Do I Have Asbestos Siding

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.

Do i have asbestos siding.

Exposure to and breathing asbestos fibers can result in lung problems and cancer. May is an important distinction though. Identifying asbestos siding is a major concern for many homeowners with older homes that have cement siding. There is no legal requirement to do so nor is there significant real estate benefit.

These materials are known as fiber cement siding and they contain no asbestos. While older homes will likely contain asbestos in roofing insulation and tiles it can also be present in exterior siding. 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. If you suspect that your siding may contain asbestos there is no need for alarm.

Cementitious siding installed after 1973 is very unlikely to contain asbestos. Have an asbestos abatement contractor do it for you. Asbestos siding is composed of asbestos fibers mixed with portland cement. According to the vinyl siding institute a national trade organization asbestos siding is a regulated material and the appropriate environmental agency or local building code official.

Asbestos ranks high on the list of dangerous substances because of its toxic and carcinogenic properties when airborne. 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. Since asbestos was included as an additive when siding was manufactured for many decades the odds are good that original shingle siding on holder homes may contain asbestos.