Asbestos Siding Testing for Older Ohio Homes

Cement-Asbestos Siding in Ohio Neighborhoods

Cement-asbestos siding shingles were installed on a great many Ohio homes from the 1920s through the 1970s. The material was durable, fire resistant, and sold under several brand names, often molded to imitate wood clapboard or decorative shingle patterns. Many homes in the Mahoning Valley still wear their original siding, sometimes under a layer of later paint or aluminum.

Because it was designed to last, the siding is often still in service decades later, which is exactly why it comes up during exterior projects.

Why Appearance Alone Cannot Confirm Asbestos

Cement siding products from different manufacturers and eras look nearly identical. Some contained asbestos; others were cement and wood fiber only. Texture, thickness, and the shape of the shingle are clues about age, not proof of composition. Only laboratory analysis of a sample identifies what the material contains.

Renovation and Replacement Projects

• Full siding replacement or residing over the original
• Cutting for windows, doors, vents, and new penetrations
• Repairs after storm damage or impact
• Painting projects that involve scraping or power washing
• Demolition of additions, garages, and outbuildings

Sampling and Laboratory Analysis

A sample is taken from a discreet location, ideally a piece already loose or from an area slated for removal, and submitted to a laboratory for analysis. If multiple siding types or vintages are present on the house, more than one sample may be warranted. Soffits, fascia, and roof shingles are separate materials that may need their own samples.

The Risks of Disturbing Suspected Siding

Cement-asbestos siding is generally a non-friable material, meaning the asbestos is bound in a cement matrix and does not crumble easily. The concern arises with cutting, breaking, grinding, or sanding, which creates dust that can contain fibers. Power washing in poor condition or dry scraping during painting can also disturb the surface. Careful handling, and knowing what the material contains, reduces that risk.