Asbestos shingles were commonly used on homes built before the 1980s for their durability and fire resistance. However, asbestos is a known carcinogen that can cause serious health issues if inhaled. This raises an important question for homeowners – should you remove asbestos shingles on a wood house yourself or hire professionals?

There are pros and cons to DIY asbestos shingle removal that are important to consider carefully before deciding.

The Potential Risks of DIY Asbestos Shingle Removal

Removing asbestos shingles yourself may seem like an easy way to save money, but there are significant risks involved that could end up costing you in the long run if not done properly:

Exposure to Asbestos Fibers

When asbestos shingles are disturbed, tiny asbestos fibers are released into the air. Inhaling or ingesting these microscopic fibers can lead to serious health conditions like lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis.

The risks are highest when using power tools that grind or cut the shingles, releasing more fibers. Even working carefully by hand still poses inhalation and ingestion risks.

Spreading Contamination

It’s very difficult to contain asbestos fibers when removing shingles yourself. The work will inevitably release some fibers around the removal area.

You can accidentally spread more contamination by tracking debris into your home or vehicle. Improperly sealing and disposing of asbestos waste also spreads asbestos.

Legal Liability

Depending on your state’s laws, you may be legally liable if your DIY asbestos removal results in contamination or health issues on your property. Fines can be steep if regulatory agencies get involved.

Hiring a licensed professional absolves you of this liability in most cases.

DIY Mistakes

Removing asbestos shingles properly involves following strict safety protocols. It’s easy for DIYers to make mistakes that compromise safety.

For example, you may neglect to seal off the work area, wear improper PPE, or make errors sealing and disposing of asbestos waste. Even minor mistakes can significantly increase health risks.

The Case for Hiring an Asbestos Abatement Company

Given the potentially very serious DIY risks, most experts strongly recommend hiring a professional asbestos abatement company.

Here’s why professional asbestos removal is worth the higher cost:

Proper Training & Equipment

Licensed abatement pros have extensive training in safe practices and use specialized equipment to contain fibers. This includes HEPA vacuums, negative air machines, heavy plastic sheeting, respirators and full body coveralls.

DIYers lack the proper equipment, allowing contamination to spread.

Safe Work Procedures

Reputable asbestos companies follow strict safety protocols before, during and after abatement work. This includes isolating the work area, minimising fiber release, wearing correct PPE, and proper clean-up and disposal.

Doing everything safely yourself as a DIYer is extremely difficult.

Air Monitoring

Contractors perform air tests during and after removal to monitor asbestos fiber levels. If the levels tested are unsafe, they take corrective action.

As a DIYer, you can’t monitor the air to ensure safety.

Proper Waste Disposal

Asbestos professionals dispose of all asbestos-containing waste at approved facilities designed to contain fibers. DIYers can’t easily access or pay for proper hazardous waste disposal.

Peace of Mind

Hiring a pro means the job gets done safely, in compliance with regulations, without liability concerns. This brings invaluable peace of mind that the work won’t jeopardise you or your family’s health.

When DIY Asbestos Removal May Be an Option

Given all the risks, it’s clear that in most cases hiring a professional is strongly advised for asbestos shingle removal. However, DIY removal may be appropriate in certain specific situations:

Only a very small amount needs removal, such as a single damaged shingle.
The shingles are non-friable, meaning they are unlikely to crumble and release fibers.
You can legally dispose of asbestos waste in your local landfill and access proper PPE and tools.
You are extremely knowledgeable about strict asbestos removal safety procedures and will follow them diligently.
An asbestos contractor quotes an absurdly high price that you simply can’t afford.

However, unless all of those conditions are met, it’s still best to hire a pro. The risks are simply too high for DIY asbestos work in most situations.

Preparing for Professional Asbestos Shingle Removal

If you decide to hire an abatement company, as most homeowners should, use these steps to prepare:

Research Reputable Local Contractors

Search listings on the EPA and state environment department websites.
Read online reviews and check companies’ credentials.
Verify required licensing and insurance.
Ask about safety procedures and equipment.

Obtain Quotes

Have at least 3 companies assess your roof and provide written quotes.
Get quotes for both full and partial roof abatement.
Ask lots of questions to understand exactly what’s included.

Compare Quotes Carefully

Look beyond just price – the cheapest quote often lacks safety precautions or procedures.
Consider experience, reputation, equipment, containment plan, air monitoring, waste disposal plan.
Beware very high quotes too, get multiple to compare.

Arrange Financing if Needed

If the quotes are higher than your budget, consider a HELOC or personal loan to pay for professional removal.
Weigh financing costs against health risks of DIY removal.

Prepare the Property

Remove any items near the roof that could get contaminated during work.
Cover air vents and windows with plastic sheeting.
Discuss access to electrical and water shut-offs with the contractor.
Agree on decontamination procedures after work is complete.

Sign a Comprehensive Contract

Ensure the contract protects you from liability and clearly outlines scope, timeline, safety protocols and responsibility for air testing and waste disposal.

Key Safety Tips for DIY Asbestos Shingle Removal

Again, hiring a professional is strongly recommended for almost all situations. However, if you’re certain DIY removal is appropriate for your specific circumstances, here are some absolute must-follow safety tips:

Purchase High Quality PPE

Splurge on a proper HEPA-filter respirator and protective coveralls designed for asbestos work.
Wear splash goggles, latex gloves, and rubber boots as well.

Isolate the Work Area

Seal off all windows, doors, vents, and other openings with plastic sheeting and tape.
Use another layer of plastic on the ground.
Erect enclosure walls around the roof area and entry point.

Minimise Fiber Release

Carefully wet shingles before and during removal to keep fibers down.
Remove whole, intact shingles whenever possible.
Avoid breaking or grinding shingles.
Work slowly and carefully by hand.

Dispose of Waste Safely

Double wrap all asbestos waste material in heavy plastic and label it.
If allowed, take it directly to approved landfill disposal.
If prohibited, you MUST hire waste transport – do not dump illegally!

Clean Thoroughly

Wet wipe all tools and surfaces. HEPA vacuum the area thoroughly.
Safely decontaminate yourself and your clothing before leaving the work area.
Consider hiring a contractor just for certified post-removal air testing and clearance.

Research Your State Laws

Fully understand the regulations for DIY asbestos work – including waste disposal.
Failure to comply could result in heavy fines.
Consider anonymous tips to regulators if neighbors are doing DIY removal unsafely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about removing asbestos roof shingles yourself vs. hiring a professional.

Is it always necessary to hire an asbestos abatement company?

In most cases, yes. Removing asbestos shingles yourself is very risky. The only exceptions are if just one or two shingles require replacement or your state’s laws permit DIY removal and waste disposal. Even then, proceed with extreme caution.

Can’t I just be really careful removing them myself?

Removing asbestos shingles requires extensive, specialised equipment and training in strict procedures. It’s extremely hard for DIYers to take all necessary precautions. Carefulness alone is insufficient when microscopic fibers can lead to cancer or lung disease.

How much does professional asbestos shingle removal cost?

On average, $30-$60 per square (100 sq ft) of roof area. Most roofs require scaffolding too. Get multiple quotes. Very low bids likely cut corners on safety. Expect to pay $5,000-$20,000+ for a typical house.

Should I cover over asbestos shingles instead?

Encapsulation by covering shingles is possible in some cases, but removal is often still the best solution. Covering deteriorating asbestos shingles won’t prevent airborne fibers long-term. DIY encapsulation still poses risks. Get professional advice.

Can I save money by removing asbestos shingles myself?

Potentially, but saving a few thousand dollars isn’t worth the extreme health risks of improper asbestos exposure. It also may end up costing more if contamination occurs. It’s penny wise but pound foolish. Focus on financing if needed.

Is it safe for my neighbors if I remove asbestos shingles myself?

Absolutely not. DIY removal can easily release asbestos fibers beyond your property, contaminating nearby homes. Use professionals for the safety of the whole neighborhood.

If some shingles fall off in a storm, is it an emergency?

Not necessarily, but do take precautions. Limit access to the area, wet down shingles and debris thoroughly, double bag any material and contact asbestos removal pros to safely remediate.

Can I tell if shingles contain asbestos by looking at them?

No, testing is the only sure way to confirm asbestos content. Some clues indicate they may contain asbestos, like cement-looking shingles installed before the 1980s. When in doubt, test or assume they contain asbestos.

Conclusion

Removing asbestos roof shingles on a wood house yourself may seem like an easy way to save on costs, but it almost always carries unacceptable health risks. The tiny asbestos fibers released during DIY removal can lead to deadly consequences like lung cancer or mesothelioma later in life.

The safest option for your health and your family is hiring a reputable local asbestos abatement company to take care of the shingle removal safely and legally. While professional removal costs more upfront, it’s well worth it to avoid contamination and serious asbestos-related illnesses down the road. Don’t put a price on your family’s safety.

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Should You Remove Asbestos Shingles on a Wood House Yourself?