How To Identify Asbestos Siding Shingles

While an expert lab test using polarized light microscopy may be needed to identify the specific type of asbestos fiber or to identify the presence of asbestos in air or dust samples many asbestos containing building products not only are obvious and easy to recognize but since there were not other look alike products that were not asbestos a visual identification of this material can be virtually a certainty in many cases.

How to identify asbestos siding shingles.

The siding may also contain asbestos if it is old with a wood grain texture to resemble cedar. Most homes have asphalt shingles and asbestos is more common. Determine when the shingles were installed on your roof. They then send the samples to a qualified laboratory to test and determine whether they contain asbestos.

Look for a siding that is made to look like roof shingles. Asbestos wasn t always added to cement siding and there s no way to tell from a visual test or physical inspection on site if siding really does have asbestos in it. Determine the age of your home by looking at the property deed or any other records about its construction. This article series provides a photo guide and text for the identification of asbestos containing wall siding products like asphalt shingles asbestos cement siding shingles.

Most siding created after the 1960s did not include asbestos. The asbestos network recommends bringing in a professional to collect samples. How to identify asbestos siding. It is generally very brittle and the back may be black and have the appearance of tar paper.

Questions answers about asbestos containing building siding identification removal disposal leaving in place. Look specifically for any printed information that identifies the siding manufacturer or date of installation. Asbestos shingles were so common during the 20th century that almost any shingles. Look to see what kind of shingles you have.