How To Tell If Asbestos Siding

Contractors and inspectors or anyone identifying asbestos siding can t tell from just an on site inspection whether or not your siding really has asbestos in it.

How to tell if asbestos siding.

It does have some characteristics too look for. Asbestos ranks high on the list of dangerous substances because of its toxic and carcinogenic properties when airborne. The original shingles of both asbestos cement and fiber cement usually come from the factory painted white on one side. Asbestos was used to make several exterior materials.

Look for a siding that is made to look like roof shingles. Asbestos cement can be dangerous if pulverized by sawing sanding breaking etc. Put on a mask and scrape away some siding material into a baggie. Age or date of installation.

Layers of paint or finish coatings. It may be smooth or have a pressed wood grain pattern on the surface of the board. Asbestos siding was manufactured to resemble many different materials so it doesn t always look the same. Installed before 1978 the fiber cement shingles probably contain asbestos.

Determine when the shingles were installed on your roof. Asbestos shingles were so common during the 20th century that almost any shingles installed between 1920 and 1986 probably include asbestos. You may choose to take a sample of siding from a damaged area of siding. If your siding has these characteristics then asbestos could be present.

Asbestos cement siding is very brittle and can be easily chipped cracked or broken. The use of a pressure washer for maintenance can crack the siding and lead to moisture intrusion if the pressure setting is high enough. Inspect exterior building materials. It is generally very brittle and the back may be black and have the appearance of tar paper.

Continue reading below our video of the day. If you don t know the age of the shingles inspect them for wear. If you suspect that your siding may contain asbestos there is no need for alarm. It is ususally in a shingle shake form 12 x24.

The only true way to identify asbestos siding is to have it tested. Asbestos was particularly prevalent in siding that resembles shingles or was made to look like wood grain. Identifying asbestos siding the only way to be sure if your siding has asbestos in it is to collect a sample and send it to an accredited testing lab. Roofing and siding shingles are among the most common materials to contain asbestos and will readily release fibers into the air if broken.