15A-3-5 Rendezvous & Ditleff, St John, VI 00830
Description
Supplements: Centerline Construction 466 Schoolhouse Road, Ghent, NY 12075 518-392-5196 simplyshawn1@aol.com March 12, 2010 Mrs. Judith Choate 7 Partridge Drive Austerlitz, NY 12017 Dear Mrs. Choate: In regard to the concern expressed about the asbestos-containing roof shingles on your home on the island of St. John, I provide the following explanation: Your shingles are made of a composition of mineral fiber and cement and have a small asbestos content. The content varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, but historically, tests indicate this content anywhere from 5 percent to 35 percent. (Laboratory testing is the only way to determine the asbestos content for certain.) Asbestos-containing roofing shingles and residential siding are very, very common and pose little or no threat if handled properly. These materials, known as chrystoline asbestos, are commonly referred to as ACRM (asbestos-containing roofing material), which is a transite material, or rigid-board type. It is comprised mostly of a mixture of mineral fibers and Portland cement. The major factors that determine how asbestos is presented, handled and disposed of are based on its friability factor. Being friable means the material has the ability to become airborne. The matrix of asbestos fibers in transite materials is so tight in ACRM that it becomes difficult for the release of any asbestos fibers unless the material is mishandled or in a state of decomposition. Current regulations ensure that all asbestos-containing materials are handled safely. Transite material is considered a Category 2 material, defined as non-friable asbestos containing more than 1 percent asbestos. (Most roofing and siding material is a Category 2.) If this material is in good condition, it can be removed and broken up without requiring any regulation. It is helpful to keep the shingles wet while they are worked on and/or during removal, should you choose to do this, and this material should be disposed of according to your local regulations. In summation, the roofing material currently on your house on St. John poses little or no threat to your health and safety, and little or no threat to the next owner of the house. This roof can be removed safely or it can stay in place with no problem as long as it is in good condition. I hope you find this information helpful. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you or your real estate professional have further questions. Sincerely, Charles Weinlein General Manager