Does Asphalt Siding Contain Asbestos

Do not sand drill scrape or nail the asbestos or asphalt tiles.

Does asphalt siding contain asbestos.

Asbestos ranks high on the list of dangerous substances because of its toxic and carcinogenic properties when airborne. 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. 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. Asbestos siding is composed of asbestos fibers mixed with portland cement.

It is very difficult to remove spray paint graffiti without also dissolving or discoloring some of the siding surface coating material itself. Asphalt containing base flashings in reality while asbestos was commonly used in many asphalt roofing materials asbestos was rarely used in the shingles themselves. Products that contain asbestos. Cementitious siding installed after 1973 is very unlikely to contain 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. Cement asbestos siding tiles do not need to be removed simply because they contain asbestos. It is acknowledged by the asphalt shingle manufacturers that between 1963 and the mid 1970s some manufacturers did use asbestos in the fiber mat of shingles. The benefits and natural availability of asbestos resulted in the material being used in hundreds of products from the 1920s until the 1980s when clear links were made between asbestos exposure and illness.

Nonfriable means they cannot be broken up by hand pressure. 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. Paper like vapor barriers can present more of a hazard since they are considered friable. If you are not sure whether the tile contains asbestos or not always assume the tiles do until you find out otherwise.

Exposure to and breathing asbestos fibers can result in lung problems and cancer. Below are examples of some common asbestos containing products. The siding may also contain asbestos if it is old with a wood grain texture to resemble cedar. Since many older asphalt tiles contain some level of asbestos finding out if the tiles contain the dangerous fibers is difficult.

Testing your siding for asbestos if your siding fits either of these descriptions you should consider having it tested. 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. If you suspect that your siding may contain asbestos there is no need for alarm.