Is My Siding Asbestos

No installing new siding over the old asbestos siding isn t a viable option.

Is my siding asbestos. In a house that was built in that era if it did have asbestos it would most likely be an asbestos tile. And see asbestos cement siding for details about cement asbestos building siding its repair removal demolition or cover over. Some manufacturers use the term fiber reinforced cement for these products. Siding materials that use fibers and aggregate other than asbestos are properly called fiber cement building siding products.

The common reinforcing fiber used was asbestos. And typically that s made of wood or a composite. Asbestos cement can be dangerous if pulverized by sawing sanding breaking etc. Testing your siding for asbestos if your siding fits either of these descriptions you should consider having it tested.

It s not usually that style made of asbestos. See photos at asbestos siding in this document. Scraping or brushing off old paint from asbestos siding is necessary before repainting but dangerous because it can release small asbestos fibres. All of these products use some sort of fiber along with cement.

Asbestos siding is composed of asbestos fibers mixed with portland cement. Exposure to and breathing asbestos fibers can result in lung problems and cancer. The real safety issue with asbestos is when large amounts of it are removed indoors and proper protocol and equipment is not used to capture and collect all asbestos fibers released. While older homes will likely contain asbestos in roofing insulation and tiles it can also be present in exterior siding.

These shingles are generally 12 by 24 inches and the bottom tends to have a wave like pattern though that is not always the case. Asbestos remediation and removal. The siding may also contain asbestos if it is old with a wood grain texture to resemble cedar. Well i think he s calling he s talking about clapboard which is like a horizontal 6 inch siding.

It is very brittle and has a tendency to crack and break when nailed which can release asbestos fibers into both the air and ground. Mesothelioma and other cancers as well as asbestosis and other lung diseases are a serious danger after continued long term exposure to fibers from asbestos containing materials acms. Before 1978 in the u s. Asbestos ranks high on the list of dangerous substances because of its toxic and carcinogenic properties when airborne.

If you do decide to remove asbestos siding from your home the answer to is asbestos siding dangerous isn t necessarily yes. Intact asbestos siding on your home poses no health risk as long as it is undisturbed. The use of a pressure washer for maintenance can crack the siding and lead to moisture intrusion if the pressure setting is high enough.