This specification covers asbestos-cement roofing shingles, including accessories, designed to provide the weather-exposed surfaces on roofs of buildings. These shingles are classified according to method of application and shape: American method, Dutch or Scotch method, French or Hexagonal method, and strip shingles. Different physical properties of the shingles such as flexural strength, deflection, and water absorption shall be determined. The surface of the shingles to be exposed shall be free of defects that impair appearance or serviceability. The surface of the shingles to be exposed shall be smooth, grained, granuled, coated, or otherwise textured after finishing. In addition, the exposed surface of the shingles shall be natural color of the asbestos-cement product or shall be colored by the addition of mineral pigments, chemical impregnation, pigmented coatings, veneers, or embedded mineral granules. Efflorescence that sometimes appears on asbestos-cement shingles is not a defect and shall not result in a permanent change in color. Holes for nails and fasteners shall be provided in the units during manufacture and shall be so placed as to provide at least the minimum lap as specified. Nails and fasteners shall have flat heads substantially larger than the diameter of the holes in the shingles with which they are to be used. The nails shall be of such length as to hold securely in the deck. Storm anchors or clips shall have flat bases substantially larger than the diameter of the holes in the shingles with which they are to be used. Storm anchors shall be of adequate length to secure the shingles in place. Asphalt-saturated felt, preferably asbestos felt where maximum fire resistance of the roof covering is desired, is suitable for underlayment use.

1.1 This specification covers asbestos-cement roofing shingles, including accessories, designed to provide the weather-exposed surfaces on roofs of buildings.

1.2 Shingles supplied under this specification are of the following types as to shape and method of application:

1.2.1 American Method—Uniform thickness, generally rectangular in shape, with straight or irregular edges. They are intended to be laid with a minimum 2-in. (51-mm) head lap and with no side lap and to provide double coverage. They may be made either as individual or multiple units to simulate the appearance of individual shingles.

1.2.2 Strip Shingles—Uniform thickness, various shapes and designs to provide top lap only and shingle coverage under the butt joints, with the design such that it provides only single coverage.

1.2.3 Strip Shingles—Uniform thickness, various shapes and designs to provide top lap only and shingle coverage under the butt joints, with the design such that it provides only single coverage.

1.2.4 Dutch or Scotch Method (Including Ranch Design)—Uniform thickness with straight or irregular edges and designed to be laid with a lap at the top and on one side of each shingle.

1.2.4.1 Dutch—Square in shape.

1.2.4.2 Ranch—Oblong-rectangular in shape, with the greater dimension horizontal.

1.2.5 French or Hexagonal Method—Uniform thickness, square in shape, having at least three corners clipped to give the desired pattern when the shingles are laid with their diagonals perpendicular to the eave of the roof, with their apex sides lapped.

1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.4 Warning—Breathing of asbestos dust is hazardous. Asbestos and asbestos products present demonstrated health risks for users and for those with whom they come into contact. In addition to other precautions, when working with asbestos-cement products, minimize the dust that results. For information on the safe use of chrysotile asbestos, refer to “Safe Use of Chrysotile: A Manual on Preventive and Control Measures.”