Power Washing and Roof Cleaning Forum

Dave O · Retired Member

Roof on Old Farm House

Bryan P · Approved Exterior Cleaner

They look like old asphalt diamond-shaped shingles. They are are some companies that still make them.

BlueRidge · Approved Exterior Cleaner

It's hard to tell from the picture posted but we have quite a few around here with a diamond shape that are asbestos. If you had a better picture it might be easier to see what they are.

Dave · Approved Exterior Cleaner

They are Art-loc shingles. Still made today. Sherriff Goslin is the only company I know that installs them arund here

Dave O · Retired Member

Here are all the photos I have. Hopefully this will help confirm the type of shingle material. If asbestos, is it safe to clean and will it clean up OK or should I walk away?

Art O · Approved Exterior Cleaner

We had a company here on Long Island that used to make them. They were called Tile O roofing

Steve Salley · Approved Exterior Cleaner

My vote is asbestos shingles. My neighbors garage is just like those-- only clean now!
If it is asbestos tile, you cannot touch them. They are very fragile. I did not chance resting my ladder stabilizer legs on his roof.

It also requires a very hot mix to clean them. I applied several times before I got a complete release. The fact they were 100 years old probably had something to do with that...

Much like slate I did not want to shoot a lot of water under the shingles. If I ever do another one, it will include a lift so I can get above the shingles and safely rinse them if needed.

Dave O · Retired Member

Thanks everyone for your input. I think I will just walk away from this job.

Bryan P · Approved Exterior Cleaner

I don't think those are asbestos shingles. At least not anything like the ones I've dealt with. I believe those to be asphalt/bitumen shingles. They should clean like everything else we clean. They are just really old.

BlueRidge · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Dave O wrote:
Thanks everyone for your input. I think I will just walk away from this job.

What a shame! That would be a good job and even better for great before and after pictures. You could easily get .70 sf or more for that roof.

HHandywork · Exterior Cleaner

When I have come across these shingles while replacing them. I've found them to be very old and brittle . Most of the time under a couple layers of shingles. I haven't see anyone using these shingles around here. I hope to be washing them tho, instead of replacing by next year. Maybe I should check myself for mesothelioma.

Bryan P · Approved Exterior Cleaner

HHandywork wrote:
When I have come across these shingles while replacing them. I've found them to be very old and brittle . Most of the time under a couple layers of shingles. I haven't see anyone using these shingles around here. I hope to be washing them tho, instead of replacing by next year. Maybe I should check myself for mesothelioma.

Right! They are the layer of shingles on top of the wood shakes, underneath the three layers of 3 tab! Those jobs are the worst.

Dave O · Retired Member

BlueRidge wrote:
Dave O wrote:
Thanks everyone for your input. I think I will just walk away from this job.
What a shame! That would be a good job and even better for great before and after pictures. You could easily get .70 sf or more for that roof.

For such a small house with all the potential issues not to mention over one hour drive one way, I'll spend the time on more typical local jobs.

BlueRidge · Approved Exterior Cleaner

Dave O wrote:
BlueRidge wrote:
Dave O wrote:
Thanks everyone for your input. I think I will just walk away from this job.
What a shame! That would be a good job and even better for great before and after pictures. You could easily get .70 sf or more for that roof.
For such a small house with all the potential issues not to mention over one hour drive one way, I'll spend the time on more typical local jobs.

I understand your concern Dave but I enjoy helping people out of a situation like this, especially when they can't find someone else. Some of our best comments are from the people who were told "it can't be done" or "we'll just tear it off and pay us 14K for a new roof". We are use to the travel around here so an hour for a $1200.00 job is a good day!