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.
Does my siding contain asbestos.
If you suspect that your siding may contain asbestos there is no need for alarm.
It comes in the form of fiber and has a high fire retardant property which serves as a good reinforcement for concrete.
Testing your siding for asbestos if your siding fits either of these descriptions you should consider having it tested.
Asbestos is a popular material that has been used to reinforce concrete shingles.
While older homes will likely contain asbestos in roofing insulation and tiles it can also be present in exterior siding.
Asbestos siding is composed of asbestos fibers mixed with portland cement.
Because of its fire resistant properties asbestos was common in many home materials including roofing shingles.
Cementious siding and roofing such as fiber cement siding lap siding and fiber cement roof shingles containing asbestos may then have appeared on homes constructed between 1906 and 1980 in north america and contining later in some other countries.
It was a popular additive to various housing materials from the 1920 s to the 1960 s.
Cementitious siding installed after 1973 is very unlikely to contain asbestos.
Asbestos ranks high on the list of dangerous substances because of its toxic and carcinogenic properties when airborne.
The siding may also contain asbestos if it is old with a wood grain texture to resemble cedar.
The only reliable way to know if your home contains asbestos is to hire an environmental consulting firm or asbestos building inspector for asbestos testing.
Asbestos containing roofing and siding in good condition are best left alone.
Damaged roofing and siding should be carefully repaired.
Sometimes asbestos containing roofing and siding can be covered with new materials.
Just having asbestos siding and roofing on your home does not pose a hazard to your health.
These materials are known as fiber cement siding and they contain no 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.
Shingles placed on a roof before the mid 1980s might contain asbestos.
Exposure to and breathing asbestos fibers can result in lung problems and cancer.
You can t see or smell asbestos but exposure to loose fibers can cause lung disease such as mesothelioma asbestosis or lung cancer.
Cement asbestos siding tiles do not need to be removed simply because they contain asbestos.
There is no legal requirement to do so nor is there significant real estate benefit.
