Is Roofing Felt Toxic? (Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, and More)

The roofing felt on your house is a pretty important part of its upkeep. Roofs that are not properly maintained can lead to big problems, from leaks to rot and mold.

But what if the problem isn’t with the roof itself? What if the issue happens when you use roofing felt?

Is roofing felt toxic?

Roofing felt is not considered toxic. However, it may release fumes when exposed to high heat which can be irritating to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. It’s recommended to wear protective gear and work in a well-ventilated area when handling roofing felt.

The fumes are not hazardous but can cause discomfort, so taking precautions is advised to ensure safety.

What are the toxic effects of roofing felt?

Contaminants and chemicals

Some roofing felt products may contain contaminants or chemicals that can be harmful if inhaled or come into contact with the skin. Most, roofing felt is made using tar and asphaltic bitumen which is a growing concern as heat causes gases from the material to form.

Check the product’s label and Material Safety Data Sheet for information on its composition before using it.

Asbestos concerns

Some older roofing felt products may contain asbestos, which can be hazardous if inhaled. These types of roofing felt were introduced during the early 1900s and have since been banned by the mid-1980s.

Have a professional assess any suspected asbestos-containing materials before handling or removing them. Detection of asbestos can only be verified by lab testing.

Toxicity and health hazards

Roofing felt itself is generally not considered toxic, but its fumes can cause respiratory and skin irritation.

Working with materials such as tar and asphalt can be dangerous due to the off-gassing of toxic volatiles like benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene.

Inhaling the fumes can cause coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.

Skin irritation

Roofing felt fumes can cause skin irritation. Wearing gloves and protective clothing can help prevent skin contact and minimize irritation.

Respiratory issues

Roofing felt fumes can cause respiratory irritation, especially if inhaled in large quantities.

Thanks to extremely hot temperatures, sometimes the roofing felt may end up producing fumes or debris that may harm you when you breathe it in. Wearing a mask and working in a well-ventilated area can help minimize the risk of respiratory irritation.

Causes of exposure to roofing felt

Contact with roofing felt: Physical contact with roofing felt can cause skin irritation, especially if it’s been exposed to chemicals or contaminants. This can happen during the installation or removal of a roof or when working on a roof covered in felt.

Exposure to asbestos found in felt: As stated above, some older roofing felt products may contain asbestos, which can be hazardous if inhaled. Exposure to asbestos fibers can occur during the installation or removal of a roof covered in felt, or by inhaling roofing felt debris.
Installation or removal of a roof: The installation or removal of a roof can create dust and debris that may contain roofing felt fibers and chemicals, leading to potential exposure.
Inhaling roofing felt debris: Inhaling roofing felt debris, such as dust or fibers, can cause respiratory irritation, especially if the debris contains asbestos.

Using products that contain roofing felt: Some products, such as insulation, may contain roofing felt fibers. These products can release dust or fibers into the air, leading to potential exposure.
Living in an area with a roof that exposes roofing felt: Living in close proximity to a roof covered in felt can expose a person to roofing felt fibers and chemicals, especially if the roof is being installed or removed.
Exposure to chemicals found in felt: Some roofing felt products may contain chemicals that can be hazardous if inhaled or come into contact with the skin.

Burning, crushing, or spraying felt: Burning, crushing, or spraying roofing felt can release fumes and debris that can be harmful if inhaled. These actions should be avoided or done with proper protective gear and in a well-ventilated area.

Symptoms caused by harmful exposure to roofing felt

Headaches

Exposure to roofing felt fumes can cause headaches, especially if inhaled in large quantities.

Nausea

Inhaling roofing felt fumes can cause nausea, especially if the fumes are strong or if a person is exposed for a prolonged period.

Fatigue

Exposure to roofing felt fumes can cause fatigue, especially if a person is exposed for a prolonged period or if the fumes are strong.

Irritation of the eyes

Fumes from roofing felt can irritate the eyes, especially if the person doesn’t have eye protection on.

Skin rashes

Contact with roofing felt or its fumes can cause skin rashes, especially if a person has sensitive skin or if the felt is contaminated with chemicals.

Dizziness

Inhaling roofing felt fumes can cause dizziness, especially if a person is exposed for a prolonged period or if the fumes are strong.

Difficulty breathing

Inhaling roofing felt fumes can cause difficulty breathing, especially if a person is exposed for a prolonged period or if the fumes are strong.

Loss of appetite

Fumes from roofing felt can make people lose their appetite, especially if they are around the fumes for a long time or if the fumes are strong.

Weight loss

If a person is exposed to roofing felt fumes for a long time, they may lose weight, especially if they also feel sick or don’t want to eat.

Memory loss

There is no evidence that exposure to roofing felt fumes causes memory loss. But breathing in roofing felt fumes or chemicals can make you confused or make it hard to focus, which can hurt your memory and brain function.

Prevention and safety measures against exposure to roofing felt

Avoid prolonged exposure to roofing felt

Wear a respirator mask when working with roofing felt
Wash hands thoroughly after handling roofing felt
Make sure to ventilate the workspace when working with roofing felt

Wear gloves when handling roofing felt
Make sure to clean up any roofing felt debris after each job
Consider using a different material instead of roofing felt

What should you do if you suspect roofing felt poisoning?

If you suspect poisoning from roofing felt, seek medical attention immediately. This is because breathing in roofing felt or its fumes can cause serious health problems that can only get worse if they are not treated quickly.

Find the source of the exposure and tell the doctor or other health care professional about it. Symptoms such as skin rashes, headaches, nausea, and difficulty breathing may indicate roofing-felt poisoning.

If possible, bring a sample of the felt or information about its composition to the doctor, as this will help in making a proper diagnosis.

Remove yourself from the exposure source and ventilate the area. Follow the instructions provided by the doctor or health care professional.

What materials in roofing felt make it so dangerous?

Roofing felt can contain a number of hazardous materials, both natural and synthetic, that make it dangerous to work with or be exposed to.

One natural material commonly used in roofing felt is wood cellulose, which can release fumes when it is burned or heated.

Synthetic materials like fiberglass and polyester are also used in roofing felt and can cause respiratory irritation and skin irritation when they come into contact with the skin or are inhaled.

Another dangerous material found in roofing felt is bitumen asphalt coating, which is a petroleum product that can release fumes when it is heated or burned. Inhaling these fumes can also cause respiratory irritation and other health problems, and contact with the skin can cause skin irritation.

Roofing felt can also contain asbestos. Asbestos is particularly dangerous and has been linked to lung cancer and other serious health problems.

Is long-term roofing felt exposure carcinogenic?

Yes, long-term exposure to roofing felt can be carcinogenic.

Asbestos, a known carcinogen that has been linked to lung cancer and mesothelioma, is the main reason why long-term exposure to roofing felt is dangerous.

When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they can get stuck in the lung tissue and damage it over time. This can make it more likely that a person will get lung cancer or mesothelioma.

People who work in construction or who install or remove roofing felt may be exposed to high levels of asbestos fibers for a long time. This makes it especially dangerous for them to breathe in asbestos fibers.

Keep in mind that roofing felt manufactured before 1980 is more likely to contain asbestos and may pose a greater risk of exposure.

If you think your roofing felt has asbestos, you should have it checked by a professional and, if necessary, take steps to limit your exposure.

Safer roofing felt alternatives

Synthetic underlayments: Synthetic underlayments are made from materials such as polypropylene or polyethylene and are a safer alternative to traditional roofing felt. They are lightweight, durable, and resistant to moisture and UV light, making them a good option for those looking for a safer alternative.
Rubber roofing membranes: Rubber roofing membranes are made from a blend of rubber and other materials and are a durable and long-lasting option for those looking for a safer alternative to traditional roofing felt. They are resistant to moisture and UV light, making them a good option for areas with harsh weather conditions. A popular type of rubber membrane is known as EPDM.
Metal roofing: Metal roofing is a durable and long lasting alternative to traditional roofing felt. It is made from materials such as steel, aluminum, or copper and is resistant to moisture, UV light, and extreme weather conditions.

PVC roofing: PVC roofing is made from a type of plastic and is a good alternative to traditional roofing felt. It is lightweight, durable, and resistant to moisture and UV light, making it a good option for those looking for a safer alternative.
Fiber cement underlayment: Fiber cement underlayment is made from a blend of cement, cellulose, and other materials and is a durable and long lasting alternative to traditional roofing felt. It is resistant to moisture and UV light and is a good option for those looking for a safer alternative.

How often should roofing felt be replaced?

Roofing felt should be replaced every 12 to 20 years, depending on several factors, such as the type of roofing felt, the quality of the installation, the climate in the area, and the overall condition of the roof.

Roofing felt may need to be replaced sooner than expected if it gets damaged by weather, sunlight, or other things, or if it has tears, holes, or other signs of wear and tear.

Roofing felt should be replaced when installing a new roof. This is because the old roofing felt may have become damaged or worn over time, and a new layer of roofing felt provides a fresh, clean base for the new roofing material.

Is roofing felt flammable?

Roofing felt is flammable, so if it isn’t installed and maintained correctly, it could cause a fire. Roofing felt is typically made from asphalt-saturated materials, such as fiberglass or organic materials, and it can ignite if it’s exposed to an open flame or a high heat source.

Most roofing felts have an ignition temperature of around 500 to 560 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that if the felt is exposed to high temperatures or an open flame that exceeds this temperature, it may ignite and start to burn.

Does roofing felt smell?

Roofing felt may have a distinct odor, especially when it’s new or being installed. This odor is usually the result of the asphalt or other materials used in the felt, and it may dissipate over time as the felt ages and weathers.

However, some people may be highly sensitive to the odor and find it unpleasant.

If you’re concerned about the odor from your roofing felt or if you sense that the smell is seeping into your home, start ventilating it by opening windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate.

Does roofing felt release gas?

As roofing felt ages and breaks down, it may give off volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other gases.

VOCs are organic chemicals that have a high vapor pressure at room temperature and can cause indoor air pollution. Some common VOCs found in roofing felt include benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde.

These gases can have a range of health effects, including eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, and nausea, among others.

Exposure to high levels of VOCs over time has been linked to more serious health problems, such as liver damage and certain types of cancer.

Is roofing felt considered hazardous waste?

Depending on the type and materials used in its manufacture, roofing felt can be classified as hazardous waste.

Roofing felt that has asbestos, heavy metals, or other dangerous chemicals in it is usually considered hazardous waste and must be thrown away by a licensed asbestos abatement professional so that the environment doesn’t get messed up and people don’t get hurt.

On the other hand, roofing felt made from natural materials, such as cellulose or cotton, may not be classified as hazardous waste and can be disposed of in a landfill or recycling facility.

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Author: Logan

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