How can you tell if your soffits contain asbestos?

Clues that justify testing

• The house was built or re-sided in the mid twentieth century.
• The soffit is hard and brittle rather than wood, vinyl or aluminum.
• Broken edges show a gray, fibrous, cement like core.
• Panels are fastened with exposed nails in neat rows.
• Matching cement siding shingles on the walls.

Why intact boards are lower risk

Asbestos cement holds fibers tightly while it is intact. The risk comes when it is broken, cut, drilled or abraded, releasing fibers. Painting with a brush, gently, is generally considered less risky than sanding or scraping.

Testing

• Use an accredited lab and, ideally, a trained inspector to take the sample safely.
• Test before any project that disturbs the eaves: soffit replacement, gutter work, adding vents, or roof edge work.

If it is positive

Removal and disposal of asbestos are regulated. In Georgia, the Environmental Protection Division's asbestos program sets the rules and licensing for abatement. Many homeowners choose to leave intact boards in place and encapsulate or cover them, which an abatement professional can advise on.

Roofing work on older homes

Older roofs can also hide asbestos containing materials, such as old cement roofing shingles. Tell your roofer about any test results so the crew can plan around the eaves. See roof anatomy explained and what to expect in a roof inspection.