Asbestos Siding Shingles

Finding or suspecting asbestos siding shingles on your home can raise alarms. Asbestos was a common component in siding materials from the early 1900s until the late 1970s, particularly in cement siding shingles. Asbestos-containing siding was widely used in residential and commercial buildings throughout Connecticut until its health risks became widely recognized, leading to stricter regulations and a decline in its use by the 1980s. If you're concerned about asbestos in your shingles, grasping how to spot it, understanding the associated risks, and knowing the actions to undertake are essential. This guide is designed to thoroughly navigate your worries.

Identifying asbestos in siding can be challenging without professional testing, but there are several indicators that can suggest its presence:

1. Age of Your Home: If your house was built or the siding was installed before the 1980s, there's a higher likelihood it may contain asbestos, as asbestos-containing materials were widely used until their production was more strictly regulated during the 80's.
2. Appearance and Texture: Asbestos siding often resembles cement shingles and may have a slightly wavy texture. It's usually durable but can look similar to fiber cement siding, which doesn't contain asbestos.
3. Manufacturer and Branding: Sometimes, siding may have logos or stamps from the manufacturer that can be traced back to products known to contain asbestos. If you find a logo or manufacturer name, a quick online search may give you the answers you're looking for.
4. Free Home Safety Evaluation: Our asbestos experts have decades of experience with Connecticut homes and can almost always identify asbestos containing siding just by looking at it. We provide complimentary home safety assessments across Connecticut, assisting you in determining whether there's an issue and if taking action is essential.
5. Professional Asbestos Testing: The most reliable way to determine if your siding contains asbestos is through professional testing. Samples of the siding can be safely collected and analyzed in a lab to confirm the presence of asbestos fibers. Learn more about our asbestos testing services here.

Given the health risks associated with asbestos exposure, it's advisable to consult with asbestos removal professionals if you suspect your siding might contain asbestos. They can provide a definitive analysis and recommend the safest course of action.

Asbestos siding shingles on your home generally do not pose a significant health risk if they are in good condition and left undisturbed. These materials become a concern when they are damaged, deteriorating, or if you plan to remodel or disturb them in any way that might release asbestos fibers into the air.

 Here are a few key points to consider:

1. Condition Matters: If your asbestos siding shingles are intact, without cracks, breaks, or crumbling areas, the asbestos fibers are effectively contained within the shingle material, posing minimal risk.
2. Risk During Disturbance: The primary health risk from asbestos occurs when fibers are inhaled. Activities that disturb the siding, such as drilling, cutting, breaking, or removing the shingles, can release fibers and increase the risk of exposure.
3. Safe Management: If the siding is in good condition, managing it in place may be a safer and more cost-effective option than removal. This can include sealing or covering the asbestos-containing materials with new siding. Speaking with a licensed professional can help give you clarity on what to do about your asbestos shingles. Schedule a free home safety evaluation and our experts can discuss your options.
4. Professional Removal: If removal is necessary due to damage or as part of a renovation, it's crucial to hire a professional asbestos abatement contractor. These experts are trained in safe removal practices to minimize exposure and dispose of the material according to local regulations.
5. Legal and Environmental Regulations: Be aware of the regulations in your area regarding asbestos handling and disposal. Disturbing or removing asbestos siding may require specific permits or professional services according to local laws.

While intact and undisturbed asbestos siding is generally not considered a health risk, it can become hazardous if the material is broken, sawed, drilled, or otherwise disturbed, releasing asbestos fibers into the air. Regular inspections and consulting with professionals can help you manage asbestos safely and keep your home safe.

Since asbestos siding is outdoors, the likelihood of exposure is less than if the material were inside like ceiling and floor tiles. However, due to the severe health complications caused by asbestos, you're better safe than sorry. Asbestos exposure is linked to several serious health conditions, including asbestosis, pleural disease, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. These conditions can arise after inhaling asbestos fibers, which can become airborne from deteriorating or disturbed materials. The risk increases with the level and duration of exposure. For more information about what effects asbestos can have on your health, visit our asbestos abatement page.

If you think your Connecticut home's siding may contain asbestos, it's important to tread with caution, especially if the siding is damaged or you are planning to disturb it. Avoid disturbing the siding, and consider professional testing to confirm if you have a problem. If asbestos is confirmed, consult with a licensed abatement professional to discuss safe removal options. Living in a home with asbestos materials requires careful management to minimize exposure risks and protect your health and that of your family.