How Does Asbestos Siding Look Like

If they look old they might have asbestos fibers in them.

How does asbestos siding look like. The individual asbestos fibers that are released into the air are microscopic. Look for siding that looks like roof shingles. Asbestos siding was manufactured to resemble many different materials so it doesn t always look the same. And see asbestos cement siding for details about cement asbestos building siding its repair removal demolition or cover over.

If a siding company removes an outer layer of siding and finds an older layer of asbestos cement siding beneath the standard procedure is simply to cover it over with new siding rather than remove it. Most siding companies are well experienced at techniques for covering over existing asbestos cement siding with new vinyl aluminum or fiber cement siding. Asbestos siding was manufactured to resemble many materials so it won t always look the same. Cement asbestos wall shingles outside and not easily friable unless being demolished or cut with power tools.

Asbestos is a natural fibrous mineral used for insulation and fireproofing. See photos at asbestos siding in this document. Window and door caulking is another common exterior asbestos material. Asbestos shingles were so common during the 20th century that almost any shingles installed between 1920 and 1986 probably include asbestos.

When these particles become airborne they present an extreme health hazard when inhaled. As the experts at asbestos siding note it is sometimes difficult to spot because it was often manufactured to resemble different types of siding in a variety of colors and textures. Just to make things more complicated asbestos siding doesn t always look the same. Transite siding is a common asbestos containing siding material on older homes and garages.

When the fibers become airborne they pose health concerns. If you don t know the age of the shingles inspect them for wear. Government defines asbestos as a naturally occurring group of fibrous minerals that are very strong can be woven and resist heat and most chemicals source. Asbestos was banned from the construction trades in the 1970s so many people today need to know what asbestos siding looks like.

It s a fibrous substance with lots of thin particles. Looks like a fiber cement asbestos cement back then siding. Or possibly gold bond. I don t suspect there would be an additional layer of siding beneath.

I have always thought of this as very good quality. Recognizing siding with asbestos. In most commercial forms asbestos looks like attic insulation a ball of thick fuzz. Older style cement siding shingles were traditionally made by mixing asbestos.

Determine when the shingles were installed on your roof. Look for a siding that is made to look like roof shingles. Maybe manufactured by johns manville. Common exterior asbestos materials are usually related to siding caulking glazing and roofing materials.