The portland cement binds asbestos fibers into a hard mass.
What do asbestos siding shingles look like.
If they look old they might have asbestos fibers in them.
Asbestos cement roofing shingles and siding products are not likely to release asbestos fibers unless sawed dilled or cut.
Covering old asbestos shingles with new siding may seem like an option too but it s not easy to do safely.
Look for siding that looks like roof shingles.
Determine when the shingles were installed on your roof.
Testing for positive id.
Asbestos cement was first developed in 1905 by the johns manville company who became one of the premier manufacturers of cement asbestos materials.
Old asbestos siding tiles may also have a wood grain texture like cedar.
Asbestos siding was manufactured to resemble many materials so it won t always look the same.
Asbestos cement is a mixture of portland cement reinforced with asbestos fibers.
It is usually brittle and the back may be black and have the appearance of tar paper.
You can t drive screws and nails through them without pre drilling.
This is the wavy edge asbestos cement shingle siding product.
Asbestos shingles are relatively strong but brittle.
The front may have a grainy sandy texture.
Photo guide to cement asbestos wall shingles or siding products.
If the asbestos material is in good shape and will not be disturbed do nothing.
This would trigger dust and asbestos dust is a problem as i ve mentioned.
The best method for determining if a substance contains.
A brief history of asbestos cement siding.
The bottom of an asbestos siding tile may have a wave like pattern though not always.
Asbestos shingles were so common during the 20th century that almost any shingles installed between 1920 and 1986 probably include asbestos.
If you don t know the age of the shingles inspect them for wear.