CAI Home Inspection
  • Home
  • Services
    • Full Home Inspection
    • Additional Inspections >
      • Termite Inspection
      • Radon Testing
      • Mold Testing
      • Thermal Imaging
      • Sewer Scope Inspection
      • Foundation Certification
    • Areas Served >
      • Ohio >
        • Columbus, OH >
          • Circleville, OH
          • Clintonville, OH
          • Delaware, OH
          • Dublin, OH
          • Gahanna, OH
          • Grandview Heights, OH
          • Grove City, OH
          • Lancaster, OH
          • Marysville, OH
          • Lewis Center, OH
          • New Albany, OH
          • Pataskala, OH
          • Pickerington, OH
          • Plain City, OH
          • Powell, OH
          • Reynoldsburg, OH
          • Worthington, OH
          • Zanesville, OH
        • Cleveland, OH >
          • Bay Village, OH
          • Beachwood, OH
          • Bedford Heights, OH
          • Brooklyn, OH
          • Chagrin Falls, OH
          • Euclid, OH
          • Highland Heights, OH
          • Independence, OH
          • Lakewood, OH
          • North Olmstead, OH
          • Parma, OH
          • Rome, OH
          • Shaker Heights, OH
          • Solon, OH
          • Strongsville, OH
          • Westlake, OH
        • Toledo, OH >
          • Bowling Green, OH
          • Holland, OH
          • Maumee, OH
          • Perrysburg, OH
          • Swanton, OH
          • Sylvania, OH
          • Waterville, OH
        • Cincinnati, OH >
          • Blue Ash, OH
          • Hamilton, OH
          • Loveland, OH
          • Lebanon, OH
          • Mason, OH
          • Middletown, OH
          • Wyoming, OH
        • Dayton, OH >
          • Beavercreek, OH
          • Centerville, OH
          • Fairborn, OH
          • Huber Heights, OH
          • Kettering, OH
          • Miamisburg, OH
          • Springboro, OH
          • West Carrollton, OH
      • North Carolina >
        • Raleigh, NC
    • Scope of Inspection >
      • Ohio
      • North Carolina
    • Rates
  • About
    • FAQ
    • Buyer Home Inspection
    • Seller Home Inspection
    • Owner Home Inspection
    • Contact Us
  • Resources
    • Inspection Library
    • Contractor Network >
      • Electrical Contractor
      • Foundation Contractor
      • Painting Contractor
    • Events
  • Schedule

Understanding Asbestos Cement Siding: Facts, Risks, and Considerations

5/8/2023

 
A topic that has gained significant attention in the realm of home construction and renovation—asbestos cement siding. Asbestos was once a commonly used material in various building applications, including siding. In this blog post, we'll explore what asbestos cement siding is, its potential risks, how to identify it, and considerations for homeowners and renovators. Let's dive in and equip ourselves with knowledge about asbestos cement siding.

Asbestos cement siding, also known as fiber cement siding, is a type of exterior cladding that was widely used from the 1930s to the 1980s. It consists of a mixture of cement and asbestos fibers, which provided strength, durability, and resistance to fire and weather conditions. Asbestos fibers were added to enhance the siding's performance and longevity.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that, when disturbed, can release microscopic fibers into the air. Inhalation of these fibers can lead to serious health issues, including lung diseases and various forms of cancer, such as mesothelioma. While asbestos cement siding is considered relatively low risk when intact and undisturbed, it can become hazardous during renovations, repairs, or if the siding deteriorates over time.

Identifying asbestos cement siding can be challenging without professional testing, as it closely resembles other types of fiber cement siding. However, there are some indicators that may suggest the presence of asbestos:
  • Age of the Home: Asbestos cement siding was commonly used from the 1930s to the 1980s, so homes constructed during this period have a higher likelihood of containing asbestos.
  • Visual Characteristics: Asbestos cement siding typically has a smooth, textured surface with visible fibers embedded in the cement. However, visual inspection alone is not sufficient to confirm the presence of asbestos.
  • Professional Testing: To definitively determine the presence of asbestos, consult with a certified asbestos testing professional who can take samples and conduct laboratory analysis.

​If you have asbestos cement siding or are considering renovations, here are some important considerations:
  • Leave It Undisturbed: If the siding is in good condition and not deteriorating, it is generally safer to leave it undisturbed, as this minimizes the risk of asbestos fiber release.
  • Professional Handling: If you plan to remove or modify asbestos cement siding, it's crucial to hire professionals experienced in asbestos abatement. They will follow proper safety protocols to minimize the risk of asbestos exposure.
  • Testing and Monitoring: If you suspect the presence of asbestos cement siding or plan significant renovations, consider professional testing to assess the asbestos content. Regular monitoring of the siding's condition can also help identify any signs of deterioration.
  • Local Regulations: Familiarize yourself with local regulations and requirements regarding asbestos-containing materials, including disposal procedures and notification requirements for renovation projects.
Understanding asbestos cement siding, its risks, and considerations is vital for homeowners and renovators. While asbestos cement siding can be durable and pose minimal risk when intact, it's important to exercise caution during renovations or if the siding deteriorates. Professional testing, monitoring, and following proper handling procedures are crucial steps to ensure the safety of both occupants and workers. By staying informed and seeking professional guidance, you can make informed decisions regarding asbestos cement siding and maintain a safe and healthy living environment.

Comments are closed.

    Categories

    All
    Air Conditioning
    Aluminum
    Asbestos
    Asbestos Cement Siding
    Blocked Weep Holes
    Bowed/Leaning Walls
    Carbon Monoxide
    Clearance Between Siding And Ground
    Doors
    Egress
    Electrical
    Energy Efficiency
    Fire Rating
    Floating Floors
    Floors
    Foundations
    Gaps In Flashing
    Garage Door
    Gas Line
    Gutter Maintenance
    Hvac
    Insects
    Knob And Tube
    Locks
    Masonite
    Missing/Deteriorated Exterior Caulking
    Moisture
    Mold
    Mortar Gaps
    Outlet
    Painting And Sealing Exposed Wood
    Pests
    Plumbing
    Polybutylene
    Radon
    Roof System
    Siding
    Smoke Alarm
    Stucco Cracking
    Stucco Issues
    Sump Pump
    Trim And Fascia Deterioration
    Vents
    Vines On Exterior Walls
    Vinyl Siding
    Warped Vinyl Siding
    Water Intrusion
    Windows

    RSS Feed


    Matthew Kiefer, EzineArticles Basic Author
     

Read Our Reviews!

Picture

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture

Our Primary Office Locations in Ohio & North Carolina


Raleigh, NC
3052 Cinder Bluff Dr
Raleigh, NC 27603
​984-261-2787

Cleveland, Ohio
16115 Waterloo Rd
​Cleveland, OH 44110
216-672-6185
Dublin, Ohio (main)
6214 Inishmore Ln
Dublin, Ohio 43017
​614-364-3829

Dayton, Ohio
60 Camden Park Ct
Springboro, OH 45066
​937-396-5239
Cincinnati, Ohio
5605 Bridgetown Rd #10
Cincinnati, OH 45248
​513-306-4640

Toledo, Ohio
478 Dearborn Ave.
Toledo, Ohio 43605
419-329-4623

Ohio Service Areas

CINCINNATI
BLUE ASH
HAMILTON
LEBANON
LOVELAND
MASON
MIDDLETOWN
WYOMING
CLEVELAND
BAY VILLAGE
BEACHWOOD
BEDFORD
BROOKLYN
CHAGRIN FALLS
EUCLID
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS
INDEPENDENCE
LAKEWOOD
NORTH OLMSTEAD
PARMA
ROME
SHAKER HEIGHTS
SOLON
​STRONGSVILLE
WESTLAKE
Columbus
CIRCLEVILLE
CLINTONVILLE
DELAWARE
DUBLIN
GAHANNA
GRANDVIEW HEIGHTS
GROVE CITY
LANCASTER
LEWIS CENTER
MARYSVILLE
NEW ALBANY
PATASKALA
PICKERINGTON
PLAIN CITY
POWELL
REYNOLDSBURG
WORTHINGTON
ZANESVILLE
Dayton
BEAVERCREEK
CENTERVILLE
FAIRBORN
HUBER HEIGHTS
KETTERING
MIAMISBURG
SPRINGBORO
WEST CARROLLTON
Toledo
​BOWLING GREEN
​
HOLLAND
​
MAUMEE
​
PERRYSBURG
SWANTON
SYLVANIA
WATERVILLE

North Carolina Service Areas​

Raleigh
Holly Springs
Fuquay-Varina
Angier
Mt. Pleasant
Smithfield
Clayton
Knightdale
Zebulon
Rollsville
Wake Forest
Youngsville
Morrisville
Carey
Apex
Durham
Chapel Hill
Pittsboro
Mebane
Greensboro
High Point
Ashboro
Winston-salem
Huntsville
Clemmons
Wilmington
Wrightsboro
Kings Grant
Myrtle Grove
Sea Breeze
Carolina Beach
Kure Beach
Leland
Castle Hayne

Contact us at: 888-301-3186
Careers | Services 
© 2023 - CAI Home Inspection. All rights reserved. 
Privacy Policy.
  • Home
  • Services
    • Full Home Inspection
    • Additional Inspections >
      • Termite Inspection
      • Radon Testing
      • Mold Testing
      • Thermal Imaging
      • Sewer Scope Inspection
      • Foundation Certification
    • Areas Served >
      • Ohio >
        • Columbus, OH >
          • Circleville, OH
          • Clintonville, OH
          • Delaware, OH
          • Dublin, OH
          • Gahanna, OH
          • Grandview Heights, OH
          • Grove City, OH
          • Lancaster, OH
          • Marysville, OH
          • Lewis Center, OH
          • New Albany, OH
          • Pataskala, OH
          • Pickerington, OH
          • Plain City, OH
          • Powell, OH
          • Reynoldsburg, OH
          • Worthington, OH
          • Zanesville, OH
        • Cleveland, OH >
          • Bay Village, OH
          • Beachwood, OH
          • Bedford Heights, OH
          • Brooklyn, OH
          • Chagrin Falls, OH
          • Euclid, OH
          • Highland Heights, OH
          • Independence, OH
          • Lakewood, OH
          • North Olmstead, OH
          • Parma, OH
          • Rome, OH
          • Shaker Heights, OH
          • Solon, OH
          • Strongsville, OH
          • Westlake, OH
        • Toledo, OH >
          • Bowling Green, OH
          • Holland, OH
          • Maumee, OH
          • Perrysburg, OH
          • Swanton, OH
          • Sylvania, OH
          • Waterville, OH
        • Cincinnati, OH >
          • Blue Ash, OH
          • Hamilton, OH
          • Loveland, OH
          • Lebanon, OH
          • Mason, OH
          • Middletown, OH
          • Wyoming, OH
        • Dayton, OH >
          • Beavercreek, OH
          • Centerville, OH
          • Fairborn, OH
          • Huber Heights, OH
          • Kettering, OH
          • Miamisburg, OH
          • Springboro, OH
          • West Carrollton, OH
      • North Carolina >
        • Raleigh, NC
    • Scope of Inspection >
      • Ohio
      • North Carolina
    • Rates
  • About
    • FAQ
    • Buyer Home Inspection
    • Seller Home Inspection
    • Owner Home Inspection
    • Contact Us
  • Resources
    • Inspection Library
    • Contractor Network >
      • Electrical Contractor
      • Foundation Contractor
      • Painting Contractor
    • Events
  • Schedule