Asbestos in Soffits
For most of the last century, asbestos was used in literally thousands of different types of products, many of which are just now being rediscovered.
One of the most overlooked uses for asbestos was for building soffits (or facades).
With its high tensile strength, durability and almost miraculous ability to resist heat and cold, asbestos seemed to be the obvious choice for many different types of building materials, including insulation, wall panels, cement, flooring and much more.
This photo shows a close up of an asbestos cement material used in exterior soffit boards. The inset shows a close up of chrysotile asbestos protruding from the edge of the cement panel.
Asbestos cement panels used to build exterior soffits, facades, or curtain-walls were a popular architectural trend from the about 1950 to 1980.
While asbestos use was considered crucial for protecting the health and safety of the American public, in reality it was anything but.
Countless workers were exposed to the dangerous asbestos dust when products such as the pictured asbestos cement panels was built and installed, and many homeowners and workers continue to be at risk for developing a number of serious illnesses when they are unknowingly exposed to the asbestos in these old products. Some of the most serious asbestos-related diseases include mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
If you suspect that old building material (pre-1980) may contain asbestos, do not try to remove it yourself. Asbestos inspectors skilled in recognizing the many hidden uses for asbestos can help identify the material and refer you to an asbestos abatement specialist.