Does Asphalt Siding Have Asbestos

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

Does asphalt siding have asbestos.

It is very difficult to remove spray paint graffiti without also dissolving or discoloring some of the siding surface coating material itself. No level of exposure to asbestos is deemed safe although the people suffering from serious asbestos related diseases are usually those who have handled. Most homes have asphalt shingles and asbestos is more common in asphalt shingles. Inhaled asbestos fibers have definitively been linked to a variety of lung diseases including asbestosis and different types of cancer such as mesothelioma.

The health risks of asbestos have been known for many years since the early 1960s. Asbestos siding is composed of asbestos fibers mixed with portland cement. Roofing adhesives roofing felt and base flashing also might include asbestos. Some asphalt roof shingle products and therefore quite possibly some asphalt siding products did indeed contain asbestos fibers in their substrate or coating.

Look to see what kind of shingles you have. Asphalt or cement roofing and siding that contain asbestos when intact and in good condition are generally considered nonfriable and are not hazardous. Nonfriable means they cannot be broken up by hand pressure. If you suspect that your siding may contain asbestos there is no need for alarm.

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. The siding may also contain asbestos if it is old with a wood grain texture to resemble cedar. While older homes will likely contain asbestos in roofing insulation and tiles it can also be present in exterior siding. Paper like vapor barriers can present more of a hazard since they are considered friable.

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. Generally the product is made from wood fibers not asbestos see the insulating board msds data sheet quotations in the faq discussion just above. Asbestos ranks high on the list of dangerous substances because of its toxic and carcinogenic properties when airborne. Asphalt roofing shingles photo above left and other products that contained asbestos fibers such as asphalt shingles roll roofing and asphalt sealants coatings some roofing felts and mastics.