Identifying Asbestos What Does Asbestos Siding Look Like

In order to identify asbestos and know what asbestos looks like we need to understand the mineral.

Identifying asbestos what does asbestos siding look like. The front may have a grainy sandy texture. Below is an examples of plaster containing asbestos which looks much like non asbestos plaster. Unfortunately asbestos siding was originally designed to mimic many different types of materials. Recognizing siding with asbestos asbestos siding was manufactured to resemble many different materials so it doesn t always look the same.

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. 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 is generally very brittle and the back may be black and have the appearance of tar paper. This includes vinyl floor tiling and floor tile fixing glue.

It is very brittle and has a black tar paper like backing. Asbestos drywall was more prevalent in commercial buildings. If you need to be sure bring in a consultant that is uniquely qualified to identify asbestos. Asbestos siding usually looks a lot like roof shingles.

It can be extremely difficult to identify asbestos in plaster and plasterboard without laboratory testing. If your siding has these characteristics then asbestos could be present. This could be an experienced contractor or someone like a building inspector. Floor tiles and carpet underlay.

That said if your house was renovated prior to 1980 the drywall edging or texture compound might contain asbestos. Asbestos siding was manufactured to resemble many materials so it won t always look the same. You may choose to take a sample of siding from a damaged area of siding. Look for siding that looks like roof shingles.

The term asbestos actually refers to six unique minerals divided into two family groups serpentine and amphibole. These contacts can be found on the internet. Look for a siding that is made to look like roof shingles. If you are in question assume that the material is asbestos.

Consult someone experienced in identifying asbestos. Serpentine asbestos is made up of curly fibres within sheets of crystals. Roofing adhesives roofing felt and base flashing also might include asbestos. Compare the newer siding to older siding areas and look for evidence that indicates age.

Occasionally carpet underlay is found to contain asbestos. It is usually brittle and the back may be black and have the appearance of tar paper. These products use asbestos with a binder of portland cement.