What Does Asbestos Siding Look Like?

[hal]

I would like to know what asbestos siding looks like so when I encounter it I will know it right off. Could someone tell me how they handle some comments in addendum also. Thanks in advance.

 

[Farm Gal]

Hal:

I don't have a pic handy but will attempt to find one soon.

Descriptive works also: MOST Asbestos siding in my and other areas has approximately 12 inches of vertical exposure and is about 24 inches horizontally the bottom is generaly a 'wave' pattern and has a vertical graining to attempt 'cedar' siding appearance. There are other patterns but this is the most common.

I generally note that the siding "may contain asbestos, and is generally not believed to pose a health hazard if left undisturbed. The siding is not atypical of homes in thh area, in fact sale #___ also appears to have the same type of siding. {I always try to find at least one sale with similar exterior sheathing} The appraiser is not an expert in the area of determining envornmental hazard risk assessment. The lender is advised to consult an expert if concerned. This report is subject to the Extraordinary Assumption that the existing siding in it's present condition poses no threat to marketability or normal quiet enjoyment of the premises."

 

[Travis McGee]

There may be other types but what I have seen looks like composition shingles used on a roof. However, they are brittle rather than pliant. They are typically nailed onto the studs but usually with felt or tar paper backing. As for comments, you have to ascertain their condition. They do not "wear out" but often get broken. I have never seen any decomposition. The hazard comes from decomposition which might be more prevalent if used as roofing material. If they are removed, they must be handled as a toxic material. They cannot be sanded. If there are broken shingles they can be replaced if you can find them. You might have to get them from a used building materials outlet. If it were my house I would install new plywood or particle board siding directly over the top of the asbestos using screws instead of nails. Not an easy task.

Mike

 

[Eric J Johnson]

Hal,

Here is one picture of asbestos siding. It's kinda small, but you can still see the picture for one example.

Eric

 

[Eric J Johnson]

Here is another pic.

 

[Eric J Johnson]

I only have 2 more so bear with me.

 

[Eric J Johnson]

Last One I promise.

 

[Farm Gal]

Erics second picture is the most common style of siding I have seen. There is also one with a more scalloped appearance, but it is atypical.

FYI the guys in the hazmat suits appear to be working on the place, note the water (making sure it is wet while being disturbed reduces the amount of friable material that blows around in handling).

Removal is a poor choice in most cases as the debris is hazmat and expensive to dispose of - Encapsulation is the less expensive alternative, but also must be done carefully to prevent creating more hazard that it removes/reduces!

 

[Mountain Man]

Asbestos can also be in flooring.

Hold on, still looking for siding photos.

AH HA! Here ya' go:
Asbestos Photos.

You can see here that it's generally a square, textured tile.

 

[Restrain]

If the floor tiles are 8-9" and appear brittle, odds are they are asbestos. Real popular in the 40s and 50's .