Key Points
- Identify asbestos siding by looking for 12×24-inch brittle shingles with a chalky texture, faded gray or tan color, and possible wood grain patterns.
- Only professional lab testing can confirm asbestos—visual inspection is not reliable and DIY disturbance can release harmful fibers.
- If siding is damaged or you plan renovations, hire licensed professionals for removal and replace it with modern, safe materials like fiber cement.
Don’t Risk Guessing—Know What You’re Looking At
Ever looked at the siding on an older home and wondered if it might be dangerous?
Or questioned whether those worn-down shingles are hiding something harmful beneath the surface?
If you own or are considering buying a home in the Ann Arbor area, this guide will show you exactly what asbestos siding looks like, how to identify it safely, and what to do next.
You’ll learn how to spot visual clues, when to get it tested, and how to protect your family.
Once it’s removed by professionals, Peak Home Exteriors is ready to help you upgrade your home’s exterior with a safe, modern siding installation that looks great and lasts.
Call or fill out our contact form to start planning your new look.
What Does Asbestos Siding Look Like?
Asbestos siding can be tricky to spot, but there are several telltale signs that can help homeowners identify it safely.
Common Visual Characteristics
- Resembles cement siding with a slightly chalky texture
- Often installed in overlapping shingles with straight, clean edges
- Usually comes in 12×24-inch rectangular panels
- May feature horizontal or vertical grooves
Color and Texture
- Most common colors are gray, off-white, or tan, often faded with age
- May include a pressed wood grain pattern or faux design
- Surface is generally brittle, with none of the gloss typical of newer siding materials like vinyl
Typical Siding Styles Containing Asbestos
- Square shingles laid in a straight or staggered pattern
- Dutch lap siding, often layered in clean horizontal rows
- Transite boards, a specific brand of asbestos cement siding
Follow the link to learn more about the pros and cons of different types of siding.
Clues from Your Home’s History
Understanding when and how your house was built can offer more insight into whether you may be dealing with asbestos siding.
Construction Dates to Watch
- Most commonly installed between 1945 and 1980
- Homes built between the 1920s and 1980s may still have the original siding in place
- Many older homes in Ann Arbor fall within this range
Brand Names and Markings (If Visible)
- Some panels may show a manufacturing code stamped on the back if removed
- The word “Transite” is one of the most common indicators
- Professional inspectors may be able to find markings without disturbing the material
How to Confirm If Siding Contains Asbestos
Visual Inspection Is Not Enough
- Visual identification can be helpful but is never conclusive.
- Many types of cement siding and fiber cement siding look nearly identical to asbestos siding.
- Relying on appearance alone increases the risk of disturbing asbestos fibers, which can lead to serious health issues.
Safe Testing Methods
- Always hire a certified asbestos removal professional or inspector to collect a sample safely.
- Lab testing is the only guaranteed way to identify asbestos siding.
- Never break, sand, or chip an asbestos siding panel yourself—this could release harmful asbestos fibers into the air.
What to Expect During Testing
- A professional will carefully extract a sample without damaging surrounding siding material.
- The sample is sent to a certified lab, with results typically available in 3 to 5 business days.
- Testing generally costs a few hundred dollars—much less than the potential cost of improper asbestos siding removal or exposure.
Health Risks of Disturbed Asbestos Siding
Why Undisturbed Siding Isn’t Always Dangerous
- Asbestos siding in good condition, sealed with layers of paint, is usually not dangerous if left undisturbed.
- However, sanding, drilling, or cutting the panels can release asbestos fibers into the air.
- Once airborne, these fibers pose a significant health risk to anyone nearby.
Long-Term Health Effects of Exposure
- Mesothelioma – a rare cancer directly linked to asbestos exposure.
- Lung cancer – especially in smokers exposed to airborne asbestos fibers.
- Asbestosis – permanent scarring of the lungs that causes long-term breathing problems.
What to Do If Your Home Has Asbestos Siding
Encapsulation vs. Removal
- If the asbestos siding is in good condition, encapsulation may be a safe, cost-effective solution.
- This can include painting over the cement siding or installing newer siding like vinyl over it—without disturbing the original material.
- Full removal is necessary if the siding is damaged, deteriorating, or if you’re planning major renovations.
- Only licensed professionals should perform asbestos removal, following strict safety protocols.
Safety Tips for Homeowners
- Never use a pressure washer on asbestos cement siding—it can dislodge brittle fibers.
- Avoid sanding, drilling, or scraping the siding, even if it’s just to prep for paint.
- If you’re remodeling or adding on, assume older building materials may contain asbestos and plan accordingly.
- Always consult a pro before working on siding that may pose a health risk.
How to Safely Replace Asbestos Siding
When Replacement Is Necessary
- If your siding is cracking, chipping, or visibly damaged, it’s time to replace it.
- Full exterior renovations or upgrades that require changes to the home’s walls often trigger the need for full removal.
- In Ann Arbor, local building codes may require you to disclose or address asbestos during major home construction projects.
Asbestos Abatement Process
- The process begins with a professional inspection and any required permits.
- On-site crews then set up sealed containment zones to prevent asbestos exposure.
- Once removed, the asbestos siding is safely disposed of at approved facilities following Environmental Protection Agency guidelines.
Choosing a Safe and Modern Replacement
- Fiber cement siding is a popular alternative—it’s durable, non-toxic, and resists rot and pests.
- Other new materials like vinyl or engineered wood offer low-maintenance options and can mimic the look of traditional shingles or wood grain.
- Many siding companies in Ann Arbor specialize in replacing older siding with asbestos-free siding solutions that are both attractive and safe. Follow the link to learn how to find the best siding contractors near you.
FAQs About Asbestos Siding
How can you tell if your siding is asbestos?
- Look for 12×24-inch shingles with a chalky texture, often arranged in overlapping rows.
- The surface may be brittle, gray, or show signs of aging, and it might have a faux wood grain or wavy pattern.
- Still, the only reliable way to identify asbestos siding is through professional lab testing—visual inspection isn’t enough.
Is it safe to buy a house with asbestos siding?
- Yes—if the asbestos siding is in good condition and properly maintained, it may not pose an immediate health risk.
- Many older homes in Ann Arbor still have this building material. The key is to avoid disturbing it.
- Before purchasing, consider a professional inspection to check the state of the construction materials and confirm whether they contain asbestos.
How to visually identify asbestos?
- Watch for the following characteristics: uniform shingle size, straight edges, and cement-like material that may show layers of paint.
- Older house siding that resembles shingles and feels heavier than modern fiber cement siding could contain asbestos.
- If in doubt, avoid DIY removal or damage—homeowners should contact a certified pro for testing and guidance.
Ready to Replace Old Siding? Peak Home Exteriors Has You Covered
Now that you know how to recognize, test, and manage asbestos siding, you can take the right steps to protect your home and your health.
Whether your siding is safe to cover or you’ve already completed professional removal, you’re in a great position to upgrade to something safer and more durable.
Once your home is ready for new siding, the siding installers at Peak Home Exteriors offer expert installation of fiber cement siding and other modern materials.
If you’re ready to boost curb appeal with long-lasting, asbestos-free options, their team is here to help.
