Purchasing a home can be a stressful time especially when you are buying an older home. Homes built between 1920 and 1980 are likely to have some type of asbestos material in them. There are a variety of reasons why asbestos was used back then. However, it has been determined that this material is not the best for the health of the homeowner. It is a good idea to read up on what asbestos siding looks like. What does asbestos siding look like? Low vertical grooves and comes in shingle form. Also, holes around the perimeter to nail the overlap.
Let’s take a look below at some more details regarding asbestos siding.
How Do I Know It Is Asbestos Siding?
Believe it or not, there are a variety of characteristics that you can see to determine if the siding is asbestos siding. Let’s take a look below at what those characteristics might be.
- A manufacturing code is stamped on the back of the newer asbestos-free siding shingles.
- Each asbestos cement siding shingle has two or three nail holes at the bottom of the shingles.
- The asbestos siding shingles were created as 12 x 24-inch shingles.
- If the home was built between 1920 and 1980, asbestos shingle siding was likely used.
- Siding with a dense aspect and efflorescence are signs of asbestos siding.
- Wood grain or grooves may have been pressed into the cement. Also, they contain a wavy pattern at the bottom of the shingles.
Keep in mind, asbestos exposure is a health risk. Asbestos fibers when disturbed get into the air and can be inhaled by the homeowner. Identify asbestos siding to have the original siding, which happens to be asbestos siding removed.
What Is The Form Of Asbestos Siding?
Asbestos siding comes in two forms. Let’s take a look below at what those siding forms are.
- Corrugated sheets – These sheets are great replacements for corrugated metal panels. They are known to be more affordable and easier to install. Corrugated sheets were used as siding for many buildings.
- Asbestos lumber – This form is also known as asbestos cement sheathing. Most often used in false brick facing and shingled siding material.
Other Recommended Maintenance
Now that you are aware of what asbestos siding looks like, you can determine if you also have asbestos insulation in your attic. Typically, the materials look the same, so you can see if asbestos was used in a variety of your housing materials.
Next, while looking at the asbestos siding on your home, you should also look at whether your home has mold in it. Ask your home inspection team if they also complete a mold inspection. Having this information ensures that your home remains safe from mold and mildew issues.
Lastly, it is a good idea to read up on how often you should replace your siding. Having this information allows you to save your money for the time when you need this major project completed.
When Do I Call A Professional?
Anytime you are dealing with asbestos products, you will want to reach out to a professional contractor who has experience dealing with asbestos. Reach out to your home inspection team to get an asbestos inspection throughout your home. They can inform you of what asbestos materials might be in your home. Also, they can recommend a reputable asbestos removal company.
Conclusion
Asbestos siding is not something that you want to be left in your home. If you aren’t sure if you purchased a home with asbestos siding, you will want to call your local home inspection team. They can inspect your home for any asbestos that might be present. Also, they can recommend a reputable asbestos removal company. Reach out to ACE Preferred Inspections for a full home inspection in the low country of South Carolina.
