Hi, my Virginia (Zone 4) home has the original 1950s concrete asbestos shingled roof on it that we are considering replacing. We would love to get some advice on how to proceed. First, some details:

The roof is in OK shape because we replaced all of the side-lapped shingles along the ridges with a wide piece of tented flashing which is where most of the leaks were occurring. Confident that we had addressed the leaks and finding no rot damage to the roofing timbers (12-14" rough cut planks), we went ahead and installed 3.5" of closed-cell spray foam to the underside of the roof and brought the attic, ductwork, and utilities inside the thermal envelope.

In the next few years, we would like to replace the roof with a metal roof but are a bit scared about finding a competent contractor that isn't going to bend us over on the asbestos removal or on the metal roof. Additionally, we are considering adding some overhangs (zero overhang design currently) and would like to consider additional insulation over top of the roof sheathing if this is possible (to add R and reduce thermal bridging).

The roof is moderately complex

Not too steep (under 45-degree angle)

and fairly large due to the single-story design (2400 sq-ft footprint).

Posted By jorshw on 06 Feb 2012 01:09 PM
Hi, my Virginia (Zone 4) home has the original 1950s concrete asbestos shingled roof on it that we are considering replacing. We would love to get some advice on how to proceed. First, some details:

The roof is in OK shape because we replaced all of the side-lapped shingles along the ridges with a wide piece of tented flashing which is where most of the leaks were occurring. Confident that we had addressed the leaks and finding no rot damage to the roofing timbers (12-14" rough cut planks), we went ahead and installed 3.5" of closed-cell spray foam to the underside of the roof and brought the attic, ductwork, and utilities inside the thermal envelope.

In the next few years, we would like to replace the roof with a metal roof but are a bit scared about finding a competent contractor that isn't going to bend us over on the asbestos removal or on the metal roof. Additionally, we are considering adding some overhangs (zero overhang design currently) and would like to consider additional insulation over top of the roof sheathing if this is possible (to add R and reduce thermal bridging).

The roof is moderately complex

Not too steep (under 45-degree angle)

and fairly large due to the single-story design (2400 sq-ft footprint).

removal of asbestos should be removed by an asbestos abatement contractor, certified in the process. It is definitely not a DIY project

What Does the EPA Say About Abatement?
"Asbestos abatement has been found to increase the risk of exposure to asbestos fibers, and the EPA recommends that a trained abatement contractor should remove any and all asbestos-containing products. Because of the high cost of having a home abated, some home or building owners want to remove asbestos products themselves. Proper training, licenses, health forms and notification are required for homeowners to perform abatement without the help of a certified abatement contractor. Although performing asbestos abatement yourself may cut costs, the EPA does not recommend it because the risk of releasing more asbestos fibers into the air is significantly increased."

Consider covering the roof

Now what will be your next step. Are your going to do as CMKAVALA suggested or going to plan something different for it?