If a siding company removes an outer layer of siding and finds an older layer of asbestos cement siding beneath the standard procedure is simply to.
Asbestos in aluminum siding.
If asbestos remains intact in siding insulation popcorn ceilings or other materials it poses no risk and is not dangerous.
The general impression of asbestos has changed over time so that many people now wrongly assuming that it is a highly dangerous toxic substance that must be immediately removed.
Asbestos siding is composed of asbestos fibers mixed with portland cement.
And see asbestos cement siding for details about cement asbestos building siding its repair removal demolition or cover over.
Let the siding dry then prime and paint with the best exterior latex you can find.
Lead paint wasn t outlawed until 1978 so it s sure to be present on siding going back to the 1950s.
Often found in the cement and insulation of the structures machinery used to manufacture aluminum and even in the safety clothing workers wore asbestos could be found almost anywhere to control the heat and electrical processes of making aluminum.
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.
A better strategy may be to cover it over with new siding which effectively seals in the asbestos material.
That cement was then pressed into siding shingles that came in a wide variety of sizes profiles and textures.
Covering old asbestos shingles with new siding may seem like an option too but it s not easy to do safely.
Removal and disposal would need to be done by a certified asbestos removal renovator who will take the proper precautions to protect you and your family.
Asbestos was frequently used in the high heat environments of aluminum plants.
Exposure to and breathing asbestos fibers can result in lung problems and cancer.
This is usually the preferred method of dealing with asbestos building materials.
See photos at asbestos siding in this document.
If you suspect that your siding may contain asbestos there is no need for alarm.
Asbestos is only dangerous when cut sawn or broken into small enough pieces so that asbestos fibers are sent into the air.
Asbestos is a natural fibrous mineral used for insulation and fireproofing.
Asbestos siding was made by adding asbestos a naturally occurring mineral to portland cement.
The resulting product was very durable fire resistant and absorbed paint well.
Asbestos siding is very safe until it is removed and releases the asbestos particles in the air.
Most siding companies are well experienced at techniques for covering over existing asbestos cement siding with new vinyl aluminum or fiber cement siding.
While older homes will likely contain asbestos in roofing insulation and tiles it can also be present in exterior siding.
Cement asbestos wall shingles outside and not easily friable unless being demolished or cut with power tools.
While most siding containing asbestos has been removed from public buildings due to health concerns it may still be present on some older buildings and homes.
