Asbestos Roofing Materials: Exposure & Trust Fund Compensation
Asbestos roofing felt, asphalt shingles, and built-up roofing systems were used on millions of commercial and residential buildings from the 1940s through 1985. Roofers, construction workers, and demolition crews handled these materials with significant exposure.
Were you exposed to roofing materials?
What is asbestos roofing materials?
Asbestos-containing roofing materials included roofing felt (used in built-up commercial roofing systems), asphalt shingles (residential and commercial), roof insulation, and patching compounds. Major manufacturers were Celotex, GAF/Ruberoid, Flintkote, and Johns-Manville. Roofing felt was particularly heavy in asbestos content, used as the layered base material for built-up commercial roofing on flat-roofed buildings.
Manufacturers and bankruptcy trusts that cover this product
The following asbestos manufacturers produced roofing materials products during the asbestos era and now have bankruptcy trusts that compensate exposed claimants:
Exposure mechanism
Roofing exposure:
- Roofing felt installation — rolling out felt sheets and torching/mopping asphalt over them generated heat-driven fiber release
- Shingle handling — cutting and nailing asbestos-containing shingles
- Roof tear-off operations — removing aged asbestos roofing materials during reroofing
- Hot work — torching aged roofing materials during repairs released asbestos fibers
Common occupations exposed to roofing materials
- Commercial roofers
- Residential roofers
- Construction workers
- Building maintenance
- Demolition workers
Frequently asked questions
Did all roofing felt contain asbestos?
Most U.S.-manufactured roofing felt produced before approximately 1985 contained chrysotile asbestos. Asbestos provided heat resistance and structural integrity to the felt material. Roofers from the 1945-1985 era typically have eligible exposure.
Were asphalt shingles also asbestos?
Many asphalt shingle products manufactured before approximately 1985 contained chrysotile asbestos as a strengthening fiber. GAF, Celotex, and other major manufacturers produced asbestos shingle lines.
I was a commercial roofer — what trusts apply?
Commercial roofers typically qualify for 4-7 roofing trusts: Celotex, GAF, Flintkote, plus Manville (broad construction coverage). Use the eligibility quiz for personalized matches.
What about residential roofers?
Residential roofers had primary exposure to asphalt shingles. File GAF (major residential shingle manufacturer), Manville, and other applicable trusts. Combined trust compensation lower than commercial roofers but still meaningful.
Are roof tear-off workers eligible?
Yes. Removing aged asbestos roofing materials during reroofing operations releases substantial asbestos fibers. Tear-off crews from the 1990s onward have eligible exposure when working on pre-1985 roof installations.
Were you exposed to asbestos roofing materials?
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