Rolled roofing for a floor cloth outside?

18 years ago

I have NO clue who to ask but would it be safe and possible to use rolled roofing for a floor cloth? I'm thinking I'm only going to do this outside for an area in my yard but if it works, I could see myself trying it inside. I remember that roofing materials were made with asbestos (I'm thinking about it possibly working for under the desk chair? Not sure though, haven't tried it out) years ago but what about now? Is there something dangerous in them still that we know of?

DH has this huge roll of the stuff that my Dad gave him to use for the shed roof but he also gave us shingles and we just used those. DH wanted to toss the rolled roofing and I remembered it could be used for landscaping for weed cover and it has worked well in one area. Only problem is there are no holes so water doesn't drain but I didn't want to worry about moving the glider to pull weeds.

I have a nice little sitting area off the porch facing our little pool that I have been trying to treat like an inside area a bit. I have this glider and made two endtables from pavers and concrete blocks and a nice bench for a "coffee table" and I just feel it needs a rug now! LOL What do you think?

Any thoughts/comments/ideas?

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Comments (9)

nonacook
18 years ago
All you have to do to use it outdoors as a weed cover, is watch after a rain, and poke a few holes where the water 'pockets' are! I used some scrap pieces that way. I don't think it contains asbestos anymore, but you might check at one of the Big Box stores and ask. If your roll still has a label it would tell. I think you could make a nice 'outdoor rug' under your glider with it. Spray it with a clear sealer on both sides, a couple of coats, and basecoat with outdoor acrylic paint. Then you could use bottle acrylic to paint the flowers, geometrics or whatever, and recoat with sealer several times more.
It makes a great cover for pathways in the garden.
cindee11461
18 years ago
I have used for weed control and it works like a charm. I also have it under some gravel in a pathway. I have never tried to do anything else with it. Can't wait to see pictures of how you do yours.(-:
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goldenpond
18 years ago
How toxic is it?
Bright199
18 years ago
Would love to see pictures of your outside living area!! I have seen shingles used to make a pathway to keep weeds out.
cs7580
18 years ago
here is what i did for my little garden. hope it helps

{{gwi:154714}}
luvstocraft
18 years ago
CS7580, What a cute garden area. I love the pump on the little table, the cactus box that says "Ouch", your garden sign, and the round dog. Is the dog a bowling ball or a rock? All very cute.

Sweets, you might have a good idea there, although I've never heard of anyone trying it. With a good primer and a couple coats of housepaint, you should have a good painting surface. Certainly worth a try, what a great way to recycle as well as make your sitting area even more cute.

Luvs
cs7580
18 years ago
luve the puppy i got him at the dg.
{{gwi:160341}}
fortangela
18 years ago
It's not toxic. It's made of asphalt that is applied to a felt or fiberglass mat, which is pretty safe. There are some air pollutants in the manufacturing process, but the end product is pretty safe.
sweets98
Original Author
18 years ago
cs7580, I have seen your pictures before but I never paid close attention to what you used for your flooring! LOL I thought they were pavers to be honest! Awesome!

Fortangela,
Thanks for the info. I thought it was safe but I wanted to be sure.

I haven't been able to attempt my project yet. It's been really hot around here so we haven't ventured outside too much! When it cools down, I may get to work on it. At least I have been able to get some house work done and didn't feel bad about missing out on the beautiful day! LOL ...Ah, I hear the rumble of thunder now!