CertainTeed
CertainTeed was a major US manufacturer of asbestos-containing roofing shingles, siding, and cement pipe.
Description
CertainTeed Corporation is one of North America's leading building products manufacturers with a history stretching back to 1904, when it was founded as the General Roofing Manufacturing Company. The company adopted the CertainTeed name in 1917, derived from its marketing slogan "Quality Made Certain, Satisfaction Guaranteed." For much of the 20th century, CertainTeed incorporated asbestos into many of its product lines.
CertainTeed manufactured asbestos-containing roofing shingles, asphalt roofing felts, asbestos-cement siding (including its popular "Colonial" line), asbestos-cement flat and corrugated sheets, asbestos-cement water and sewer pipe (Transite-type), and various other building products. The company also manufactured gypsum wallboard through its Bestwall subsidiary, some of which contained asbestos in the joint compound.
The asbestos content in CertainTeed products varied by product type. Cement-based products typically contained 10% to 25% chrysotile asbestos. Roofing products contained lower percentages, while some specialty products had higher concentrations. The company sourced chrysotile primarily from Canadian mines in Quebec.
CertainTeed products were installed in millions of American and Canadian homes and commercial buildings. The roofing shingles and siding panels were particularly popular in residential construction from the 1940s through the 1970s. While these products were non-friable when new, aging, weathering, and disturbance during renovation or demolition can release asbestos fibers.
CertainTeed became a subsidiary of the French multinational Saint-Gobain in 1982. The company faces ongoing asbestos litigation, with thousands of lawsuits filed by individuals claiming exposure to CertainTeed asbestos products. Saint-Gobain has established reserves for these liabilities. CertainTeed continues to operate today as a major building products manufacturer, and none of its current products contain asbestos.
Countries where commonly found
Commercial brands
How to identify
CertainTeed products may carry the "CertainTeed" or "Certain-Teed" brand name, the company logo, or the product line name (e.g., "Colonial" for siding). Asbestos-cement siding panels are typically 12 inches by 24 inches, with a wood-grain or smooth finish, in various colors. Roofing shingles resemble standard asphalt shingles but may feel denser and more rigid. Cement pipe bears circumferential markings with the manufacturer name and specifications. On older homes in the US built or re-sided between the 1940s and 1980s, check for dense, rigid siding panels that produce a solid sound when tapped — these may be asbestos-cement. Look for the CertainTeed name on exposed edges or the back face of siding panels.
Health risk & friability
This material has a risk level of 2 out of 5.
It is classified as non-friable, meaning the asbestos fibers are tightly bound within the material matrix. When in good condition and left undisturbed, the risk of fiber release is low. However, cutting, drilling, sanding or breaking the material can release dangerous fibers.
What to do if you find this material
CertainTeed asbestos products are generally non-friable and pose low risk when intact and undisturbed. However, cutting, sanding, drilling, breaking, or removing these materials can release hazardous asbestos fibers. If you suspect CertainTeed asbestos products on your property, have a sample tested by a certified laboratory before any renovation or demolition work. In the US, hire a state-certified asbestos inspector for assessment. If asbestos is confirmed and the material is in good condition, it may be left in place with periodic monitoring. For removal, hire a licensed asbestos abatement contractor and ensure compliance with EPA NESHAP regulations and applicable state requirements. Dispose of waste at an approved landfill.
Frequently asked questions
Does CertainTeed still make asbestos products?
Is CertainTeed siding on my house asbestos?
Who owns CertainTeed now?
Can I sue CertainTeed for asbestos exposure?
Related materials
Other asbestos-containing materials you might encounter.
Asbestos Cement Corrugated Sheet
Corrugated roofing and cladding sheets made with chrysotile asbestos fibres bound in Portland cement.
Asbestos Cement Pipe
Pressure and drainage pipes made from asbestos-reinforced cement, widely used for water mains and sewers.
Eternit
Eternit was the world's largest manufacturer of asbestos-cement roofing, pipes, and facade products.
Uralita
Uralita was Spain's dominant asbestos-cement manufacturer, producing roofing sheets, pipes, and building panels.
Need professional help?
Browse verified asbestos professionals near you. Testing, surveys, removal — direct contact, no middleman.
Browse the directory