Asbestos Siding Examples

Identifying asbestos siding is impossible unless you have a sample tested in a lab.

Asbestos siding examples.

Asbestos ranks high on the list of dangerous substances because of its toxic and carcinogenic properties when airborne. The portland cement binds asbestos fibers into a hard mass. Identifying asbestos siding is a major concern for many homeowners with older homes that have cement siding. 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.

Asbestos cement is a mixture of portland cement reinforced with asbestos fibers. Asbestos siding was very popular product back in the 1950s and 1960s. It s pretty serious but according to health canada one of the world s leading sources of unbiased information on the subject if. While older homes will likely contain asbestos in roofing insulation and tiles it can also be present in exterior siding.

Asbestos cement was first developed in 1905 by the johns manville company who became one of the premier manufacturers of cement asbestos materials. Asbestos cloth asbestos fabrics were used for packing insulation mattresses firefighting blankets ironing board covers prison cell padding berets theatre scenery and hvac duct vibration dampers as well as a huge number of other applications. For a photo example see asbestos duct vibration dampeners. This type of siding should to be painted every 5 to 7 years so it s not a maintenance free material like vinyl siding.

If the test comes back positive and you do decide to remove asbestos siding yourself it s important to follow all safety guidelines and dispose of the asbestos material properly including. Asbestos siding is very fragile in nature. Even a single airborne fiber of the most dangerous types of asbestos can eventually cause a particular form of lung cancer if inhaled. If you suspect that your siding may contain asbestos there is no need for alarm.

For details about asbestos fabrics. This article gives a history of the production use of asbestos cement roofing siding products. Either treat the material as presumed to contain asbestos or have a sample tested. Asbestos cement roofing siding history dates codes patents give a history of cement asbestos siding roofing product use.

Expert sources universally advise that the safest and least costly approach to such material is to leave it alone intact in place covering it over. The issue here is asbestos and the risks of serious lung diseases it can cause. 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. A brief history of asbestos cement siding.

And make no mistake asbestos is dangerous. The epa asbestos web site contains general information on asbestos sources exposure and health effects what to do if you suspect asbestos training and laws and regulations.