Asbestos Asphalt Shingle Siding

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.

Asbestos asphalt shingle siding.

Asphalt based roof shingle material on an organic paper mat or asphalt on hardboard siding products were later supplanted by cement asbestos siding shingles then aluminum siding and steel siding then currently by vinyl siding. Weatherside is even resistant to warping denting rotting expansion contraction and termite infiltration. Nonfriable means they cannot be broken up by hand pressure. The building shown at left located in hughsonville ny using the thatch edged shingle siding style is almost certainly sided with asbestos cement shingles.

Unlike some of the original siding shingles that it replaces weatherside pre primed siding shingles contain no asbestos. They would not warp or rot and were resistant to damage caused by insects. Let the siding dry then prime and paint with the best exterior latex you can find. Asphalt or cement roofing and siding that contain asbestos when intact and in good condition are generally considered nonfriable and are not hazardous.

Because of its fire resistant properties asbestos was common in many home materials including roofing shingles. The use of a pressure washer for maintenance can crack the siding and lead to moisture intrusion if the pressure setting is high enough. The national emissions standards for hazardous air pollutants neshap identifies several asphalt containing roofing products that may also contain asbestos including. However asbestos fibers can cause serious lung and respiratory problems if inhaled.

Asbestos cement siding is very brittle and can be easily chipped cracked or broken. Manufactured from a mix of asbestos fibers and hydraulic cement asbestos cement roof shingles were rigid durable and fireproof. Covering old asbestos shingles with new siding may seem like an option too but it s not easy to do safely. You can t drive screws and nails through them without pre drilling.

From the 1940 s to perhaps the early 1970 s it was popular to cover peeling wood clapboard buildings with this durable material. Asbestos cement can be dangerous if pulverized by sawing sanding breaking etc. Paper like vapor barriers can present more of a hazard since they are considered friable. It s easy to install after properly removing the old siding simply nail the weatherside siding in place and paint.

Asbestos shingles are relatively strong but brittle.