How To Tell If Its Asbestos Siding

You may choose to take a sample of siding from a damaged area of siding.

How to tell if its asbestos siding. Here we explain how to identify the manufacturer brand or type of fiber cement siding installed on a building. This article describes the characteristic embossed fingerprints of woodgrain or knots on some fiber cement siding products the markings and stampings on others and the dimensions or details on still others all of which can. It s pretty serious but according to health canada one of the world s leading sources of unbiased information on the subject if. The use of a pressure washer for maintenance can crack the siding and lead to moisture intrusion if the pressure setting is high enough.

While older homes will likely contain asbestos in roofing insulation and tiles it can also be present in exterior siding. The date of the building or material can also tell you a lot about asbestos risk. These shingles are generally 12 by 24 inches and the bottom tends to have a wave like pattern though that is not always the case. Asbestos was particularly prevalent in siding that resembles shingles or was made to look like wood grain.

The siding may also contain asbestos if it is old with a wood grain texture to resemble cedar. They can make educated guesses and may often be proven right but the only way to be sure is to have a sample of your siding tested for asbestos. Asbestos cement siding is very brittle and can be easily chipped cracked or broken. The issue here is asbestos and the risks of serious lung diseases it can cause.

Asbestos is actually safe unless inhaled. This type of siding was manufactured up to the late 70 s until it was deemed to be a health risk. When used as a siding asbestos fibers were mixed with portland cement and pressed together to form what we know as asbestos siding. Asbestos cement can be dangerous if pulverized by sawing sanding breaking etc.

Even a single airborne fiber of the most dangerous types of asbestos can eventually cause a particular form of lung cancer if inhaled. Put on a mask and scrape away some siding material into a baggie. This happens when the siding is cut or broken. 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.

Buildings made between the 1940s and the 1980s are very likely to have used asbestos materials. Check the manufacturer and product name on the insulation label and do a web search to find out if it contains asbestos. Fiber cement siding identification photos markings. 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.

If your siding has these characteristics then asbestos could be present. The age of an home or the siding on it isn t. And make no mistake asbestos is dangerous. Are there several layers of siding wall cladding extending out past the original door trim or window trim could be an indication of several layers of siding the one behind is likely containing asbestos since it was such a popular material previously.