Is My Siding Asbestos

Well i think he s calling he s talking about clapboard which is like a horizontal 6 inch siding.

Is my siding asbestos. Asbestos ranks high on the list of dangerous substances because of its toxic and carcinogenic properties when airborne. 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. And see asbestos cement siding for details about cement asbestos building siding its repair removal demolition or cover over. It s not usually that style made of asbestos.

The use of a pressure washer for maintenance can crack the siding and lead to moisture intrusion if the pressure setting is high enough. Before 1978 in the u s. The common reinforcing fiber used was asbestos. All of these products use some sort of fiber along with cement.

No installing new siding over the old asbestos siding isn t a viable option. Intact asbestos siding on your home poses no health risk as long as it is undisturbed. 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. Scraping or brushing off old paint from asbestos siding is necessary before repainting but dangerous because it can release small asbestos fibres.

See photos at asbestos siding in this document. Asbestos siding is composed of asbestos fibers mixed with portland cement. Exposure to and breathing asbestos fibers can result in lung problems and cancer. Testing your siding for asbestos if your siding fits either of these descriptions you should consider having it tested.

If you do decide to remove asbestos siding from your home the answer to is asbestos siding dangerous isn t necessarily yes. The siding may also contain asbestos if it is old with a wood grain texture to resemble cedar. Asbestos remediation and removal. Asbestos cement can be dangerous if pulverized by sawing sanding breaking etc.

And typically that s made of wood or a composite. 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. Cement asbestos wall shingles outside and not easily friable unless being demolished or cut with power tools. Asbestos cement siding is very brittle and can be easily chipped cracked or broken.

Some manufacturers use the term fiber reinforced cement for these products. If you suspect that your siding may contain asbestos there is no need for alarm. 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.