Does Asphalt Siding Contain Asbestos

Exposure to and breathing asbestos fibers can result in lung problems and cancer.

Does asphalt siding contain asbestos.

Roof shingles even if the material contained asbestos which it might are rarely the only nor even the principal source of problem levels of asbestos fibers in a building and i suspect the same is true of asphalt based building siding. Paper like vapor barriers can present more of a hazard since they are considered friable. Since many older asphalt tiles contain some level of asbestos finding out if the tiles contain the dangerous fibers is difficult. It is very difficult to remove spray paint graffiti without also dissolving or discoloring some of the siding surface coating material itself.

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. These materials are known as fiber cement siding and they contain no asbestos. Asphalt containing base flashings in reality while asbestos was commonly used in many asphalt roofing materials asbestos was rarely used in the shingles themselves. Asbestos ranks high on the list of dangerous substances because of its toxic and carcinogenic properties when airborne.

Some asphalt siding may contain asbestos in the asphalt impregnated felt backer or asbestos may also be in the asphalt impregnated paper tar paper or felt used as a house wrap under the siding. Cement asbestos siding tiles do not need to be removed simply because they contain asbestos. 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. Cementitious siding installed after 1973 is very unlikely to contain asbestos.

Some asphalt roof shingle products and therefore quite possibly some asphalt siding products did indeed contain asbestos fibers in their substrate or coating. Asbestos siding is composed of asbestos fibers mixed with portland cement. If you are not sure whether the tile contains asbestos or not always assume the tiles do until you find out otherwise. The siding may also contain asbestos if it is old with a wood grain texture to resemble cedar.

Do not sand drill scrape or nail the asbestos or asphalt tiles. Below are examples of some common asbestos containing products. It is acknowledged by the asphalt shingle manufacturers that between 1963 and the mid 1970s some manufacturers did use asbestos in the fiber mat of shingles. Nonfriable means they cannot be broken up by hand pressure.

There is no legal requirement to do so nor is there significant real estate benefit. Products that contain asbestos. The benefits and natural availability of asbestos resulted in the material being used in hundreds of products from the 1920s until the 1980s when clear links were made between asbestos exposure and illness. Asphalt or cement roofing and siding that contain asbestos when intact and in good condition are generally considered nonfriable and are not hazardous.