Asbestos ranks high on the list of dangerous substances because of its toxic and carcinogenic properties when airborne.
How do you identify asbestos siding.
If the siding materials appear suspect then you ll ultimately need a laboratory test to confirm the presence of asbestos.
When you re wondering how to identify asbestos siding you begin by determining your home s age.
Because fiber cement siding manufactured in north america after around 1978 was made without using asbestos in those later products and because those non asbestos fiber cement shingles included products that by eye were an exact visual match for their older asbestos containing brothers and sisters already installed a building built.
Asbestos siding removal isn t free but if you re having it replaced with something else you just might be able to get a good deal with the company you end up choosing.
In order to identify whether or not your insulation contains asbestos you may be wondering what asbestos insulation looks like.
Asbestos shingles were so common during the 20th century that almost any shingles installed between 1920 and 1986 probably include asbestos.
Consult someone experienced in identifying asbestos.
This site is designed to be an independent resource to give you exactly that.
The facts about asbestos siding.
The fibres are uncovered and can easily be inhaled posing large health risks on those in the immediate vicinity.
If you don t know the age of the shingles inspect them for wear.
The reported costs for such projects range from 500 to 4 500 while the typical cost for asbestos siding removal is generally between 1 000 and 2 500.
Loose asbestos insulation should be treated with extreme caution.
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 may contain asbestos.
To inspect the building and collect a sample.
These contacts can be found on the internet.
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.
This could be an experienced contractor or someone like a building inspector.
If you need to be sure bring in a consultant that is uniquely qualified to identify asbestos.
Examining your siding does not call for any specific tools.
The siding may also contain asbestos if it is old with a wood grain texture to resemble cedar.
While older homes will likely contain asbestos in roofing insulation and tiles it can also be present in exterior siding.
Determine when the shingles were installed on your roof.
If you own a home that has asbestos siding or are considering buying a home with asbestos siding or asbestos siding removal it is important to know the facts about the risks of asbestos as well as your alternatives for dealing with it and disposing of it.
If you suspect that your siding may contain asbestos there is no need for alarm.
If they look old they might have asbestos fibers in them.