Do I Have Asbestos Siding

Cementitious siding installed after 1973 is very unlikely to contain asbestos.

Do i have asbestos siding.

Even re siding over existing asbestos siding that is left in place requires approval and safe handling. 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. If you suspect that your siding may contain asbestos there is no need for alarm. Asbestos ranks high on the list of dangerous substances because of its toxic and carcinogenic properties when airborne.

May is an important distinction though. Cement asbestos siding tiles do not need to be removed simply because they contain asbestos. Identifying asbestos siding is a major concern for many homeowners with older homes that have cement siding. Asbestos siding is composed of asbestos fibers mixed with portland cement.

Exposure to and breathing asbestos fibers can result in lung problems and cancer. These materials are known as fiber cement siding and they contain no asbestos. According to the vinyl siding institute a national trade organization asbestos siding is a regulated material and the appropriate environmental agency or local building code official. It s pretty serious but according to health canada one of the world s leading sources of unbiased information on the subject if asbestos fibres are enclosed or tightly bound in a product for example in asbestos siding or asbestos floor tiles there are no significant health risks.

There is no legal requirement to do so nor is there significant real estate benefit. Testing your siding for asbestos if your siding fits either of these descriptions you should consider having it tested. While older homes will likely contain asbestos in roofing insulation and tiles it can also be present in exterior siding. The siding may also contain asbestos if it is old with a wood grain texture to resemble cedar.