Do Siding Shingles From 1950 Have Asbestos In Them

If you suspect that your siding may contain asbestos there is no need for alarm.

Do siding shingles from 1950 have asbestos in them. 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. Gypsum as we find the phrase my house was sided with china glaze siding appearing in quite a few more vague descriptions of homes dating from the 1950 s into the 1970 s. See photos at asbestos siding in this document. Asbestos shingles were so common during the 20th century that almost any shingles installed between 1920 and 1986 probably include asbestos.

While older homes will likely contain asbestos in roofing insulation and tiles it can also be present in exterior siding. Asbestos ranks high on the list of dangerous substances because of its toxic and carcinogenic properties when airborne. Asbestos shingles are relatively strong but brittle. Lead paint wasn t outlawed until 1978 so it s sure to be present on siding going back to the 1950s.

If you don t know the age of the shingles inspect them for wear. The siding was made by combining cement with asbestos which is a naturally occurring mineral that is fibrous in nature and fireproof. In our opinion the term china glaze siding may well have been more widely used or applied to cementious based or even cement asbestos shingle siding than just products sold by u s. The use of asbestos siding shingles was a popular one that was used in the us from the early part of the 20th century until the 1970s.

Cement asbestos wall shingles outside and not easily friable unless being demolished or cut with power tools. Testing your siding for asbestos. And see asbestos cement siding for details about cement asbestos building siding its repair removal demolition or cover over. Let the siding dry then prime and paint with the best exterior latex you can find.