Do I Have Asbestos Siding

The siding may also contain asbestos if it is old with a wood grain texture to resemble cedar.

Do i have asbestos siding. Asbestos ranks high on the list of dangerous substances because of its toxic and carcinogenic properties when airborne. While older homes will likely contain asbestos in roofing insulation and tiles it can also be present in exterior siding. These materials are known as fiber cement siding and they contain no asbestos. There is no legal requirement to do so nor is there significant real estate benefit.

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. Testing your siding for asbestos if your siding fits either of these descriptions you should consider having it tested. Asbestos siding is composed of asbestos fibers mixed with portland cement. Have an asbestos abatement contractor do it for you.

It s pretty serious but according to health canada one of the world s leading sources of unbiased information on the subject if asbestos fibres are enclosed or tightly bound in a product for example in asbestos siding or asbestos floor tiles there are no significant health risks. Identifying asbestos siding is a major concern for many homeowners with older homes that have cement siding. Cementitious siding installed after 1973 is very unlikely to contain asbestos. Exposure to and breathing asbestos fibers can result in lung problems and cancer.

Even re siding over existing asbestos siding that is left in place requires approval and safe handling. Cement asbestos siding tiles do not need to be removed simply because they contain asbestos. It is very brittle and has a tendency to crack and break when nailed which can release asbestos fibers into both the air and ground. If you suspect that your siding may contain asbestos there is no need for alarm.