10/16/2026
A Florida church needed a new roof. The old tiles were worn out, and replacement was the clear answer.
Then came the question nobody wanted: what if those tiles contain asbestos?
Asbestos can't be identified by looking at it, and the risk comes from disturbing it. A quick repair, a pressure wash, or a crew walking the roof for a quote can make the problem worse.
How to move forward, step by step:
1. Stop all work on the roof. Hold off on repairs, cleaning, pressure washing, and unnecessary foot traffic until you know what the material is.
2. Get a professional assessment. A building envelope consultant can document the roof's condition and determine what needs to be replaced, repaired, or tested. At this church, that meant reviewing seven steep-slope and three low-slope roof areas, each with different needs.
3. Have the tiles sampled and tested. A qualified asbestos professional should collect representative samples, and an accredited laboratory should analyze them, before the tiles are disturbed and before any repair or replacement work is planned.
4. If the results are positive, plan the removal carefully. Removing asbestos-containing material is regulated. Work with qualified asbestos professionals to determine what's required for your building and how the removal fits into the replacement.
5. Price the replacement once you know what you're dealing with. Quotes built on guesses can change, sometimes dramatically, once the test results come in.
6. Have the work observed. Independent observation during removal and installation helps make sure the plan is followed and the new roof is installed correctly.
These roofs are uncommon today, but they're still out there on churches, schools, and older buildings across Florida.
Article link: https://structuraview.com/asbestos-in-your-old-roof-heres-how-to-move-forward-without-making-it-worse/
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Think your old roof has asbestos shingles or tiles? Follow these 6 steps to test, plan, and replace it safely without making the problem worse.