was used | | | | If the shingles are in bad condition, you have two |
| on shingles extensively up until the 1970's when it | | | | options - either remove them or repair them. In order |
| was proven to cause many diseases. | | | | to repair them, they must be professionally enclosed |
| If your home was built during this time, there is a | | | | so that they are no longer a danger. Removal also |
| chance that asbestos may have been used, but just | | | | requires a professional and disposal can be tricky as |
| because asbestos exists in your home that does not | | | | some places do not allow disposal of asbestos waste. |
| mean that there is risk of developing any of the | | | | As you might imagine, disposing of asbestos can be |
| diseases related to it. It's when the asbestos | | | | quite expensive. First of all there are many |
| becomes damaged and the fibers are released into | | | | government regulations to be met. Then there is the |
| the air that there is a health risk. | | | | safety of those that are removing, gathering and |
| Of course, most people who suspect they have | | | | transporting the asbestos. To prevent inhalation of |
| asbestos in their home probably want it removed | | | | the fibers there must be protective equipment as |
| right away, but now matter how much you want to | | | | well as clothing. Care must be taken that no asbestos |
| get rid of it, this is a job best left to professionals as | | | | fibers get into the environment while the removal is |
| the very act of removing it can cause the fibers to | | | | taking place. It is a serious and costly undertaking. |
| become air born and put you and your family at risk. | | | | These days, most of the homes that used asbestos |
| Today, there are many laws and regulations | | | | shingles have either been resided or are gone forever |
| controlling the removal and disposal of asbestos. | | | | so thankfully few people will have to deal with this |
| First, a professional should inspect your shingles - if | | | | issue. If your home has asbestos shingles, your best |
| they are still in good condition the best course may | | | | bet is to consult a professional. Look in the yellow |
| be to just leave them as the fibers will not be | | | | pages for asbestos or hazardous waste removal. It |
| released and therefore, are not a health risk. | | | | can be an expensive undertaking but well worth your |
| However, if you do have asbestos shingles and do | | | | piece of mind. |
| decide to leave them it is very important that you do | | | | |