Asbestos Siding 1950s House Siding

What you should know about buying a house built in the 1950 s.

Asbestos siding 1950s house siding.

The product first made in 1905 served as a coating for boilers steam pipes and equipment that generated heat. Asbestos ranks high on the list of dangerous substances because of its toxic and carcinogenic properties when airborne. Asbestos siding was made by adding asbestos a naturally occurring mineral to portland cement. The use of asbestos house siding in new construction was discontinued in the late 1970s early 1980s but it is still present in many older homes.

Because of the safety precautions necessary for repairing the damage or removing the siding it will be expensive. You can see the earlier novelty wood siding at the area where there is missing and damaged asbestos siding. While older homes will likely contain asbestos in roofing insulation and tiles it can also be present in exterior siding. House built 1950 in old houses.

What to expect when buying a house built in the 1950 s. These houses have a great charm about them. Asbestos itself is actually a rock that has an fibrous makeup that looks a lot like hair or fur. Asbestos siding is a type of siding that was introduced in the 1920 s as a fire proof cladding for buildings and homes that could also resist rot and insects.

Asbestos cement roofing siding history dates codes patents give a history of cement asbestos siding roofing product use. Asbestos cement was not only commonly used. Pros and cons of asbestos cement siding the presence of asbestos cement siding should not necessarily be viewed as a serious problem. In the photo above a 1920s house was resided with asbestos cement siding likely sometime in the 1950s.

Asbestos cement roofi ng and siding in the early 1900s manufacturers reinforced portland cement with asbestos fibers to create a fire resistant and durable building material. It was a recommended siding material from the 1940s to the 1960s thanks to its fireproof nature. Due to its durable nature it never rots or decomposes and is impervious to termites and ants it s not uncommon to find asbestos siding that is more than 50 years old and in perfect condition. This article gives a history of the production use of asbestos cement roofing siding products.

The neighborhoods are well established and these homes are often more affordable than a newer house in a newer development. Asbestos cement coatings also were used. Lead paint wasn t outlawed until 1978 so it s sure to be present on siding going back to the 1950s. We include research articles as well as patent citations that help trace the use of asbestos cement in and on buildings from the late 1800 s to the present.

Covering old asbestos shingles with new siding may seem like an option too but it s not easy to do safely.