Roofing felt and bitumen
Asbestos in roofing felt – analysis €49.99
Old roofing felt, bitumen membranes and tar-containing materials can contain asbestos. Before you strip or re-cover the roof, the material should be checked in a laboratory.
In short
Can roofing felt contain asbestos?
Yes. Old roofing felt, bitumen membranes, tar or the adhesive layer in the roof build-up can contain asbestos. Have it tested before you tear off or grind the felt. Semlab analyses a roofing felt sample for €49.99 incl. VAT and emails the result on the day the sample arrives at the laboratory.
Identify the material
What should you know about this material?
Where can asbestos be found in roofing felt?
Asbestos can occur in old layers of felt, bitumen membranes, tar-containing layers, seals around roof penetrations and older underlay materials.
Why should roofing material be tested before it is stripped?
When roofing felt is torn off, ripped or cut, the material can break up and create dust. If it contains asbestos, the removal must be planned and carried out with the right protective measures.
How do I take a sample of roofing felt?
Take a small, representative piece of felt that shows the build-up. If the roof has several layers, label the sample clearly or send the layers as separate samples.
Sampling
How to take a representative sample
- Cut out a small piece of felt that shows the layer you want tested.
- Seal sticky bitumen material well so that it does not stick to the outer packaging.
- Note whether it is roofing felt, a bitumen membrane or tar.
If the material crumbles, is dusty or is hard to reach, do not force it loose. Only firmly bound materials may be sent by post, never dusty insulation. If you are unsure how to take the sample safely, ask a professional.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about asbestos in roofing felt
Test for asbestos in roofing felt before demolition
Order the analysis online and pay by card, send the sample to our laboratory with your national postal service, and receive the result by email on the day the sample arrives.