We are buying an old farmhouse with that awlful siding on it that mimics brickwork. You know, the brown stuff nailed up in big sheets on the sides of the house. Please tell me that it is only asphalt and not asbestos. Thanks.

The material you describe is an asphalt felt impregnated with a mineral surface made to look like brick. Also known as Insulbrick. It is usually handled as a non-asbestos material. It may contain asbestos, but any fiber is encapsulated by the asphalt during manufacture, and it is not likely released during normal removal. A bulk sample (small piece that includes the entire matrix felt and surface) can be taken to a local analytical lab for PLM analyis. That will cost about $25 to $35 and will answer your immediate question.