What kinds of toxins are released when burning roofing shingles?
- Shingles are particularly dangerous to fire because they are mainly asphalt (a petroleum waste) packed with grit. They discharge a complex cocktail of toxins into the air, as well as the soil and water, including carcinogenic polyaromatic hydrocarbons
- Avoid burning your roofing shingles. The simplest issue that you need to avoid here is that it is illegal and can get you into serious trouble or at least a serious fine.
- However, it is also important to note that burning roofing shingles is harmful to the environment. Burned roofing shingles can release a wide range of poisons into the atmosphere.
- Several pollutants, such as carcinogenic polyaromatic hydrocarbons, fall within this category. While these chemicals are deadly enough in the air, they can also travel to the soil around the blaze and nearby streams of water. This risk is heightened when certain materials, such as asbestos, were used in the construction of older roofs.
Is it illegal to burn roofing shingles?
Only the wood element of Construction and Demolition Debris can be burned (CDD). Burning treated wood, shingles, siding, wiring, insulation, and any other non-wood items is prohibited.
How to dispose of roofing shingles ?
- Rent a Dumpster
- Haul Them to a Landfill
- Recycling Shingles
Are Roofing Shingles Fire Resistant?
- Shingles falls into several class assessments that determine fire resistance. Therefore, most shingles generally have some degree of fire resistance.
- Singles are divided into four sections in this class list: Class A, Class B, Class C, and Unrated.
- Each class rating is associated with a range within the flame spread rating. These assessments show how effective shingles is in preventing the spread of fire to more flammable materials, such as wood commonly used for roof decks.