How To Tell Asbestos Siding

Asbestos ranks high on the list of dangerous substances because of its toxic and carcinogenic properties when airborne.

How to tell asbestos siding.

If you suspect that your siding may contain asbestos there is no need for alarm. Testing your siding for asbestos. If your siding fits either of these descriptions you should consider having it tested. Asbestos was used to make several exterior materials.

Identifying asbestos siding the only way to be sure if your siding has asbestos in it is to collect a sample and send it to an accredited testing lab. Roofing and siding shingles are among the most common materials to contain asbestos and will readily release fibers into the air if broken. Asbestos was particularly prevalent in siding that resembles shingles or was made to look like wood grain. You may choose to take a sample of siding from a damaged area of siding.

If your siding has these characteristics then asbestos could be present. Asbestos was also put into cement used on the exterior of buildings to help insulate the. The siding may also contain asbestos if it is old with a wood grain texture to resemble cedar. Asbestos wasn t always added to cement siding and there s no way to tell from a visual test or physical inspection on site if siding really does have asbestos in it.

Most older cement board products contain asbestos. While older homes will likely contain asbestos in roofing insulation and tiles it can also be present in exterior siding.