InspectAPedia®   -   Search InspectApedia

PHOTO of asphalt siding on the Coolidge Hotel, White River Junction VermontAsphalt Siding FAQs
Q&A about asphalt shingle siding

Asphalt building siding questions & answers:

Questions and answers about asphalt-based exterior siding in brick, stone & other patterns, including product names, history, availability, repair, and inspection.

This article series provides history and photographs of asphalt-based siding products and discusses common defects observed in asphalt exterior building siding.

InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.

Asphalt Siding Questions & Answers

Asphalt-asbestos suspect shingle siding (C) InspectApedia.com MarinaQuestions & answers about asphalt siding products on buildings that were posted originally at SIDING ASPHALT SHINGLE or SHEET - be sure to see the identification, history, installation and other advice given there.

There we note that:

Asphalt building siding became a popular building renovation alternative to painting weathered or rotted wood clapboard or wood shingle siding as early as the 1930's, becoming popular in the 1940's and the 1950's in North America where it was used both for low-cost housing and for covering the deteriorated exterior walls of older homes.

On 2020-02-19 - by (mod) - Some asphalt-impregnated (paper-based) siding materials contain asbestos.

Yes, Marina, that's an asphalt-based shingle siding. Some asphalt-impregnated (paper-based) siding materials contain asbestos.

On 2020-02-19 by Marina

Just wondering if this siding [shown above] may have asbestos. The home was built in 1940 in IL

On 2020-01-20 - by (mod) - asphalt asbestos shingle siding on old garden shed

Asphalt-asbestos-suspect shingle siding (C) InspectApedia.com Jenna CosseyJenna

It is indeed possible that the asphalt-impregnated felt backer supporting that siding contained asbestos. You'll minimize the potential dust hazard by avoiding grinding, sawing, chopping the material.

Depending on where you live (country, city, county or province) you may be able to dispose of all of that building as construction debris.

On 2020-01-20 by Jenna Cossey

I pushed down this old garden shed on some farm property I bought and then had the afterthought that the shingle type stuff the old fellow had used might contain asbestos.

I’m attaching a photo.

This stuff is in large sheets and made to look like a brick pattern.

On 2019-10-16 by Brook

Thanks again for this -- and my apologies for the numerous re-posts.

On 2019-10-15 - by (mod) - asbestos in asphalt shingle siding in Toronto

What you want to do depends in part on your budget and on the proposed costs.

Asphalt shingle siding in a hard-to-access Tornto alley (C) InspectApedia.com BrookUnfortunatly Clark Van Oyen's Comments Box code only allows one image per post but of course you can post as many times as needed; the image appear after being approved by the moderator.

You could just staple up housewrap and hang siding on the existing building IF the clapboards or whatever's there (hard to see) will take nails securely; Then you'd focus on insulating the wall cavity from the inside (if it's not already insulated) perhaps blowing in insulation;

Focus on finding and fixing the main air leaks such as around windows and doors;

If you want an independent expert to survey the home to help you set the repair priorities for the home, are some excellent home inspectors right in Toronto including my friends at Carson Dunlop Associates and my friend Terry Carson (no relation to Carson Dunlop); find them at

HOME INSPECTORS-CANADA

On 2019-10-15 by Brook

hmm, my posts with images aren't showing up -- perhaps because images need to go through a moderator? I'll try one more time in without the upload and will check back later.:

I've attached a couple of photos I have on hand (please forgive me if this post happens twice). I may be able to take another shot in the morning, as these aren't great. Because the work is only on one wall of a semi-detached unit, I'm hoping moisture won't be a big issue..

My attached neighbour's place is poorly insulated, so that may factor in. Climate is Toronto, so not too wet, but pretty variant. The wettest times are when we'd have windows open (late spring/summer). Note that the upper window in picture on the left is being removed.

I've attached a couple of photos I have on hand (please forgive me if this post happens twice). I may be able to take another shot in the morning, as these aren't great. Because the work is only on one wall of a semi-detached unit, I'm hoping moisture won't be a big issue..

My attached neighbour's place is poorly insulated, so that may factor in. Climate is Toronto, so not too wet, but pretty variant.

The wettest times are when we'd have windows open (late spring/summer). Note that the upper window in picture on the left is being removed.

Asphalt shingle siding in a hard-to-access Tornto alley (C) InspectApedia.com Brook

On 2019-10-15 by Brook

These photos aren't great, but you get the idea that it is one wall of a semi-detached. I might be able to get a better angle fro mthe rear when I'm home tomorrow AM. Location is Toronto, so climate is... Variable, though not terribly wet (i.e., not like a coastal city).

The lovepy old window frame on the right of the left-hand picture is going to be removed as a part of the process.Not pictured are two newer windows that would need to be capped. Maybe because it is only one wall, the moisture won't be a big deal? (and also, sadly, they wrap wouldn't be extra effective)

My conjoined neighbour's place leaks like a sieve, and he is fine with that as-is (likely due to cost and he is an elderly pensioner). That said, if new owners came, the chances of them doing a significant reno are almost 100%, so I should look to the future a bit.

As you can see, the area is pretty narrow, so I'm not particularly concerned about aesthetics.

Thanks again for the advice.

On 2019-10-15 - by (mod) - cutting air leakage at insulating board sheathing - housewrap

Some insulating boards taped at seams will cut air leakage; I'd be a little concerned about making a moisture-trap wall if the insulating boards are not going to permit the passage of moisture out of the wall cavities. The purpose of housewrap is to

- prevent actual water penetration into the wall (taped insulating boards can do this )

- serve as a wind and air barrier (ditto)

- serve as a moisture permeable wrap that avoids trapping moisture in the wall cavities (non-breathing exterior wraps taped over the wall don't do this)

The city and country, age of home, type of construction and thus climate and existing wall construction are pertinent.

I'd like to see a photo or two of the exterior. Use the add image button - one image per comment

On 2019-10-15 by Anonymous - skip the house wrap?

Thanks, for this. A couple of the contractors did talk about capping the windows, but I'll reach out to them with this concern to make sure.

Two of the contractors suggested I could skip the house wrap because the 1" or 3/4" insulation they plan to use (it has foil on both sides?) would have the same effect if taped well. Does this make sense? If it matters, the home is a semi-detached, and I'm really only able to wrap two of the four walls.

On 2019-10-15 - by (mod) - installing aluminum siding over insulbrick?

In the second approach you will find that the windows and doors visually recede into the structure.

Perhaps more so because they may need to add furring strips over the existing siding on to which the aluminum siding will be nailed.

What people do is build out the trim around those openings. If you do that it will add some cost to the job. It's also the case that having siding without a house wrap is not going to reduce the air leakage of the building.

On 2019-10-15 by Brook

Are there any risks to installing aluminum siding over insulbrick? I have insulbrick along one wall of a semi-detached house. It is deteriorating n minor ways (nails coming out, cracking), and that side of the house house is pretty leaky based on a recent air-leakage test.

I've had few contractors quote on removing the insulbrick, installing tyvek and 1 inch insulation, then aluminum siding.

All but 1 of the contractors suggested I skip the tyvek and just go right over top of the insulbrick with 3/4" insulation that is well taped, then aluminum siding over that. Are there any risks to this approach?

On 2019-09-27 - by (mod) - old gray and incilbrick siding

If you're not going to remove the insul brick you will need to install furring strips to carry the siding. Unfortunately that probably means you're going to need to build out the trim around your windows and doors.

On 2019-09-25 by Rob

I have a home with old gray and incilbrick siding all of it is still good and intact except one small just above the front porch roof. the question is how can we put up a section of regular vinyl siding on the front above the porch and be able to properly finish off the corners.

Any help or suggestions will be greatly appreciated

On 2019-06-10 - by (mod) -

Sorry, but we cannot provide the product you asked about.

Keep in mind that asphalt shingles are not actually intended for use as building siding and may not perform well.

We do not sell anything. No products, no services.

InspectAPedia.com provides building and environmental diagnostic and repair information.

In order to absolutely assure our readers that we write and report without bias we do not sell any products nor do we have any business or financial relationships that could create such conflicts of interest.

On 2019-06-09 1 by Roy C

@Karen K.,
I need corner loves for a building that has asphalt single siding. Any idea where I can get about 25 pieces?

On 2019-06-10 by (mod) -

Sorry, but we cannot provide the product you asked about.

Keep in mind that asphalt shingles are not actually intended for use as building siding and may not perform well.

We do not sell anything. No products, no services.

InspectAPedia.com provides building and environmental diagnostic and repair information.

In order to absolutely assure our readers that we write and report without bias we do not sell any products nor do we have any business or financial relationships that could create such conflicts of interest.

InspectAPedia is an independent publisher of building, environmental, and forensic inspection, diagnosis, and repair information for the public - we have no business nor financial connection with any manufacturer or service provider discussed at our website. We very much welcome critique, questions, or content suggestions for our web articles.

A brief summary about InspectAPedia.com can be read at https://inspectapedia.com/About_Us.htm

On 2019-06-09 by Roy C

@Karen K.,
I need corner loves for a building that has asphalt single siding. Any idea where I can get about 25 pieces?

On 2019-06-09 by (mod) -

I agree that it looks like Masonite or another hardboard siding product and brand. If you look closely at the edges where the material has curled you may see some delaminating and water damage. If you have other photos I'd like to see them.

On 2019-06-08 by John Mondello

Trying to figure out how to best describe these siding panels, screwed into plywood sheathing, on a 1940s house in NY. Faux brick pattern, no granules, looks like Masonite... any help appreciated.

IMAGE LOST by Comments Box Code error - sorry. If you can re-post the image we'll be glad to comment further.

On 2018-10-23 by (mod) - how to remove spray paint graffiti from siding

Karen

Some asphalt siding may contain asbestos in the asphalt-impregnated felt backer or asbestos may also be in the asphalt-impregnated paper ("tar paper" or "felt") used as a house-wrap under the siding.

It is very difficult to remove spray paint graffiti without also dissolving or discoloring some of the siding surface coating material itself.

I find that Goof Off works well on some spills and paints but when that does not work for you, you might try:

Motsenbocker's Lift Off 411-01 Spray Paint Graffiti Remover

Blue Sprayable Gel Graffiti Remover - Brick & concrete use - from SoSafe

Try these first on the least-obtrusive area, low on the wall. Let me know how those work for you.

On 2018-10-23 by Karen K.

My siding seems to be the same as the picture above in Two Harbors, MN.

#1 do you know if this is apt to have asbestos? House built in 1901 ish.

#2 can you tell me how to remove spray paint graffiti? Unfortunately there was a fire there & children thought it Fun to do. I'm very upset; Goof-off products didn't work.

IMAGE LOST by older version of Comments Box Code error - sorry. If you can re-post the image we'll be glad to comment further.

On 2018-09-17 by (mod) -

The asphalt impregnated felt backing on some siding products like the one in your photo contained asbestos

On 2018-09-17 by Luca

Hey I have thes shingles on my home and we’re wondering if they were asbestous

IMAGE LOST by Comments Box Code error - sorry. If you can re-post the image we'll be glad to comment further.

On 2018-07-12 by (mod) -

Sorry, no
To keep reader trust we do not sell any product nor service..

On 2018-07-11 by joe

i have a house which it was built in 1963 and i want to replace the roof tiles and i was told they have stopped sell them. can you help

On 2018-03-20 by (mod) -

Penny

I'll do some research to update this material but I doubt that you will find asphalt based sighting currently for sale

On 2018-03-20 by Penny Pemberton

Does any one know where you can purchase this product anymore? I have a client with an old homestead site and the family would like to keep the old sheds with the same look.

On 2018-01-14 by (mod) -

Kevin

Yes there were a number of faux-brick siding products sold over many years, some using an asphalt based backer, others hardboard backer and still others cemetious products.

These include products like those in this article series, often in 18x28" rectangular panels nailed to the building wall:

BrickTex or Brick-Tex, faux brick siding

Insul-Brick (rudely nicknamed "Ghetto Brick")

PermaStone - see PERMA-STONE EXTERIORS

Of interest are these patents helping trace the history of Brick-Tex like products

On 2018-01-12 by Kevin

think it was called bricktex.

On 2017-10-09 by (mod) -

Thanks for an excellent question, Anonymous.

In the U.S. as early as 1918 "Faux Brick asphalt-based siding" was discussed in industry publications and by 1930 brick-pattern asphalt siding was sold under a variety of product names depending on its manufacturer.

The following excerpt is quoted from "Asphalt Roofing Materials" published by the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, retrieved 2017/10/08 original source: paragoninspects.com/articles/pdfs/exterior/ cladding/siding/asphalt/ asphalt-siding-materials-ahpp.pdf

The writers make a useful point, that sometimes asphalt roofing products were being nailed onto building exteriors, perhaps more often on farm outbuildings, as a low-cost siding covering: a feat that probably gave manufacturers the very idea of producing asphalt-based siding in brick and stone patterns.

I have seen faux brick and faux stone asphalt siding that resembled roof shingle materials (flexible asphalt impregnated felt material) and in other forms as asphalt impregnated felt bonded to a hardboard backer to form more-rigid siding materials.

The most-generic name for this product would be faux-brick asphalt siding.

Quoting: (I have deleted the article's footnote reference numbers since all of those are dead links)

Faux brick was the prevailing asphalt siding style during the 1930s. Mastic Corporation reported that 100% of its sales in 1935 were in the brick design marketed as panels called Inselbric, but wall shingles were still marketed in a variety of patterns and colors such as rectangular, hexagonal and pyramidal in green, tan and blended.

In 1940 Sears, Roebuck & Company catalogues offered brick-type insulating panels in 14" X 43" units, five bricks high and four-point (hexagonal) asphalt siding in brown tone, red tone, jade green and tile red. Advances in the production of roll roofing introduced heated rollers that pressed detailed patterns into granulated surfaces, making it possible to offer rolled asphalt brick siding in the early 1940s.

By 1941 Sears invited customers to "make old houses look new" by applying Honor Bilt Brick Roll-Type siding in 32" X 43’ sections, which was offered in addition to the four brick double lap siding - marketed by the company beginning circa 1937. To lend a finished look to the job accessory strips for inside and outside corners, edge trim and soldier courses were available. By 1943 they included 32" X 43’ asphalt rolls of irregularly coursed "ashlar stone" (also known as Inselstone) in gray.

The 1954 Sears catalogue introduced a new insulating stone design called "Ranch Stone", featuring elongated multi-colored asphalt units resembling cut-sandstone in irregular courses on 15" X 48" panels. Color selections were gray/green and crab orchard.

In 1966 the Sears, Roebuck catalogue featured "Random Stone" as a new siding product.

This was very similar to Ranch Stone but it included randomly placed raked shapes in imitation of wire-cut bricks among the multi-colored units. Random Stone consisted of wood fiber insulation board impregnated with bitumen and thickly overlaid with mineral-stabilized asphalt on the weather side and surfaced with mineral granules for color. Color ranges became rather elaborate in comparison to earlier asphalt siding choices.

The color selections were referred to as "Holiday," which was brown and light gray with coral highlights and beige mortar, "Riviera," consisting of shades of gray with occasional coral and gray mortar and "Lakeside," displaying green overtones with harmonizing gray and beige mortar.

- Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, 1100 North Street, Little Rock, AR 72201 USA, Tel: 501-324-9880 Email: info@arkansaspreservation.org

On 2017-10-08 00:50:59.844647 by Anonymous

What was the one that was supposed to look like brick called

On 2017-10-09 by (mod) - what are the common names for brick pattern asphalt siding?

Thanks for an excellent question, Anonymous.

In the U.S. as early as 1918 "Faux Brick asphalt-based siding" was discussed in industry publications and by 1930 brick-pattern asphalt siding was sold under a variety of product names depending on its manufacturer.

The following excerpt is quoted from "Asphalt Roofing Materials" published by the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, retrieved 2017/10/08 original source: paragoninspects.com/articles/pdfs/exterior/ cladding/siding/asphalt/ asphalt-siding-materials-ahpp.pdf

The writers make a useful point, that sometimes asphalt roofing products were being nailed onto building exteriors, perhaps more often on farm outbuildings, as a low-cost siding covering: a feat that probably gave manufacturers the very idea of producing asphalt-based siding in brick and stone patterns.

I have seen faux brick and faux stone asphalt siding that resembled roof shingle materials (flexible asphalt impregnated felt material) and in other forms as asphalt impregnated felt bonded to a hardboard backer to form more-rigid siding materials.

The most-generic name for this product would be faux-brick asphalt siding.

Quoting: (I have deleted the article's footnote reference numbers since all of those are dead links)

Faux brick was the prevailing asphalt siding style during the 1930s. Mastic Corporation reported that 100% of its sales in 1935 were in the brick design marketed as panels called Inselbric, but wall shingles were still marketed in a variety of patterns and colors such as rectangular, hexagonal and pyramidal in green, tan and blended.

In 1940 Sears, Roebuck & Company catalogues offered brick-type insulating panels in 14" X 43" units, five bricks high and four-point (hexagonal) asphalt siding in brown tone, red tone, jade green and tile red. Advances in the production of roll roofing introduced heated rollers that pressed detailed patterns into granulated surfaces, making it possible to offer rolled asphalt brick siding in the early 1940s.

By 1941 Sears invited customers to "make old houses look new" by applying Honor Bilt Brick Roll-Type siding in 32" X 43’ sections, which was offered in addition to the four brick double lap siding - marketed by the company beginning circa 1937.

To lend a finished look to the job accessory strips for inside and outside corners, edge trim and soldier courses were available. By 1943 they included 32" X 43’ asphalt rolls of irregularly coursed "ashlar stone" (also known as Inselstone) in gray.

The 1954 Sears catalogue introduced a new insulating stone design called "Ranch Stone", featuring elongated multi-colored asphalt units resembling cut-sandstone in irregular courses on 15" X 48" panels. Color selections were gray/green and crab orchard.

In 1966 the Sears, Roebuck catalogue featured "Random Stone" as a new siding product. This was very similar to Ranch Stone but it included randomly placed raked shapes in imitation of wire-cut bricks among the multi-colored units.

Random Stone consisted of wood fiber insulation board impregnated with bitumen and thickly overlaid with mineral-stabilized asphalt on the weather side and surfaced with mineral granules for color. Color ranges became rather elaborate in comparison to earlier asphalt siding choices.

The color selections were referred to as "Holiday," which was brown and light gray with coral highlights and beige mortar, "Riviera," consisting of shades of gray with occasional coral and gray mortar and "Lakeside," displaying green overtones with harmonizing gray and beige mortar.

- Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, 1100 North Street, Little Rock, AR 72201 USA, Tel: 501-324-9880 Email: info@arkansaspreservation.org

On 2017-10-08 by Anonymous

What was the one that was supposed to look like brick called

On 2017-08-29 by Jim

Looking at your pictures of the duplex in Poughkeepsie, NY, we are dealing with a house in Maryland where the siding looks almost identical. Any opinion of the likelihood of asbestos?
Thanks.

On 2017-08-03 by (mod) - comparative costs of different siding materials

I think I'd look at these options, noting that prices vary depending on where you live, complexity, windows, doors, local taxes &c.

Typical U.S. Prices for Siding per 100 sq.ft. - Material Costs for DIY projects

Some Installed Prices for Exterior Wall Coverings

On 2017-08-03 by Tom

Me too on looking for a supplier of asphalt-based faux-brick. I have an old shed and it seems like a waste of money to use any of the modern alternatives.

On 2017-05-01 by Alicen

When I was little (in the 50s) we lived in a little brown house with easy to tear brown scratchy (like sandpaper) siding. I would love to replicate that house but have no idea what to ask for. I was told it was called asbestos siding and later told it was tarpaper shingles. Any ideas?

On 2016-10-18 Sarah fryar

Can you prime and then paint over this siding

On 2016-09-13 by (mod) -

My suggestion for a limited faux-brick asphalt based siding repair on a building is to either

1. re-side the area completely using a new and different material without trying to match the original brick, perhaps choosing the area of repair and material to blend in aesthetically, such as forming an accent panel

2. remove intact asphalt-based red-brick siding panels from another, less visible building area, use them to repair the visible area of damage, then re-side the less-visible area in new material.

On 2016-09-13 16:40:55.023180 by (mod) -

No TH I don't think you'll find anyone selling a match for asphalt-based "faux" brick siding nor for masonite or hardboard based faux-brick siding for buildings.

One company, Creative Faux Panels, fauxpanels.com, advises that you remove all of the existing asphalt or hardboard based faux brick siding and install their bug and weather resistant polyurethane panels.

This can work but their answer will not help someone who just wants to repair an area of limited damage to the original asphalt or hardboard siding on an older home.

A full tear-off and replace job is so expensive that once you reach that point you will want to consider all of the various re-siding options: wood, vinyl, alumium, fiberboard, cement board, polyurethane (that may have its own moisture trap concerns on buildings) siding, etc.

On 2016-09-13 by (mod) -

From private email TH wrote:

Hi, My employer is looking for some of the red brick asphalt siding. I saw in your article that you asked readers to share if they found any available. I was wondering if they did find any.

Comment: book on building materials and material off-gasing of irritant/toxic gases

(Dec 8, 2014) Kathleen said:
I would like to compliment you on your website. It is chock full of very helpful, interesting information--lots of pics and very well explained.

Am writing a book on building materials and material off-gasing of irritant/toxic gases and have frequently found myself at your website. Just wanted to thank you.

Reply:

Thanks Kathleen. We are glad you found our information useful - we work hard to make it accurate and unbiased and researched.

If you are considering asking for contributions to the content of your book, I'll paste in a portion of our content use policy: CONTENT USE POLICY On use of our website content. You'll see that we can often contribute photos or text for use in printed or educational materials.

We would be pleased for you to pass on to others links to articles or to use PRINTED (only) copies of articles or photos quoted from our InspectApedia.com website or if appropriate, to make and give away printed copies of our web page material in a class or professional presentation, printed text, printed article, or printed book, or in a classroom presentation, (such as power point slides that are not elsewhere reproduced electronically), provided you agree to respect these simple provisions [OMITTED HERE]

Also let me know when your book is ready as I'd be glad to review it and inform our readers about it.

Question: painting asphalt siding

(June 2, 2015) Anonymous said:
can u use some type of sealer on asphalt siding to make it look newer and better. return to Eagleflying100@aol.com

Reply:

Anon you could use a paint formulated for use on asphalt roofs on asphalt shingle or panel siding as well.


...

Continue reading at SIDING ASPHALT SHINGLE or SHEET or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see these

Recommended Articles

Suggested citation for this web page

ASPHALT SIDING FAQs at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.


Or see this

INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to BUILDING SIDING

Or use the SEARCH BOX found below to Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia

Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia

Questions and answers about asphalt-based building siding products.

Try the search box just below, or if you prefer, post a question or comment in the Comments box below and we will respond promptly.

Search the InspectApedia website

Note: appearance of your Comment below may be delayed: if your comment contains an image, photograph, web link, or text that looks to the software as if it might be a web link, your posting will appear after it has been approved by a moderator. Apologies for the delay.

Only one image can be added per comment but you can post as many comments, and therefore images, as you like.
You will not receive a notification
when a response to your question has been posted.
Please bookmark this page to make it easy for you to check back for our response.
Our Comment Box is provided by Countable Web Productions countable.ca

Comment Form is loading comments...

Citations & References

In addition to any citations in the article above, a full list is available on request.



ADVERTISEMENT