Asbestos siding was a popular material for exterior home construction in North America, particularly in the 1950s through 1970s. It was primarily used because it was inexpensive and long-lasting, but many people are now aware of the risks associated with asbestos exposure.
How to Identify Asbestos Asbestos siding can be difficult to distinguish from safer alternatives because it was made to look the same. However, most homes constructed after 1980 will not have asbestos siding. But if you live in an older home, and suspect that it contains asbestos, take the following steps:
Test Your Siding The best way to identify asbestos is by sending samples for testing. Because it’s difficult to tell if it’s present with an eye test, this is the only way that you can be 100% certain. In order to get your siding tested for asbestos, you need to send a sample to a qualified laboratory. To remove a piece of siding from your home, you can use a zip tool.
However you can also,
Look for fibers that are “ropey” or “curled” in appearance: This is one of the most common methods of asbestos detection. If you notice this texture, you’re probably dealing with a product containing asbestos.
Check for a company label: It’s not always easy to tell what type of material is being used on your house from the outside, but if you do see a company label, it might say “asbestos” somewhere on it.
Hire a Professional Siding Contractor If you’re not familiar with this process, you should have a siding contractor inspect your home. They will be able to detect asbestos more easily and collect appropriate samples for testing. And if you need a siding company that you can trust, Volpe Enterprises has your back. Established in 1970, we’ve been the go to siding experts in your area for over 50 years. For a free quote and inspection of your property give us a call!