And make no mistake asbestos is dangerous.
Asbestos siding examples.
Identifying asbestos siding is a major concern for many homeowners with older homes that have cement siding.
This article gives a history of the production use of asbestos cement roofing siding products.
Identifying asbestos siding is impossible unless you have a sample tested in a lab.
Asbestos siding was very popular product back in the 1950s and 1960s.
We include research articles as well as patent citations that help trace the use of asbestos cement in and on buildings from the late 1800 s to the present.
For a photo example see asbestos duct vibration dampeners.
The issue here is asbestos and the risks of serious lung diseases it can cause.
It s pretty serious but according to health canada one of the world s leading sources of unbiased information on the subject if.
Asbestos siding is very fragile in nature.
The portland cement binds asbestos fibers into a hard mass.
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.
Asbestos cement is a mixture of portland cement reinforced with asbestos fibers.
Many houses still have asbestos siding on their exteriors.
Start by sending a sample of the siding to an epa approved lab for testing to make sure the siding actually contains asbestos.
While older homes will likely contain asbestos in roofing insulation and tiles it can also be present in exterior siding.
For details about asbestos fabrics.
Either treat the material as presumed to contain asbestos or have a sample tested.
A brief history of asbestos cement siding.
Asbestos ranks high on the list of dangerous substances because of its toxic and carcinogenic properties when airborne.
Asbestos cement was first developed in 1905 by the johns manville company who became one of the premier manufacturers of cement asbestos materials.
Even a single airborne fiber of the most dangerous types of asbestos can eventually cause a particular form of lung cancer if inhaled.
Asbestos cloth asbestos fabrics were used for packing insulation mattresses firefighting blankets ironing board covers prison cell padding berets theatre scenery and hvac duct vibration dampers as well as a huge number of other applications.
If the test comes back positive and you do decide to remove asbestos siding yourself it s important to follow all safety guidelines and dispose of the asbestos material properly including.
The epa asbestos web site contains general information on asbestos sources exposure and health effects what to do if you suspect asbestos training and laws and regulations.
If you suspect that your siding may contain asbestos there is no need for alarm.
This type of siding should to be painted every 5 to 7 years so it s not a maintenance free material like vinyl siding.