Asphalt Siding Asbestos

If they look old they might have asbestos fibers in them.

Asphalt siding asbestos.

Asphalt or cement roofing and siding that contain asbestos when intact and in good condition are generally considered nonfriable and are not hazardous. Testing your siding for asbestos. Nonfriable means they cannot be broken up by hand pressure. Alternatively if you leave the asbestos on your home you can safely seal the old siding underneath the new siding and because asbestos is an excellent insulator you will actually be adding to the energy efficiency of your home by leaving it on.

Asbestos cement was first developed in 1905 by the johns manville company who became one of the premier manufacturers of cement asbestos materials. Wet down the asbestos siding or roofing with a mixture of water and liquid soap in a pump up sprayer to limit dust. Dispose of the asbestos properly at a landfill or contact your local waste collection service to find out if they will pick up asbestos material. Determine when the shingles were installed on your roof.

Roofing siding this old house has asphalt siding the type that comes in panels that measure about 18 x 28 inches designed to look like several courses of brick. Use a flat pry bar to remove the asbestos siding or roofing material starting from the top. It is very difficult to remove spray paint graffiti without also dissolving or discoloring some of the siding surface coating material itself. A brief history of asbestos cement siding.

If your siding fits either of these descriptions you should consider having it tested. Asbestos shingles were so common during the 20th century that almost any shingles installed between 1920 and 1986 probably include asbestos. If you don t know the age of the shingles inspect them for wear. Removing asbestos is often cost prohibitive for most people.

The siding may also contain asbestos if it is old with a wood grain texture to resemble cedar. The portland cement binds asbestos fibers into a hard mass. Wrap asbestos siding in 6 mil thick plastic sheeting and secure the plastic with duct tape or place the debris in heavy duty plastic bags. 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.

Asbestos cement is a mixture of portland cement reinforced with asbestos fibers. Keep the asbestos material that has been removed wet.