Identifying Asbestos What Does Asbestos Siding Look Like

Look for siding that looks like roof shingles.

Identifying asbestos what does asbestos siding look like.

If your siding has these characteristics then asbestos could be present. It is generally very brittle and the back may be black and have the appearance of tar paper. This could be an experienced contractor or someone like a building inspector. Recognizing siding with asbestos asbestos siding was manufactured to resemble many different materials so it doesn t always look the same.

Look for a siding that is made to look like roof shingles. Asbestos siding usually looks a lot like roof shingles. Floor tiles and carpet underlay. It is very brittle and has a black tar paper like backing.

If you need to be sure bring in a consultant that is uniquely qualified to identify asbestos. These products use asbestos with a binder of portland cement. Step 3 look for asbestos cement shingles a mixture of asbestos fibers and cement or asbestos cement corrugated roofing which is thicker and more often found on old sheds barns and low income housing. In order to identify asbestos and know what asbestos looks like we need to understand the mineral.

The front appears with a grainy sandy like texture. These contacts can be found on the internet. Asbestos roofing mastics often contained asbestos fibers and asbestos was a major ingredient in cement asbestos slate look alike products or roof tiles or cement asbestos roof shingles. It can be extremely difficult to identify asbestos in plaster and plasterboard without laboratory testing.

Occasionally carpet underlay is found to contain asbestos. If you are in question assume that the material is asbestos. The term asbestos actually refers to six unique minerals divided into two family groups serpentine and amphibole. Roofing adhesives roofing felt and base flashing also might include asbestos.

The front may have a grainy sandy texture. Asbestos was particularly prevalent in siding that resembles shingles or was made to look like wood grain. Compare the newer siding to older siding areas and look for evidence that indicates age. You may choose to take a sample of siding from a damaged area of siding.

Unfortunately asbestos siding was originally designed to mimic many different types of materials. That said if your house was renovated prior to 1980 the drywall edging or texture compound might contain asbestos. Asbestos drywall was more prevalent in commercial buildings. Consult someone experienced in identifying asbestos.

It is usually brittle and the back may be black and have the appearance of tar paper. Serpentine asbestos is made up of curly fibres within sheets of crystals. Asbestos siding was manufactured to resemble many materials so it won t always look the same.