Does Asphalt Siding Have Asbestos

Exposure to and breathing asbestos fibers can result in lung problems and cancer.

Does asphalt siding have asbestos. No level of exposure to asbestos is deemed safe although the people suffering from serious asbestos related diseases are usually those who have handled. Asphalt roofing shingles photo above left and other products that contained asbestos fibers such as asphalt shingles roll roofing and asphalt sealants coatings some roofing felts and mastics. The siding may also contain asbestos if it is old with a wood grain texture to resemble cedar. While older homes will likely contain asbestos in roofing insulation and tiles it can also be present in exterior siding.

Asbestos roofing materials photos above containing asbestos included. The health risks of asbestos have been known for many years since the early 1960s. Testing your siding for asbestos if your siding fits either of these descriptions you should consider having it tested. 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.

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. Roofing adhesives roofing felt and base flashing also might include asbestos. Look to see what kind of shingles you have. Some asphalt siding may contain asbestos in the asphalt impregnated felt backer or asbestos may also be in the asphalt impregnated paper tar paper or felt used as a house wrap under the siding.

Asphalt or cement roofing and siding that contain asbestos when intact and in good condition are generally considered nonfriable and are not hazardous. Most homes have asphalt shingles and asbestos is more common in asphalt shingles. Some asphalt roof shingle products and therefore quite possibly some asphalt siding products did indeed contain asbestos fibers in their substrate or coating. Generally the product is made from wood fibers not asbestos see the insulating board msds data sheet quotations in the faq discussion just above.

Asbestos siding is composed of asbestos fibers mixed with portland cement. If you suspect that your siding may contain asbestos there is no need for alarm. Inhaled asbestos fibers have definitively been linked to a variety of lung diseases including asbestosis and different types of cancer such as mesothelioma. Asbestos ranks high on the list of dangerous substances because of its toxic and carcinogenic properties when airborne.