Since many older asphalt tiles contain some level of asbestos finding out if the tiles contain the dangerous fibers is difficult.
Does asphalt siding contain asbestos.
Asphalt containing base flashings in reality while asbestos was commonly used in many asphalt roofing materials asbestos was rarely used in the shingles themselves.
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.
If you suspect that your siding may contain asbestos there is no need for alarm.
Roof shingles even if the material contained asbestos which it might are rarely the only nor even the principal source of problem levels of asbestos fibers in a building and i suspect the same is true of asphalt based building 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.
Nonfriable means they cannot be broken up by hand pressure.
Paper like vapor barriers can present more of a hazard since they are considered friable.
It is very difficult to remove spray paint graffiti without also dissolving or discoloring some of the siding surface coating material itself.
If you are not sure whether the tile contains asbestos or not always assume the tiles do until you find out otherwise.
Products that contain asbestos.
Asbestos ranks high on the list of dangerous substances because of its toxic and carcinogenic properties when airborne.
Do not sand drill scrape or nail the asbestos or asphalt tiles.
The siding may also contain asbestos if it is old with a wood grain texture to resemble cedar.
Asbestos siding is composed of asbestos fibers mixed with portland cement.
Cement asbestos siding tiles do not need to be removed simply because they contain asbestos.
Asphalt or cement roofing and siding that contain asbestos when intact and in good condition are generally considered nonfriable and are not hazardous.
While older homes will likely contain asbestos in roofing insulation and tiles it can also be present in exterior siding.
Cementitious siding installed after 1973 is very unlikely to contain asbestos.
Testing your siding for asbestos if your siding fits either of these descriptions you should consider having it tested.
Exposure to and breathing asbestos fibers can result in lung problems and cancer.
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.
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.
Below are examples of some common asbestos containing products.
