How To Tell If Its Asbestos Siding

Asbestos ranks high on the list of dangerous substances because of its toxic and carcinogenic properties when airborne.

How to tell if its asbestos siding.

Asbestos cement was not only commonly used. It was a recommended siding material from the 1940s to the 1960s thanks to its fireproof nature. Testing your siding for asbestos. Roofing and siding shingles are among the most common materials to contain asbestos and will readily release fibers into the air if broken.

When used as a siding asbestos fibers were mixed with portland cement and pressed together to form what we know as asbestos siding. This type of siding was manufactured up to the late 70 s until it was deemed to be a health risk. If you suspect that your siding may contain asbestos there is no need for alarm. Whilst asbestos containing products can be difficult to identify from visual inspection alone we have put together some helpful guidance to help you understand what it may look like in different materials and locations around the home.

Rosato engineering consultant newton ma reinhold publishing 1959 library of congress catalog card no. 59 12535 out of print. Even a single airborne fiber of the most dangerous types of asbestos can eventually cause a particular form of lung cancer if inhaled. Asbestos was also put into cement used on the exterior of buildings to help insulate the.

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. And make no mistake asbestos is dangerous. Asbestos wasn t always added to cement siding and there s no way to tell from a visual test or physical inspection on site if siding really does have asbestos in it. While older homes will likely contain asbestos in roofing insulation and tiles it can also be present in exterior siding.

Asbestos was used to make several exterior materials. The siding may also contain asbestos if it is old with a wood grain texture to resemble cedar. Pros and cons of asbestos cement siding the presence of asbestos cement siding should not necessarily be viewed as a serious problem. Most older cement board products contain asbestos.

The issue here is asbestos and the risks of serious lung diseases it can cause. Asbestos is found in a wide range of products and materials and was also used in its pure form. Asbestos in different products and materials. This happens when the siding is cut or broken.

If your siding fits either of these descriptions you should consider having it tested. Asbestos is actually safe unless inhaled.