How can you tell if old siding has asbestos?

How do I know if my roofing or siding contains asbestos? Look for asbestos markings on the roofing or siding material or the packages in which they came, or call the manufacturer. Another alternative is to hire a Minnesota certified asbestos inspector to sample the material and submit it for laboratory analysis.

What does asbestos look like in siding?

Asbestos was particularly prevalent in siding that resembles shingles or was made to look like wood grain. If your siding has these characteristics, then asbestos could be present.

How can you tell the difference between asbestos siding?

The only way to be sure whether your siding contains asbestos is to have it tested. The Asbestos Network recommends bringing in a professional to collect samples. They then send the samples to a qualified laboratory to test and determine whether they contain asbestos.

Does old siding have asbestos?

Newer homes built from the late 1980s to the present date, no longer use siding that contains asbestos because of its obvious health risks, however, older homes with their original siding may still contain this dangerous material.

When was asbestos siding first used?

Asbestos shingle siding first appeared in 1907. The product is a mixture of cement, water and asbestos that is compressed to create sheets measuring approximately 6 square feet. Due to its superior resistance to fire, the National Board of Fire Underwriters heartily endorsed asbestos siding during the 1920s.

How to Identify Asbestos Siding

What year did asbestos siding stop?

Asbestos house siding was used for many decades in the U.S. and Canada. Asbestos house siding was used in many homes until the EPA banned its use in new products in 1989.

Can you nail into asbestos siding?

Some experts recommend screwing, rather than nailing, when new siding is installed over existing asbestos-cement siding. If the shingles are to be removed, they should be wetted during the process to prevent fibers from becoming airborne, and they must be properly disposed of at a landfill.

Is asbestos siding toxic?

Asbestos exposure, especially over an extended period of time, can cause mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer, among other conditions. Asbestos is most dangerous when the fibers are airborne and are inhaled. These are serious dangers to your health that you need to be aware of.

What kind of siding was used in the 70's?

4) Asbestos Siding

When used as a siding, asbestos fibers were mixed with Portland Cement and pressed together to form what we know as asbestos siding. This type of siding was manufactured up to the late 70's, until it was deemed to be a health risk.

What kind of siding was used in the 60's?

Homeowners Go Crazy for Vinyl in the 1960s

From the 1940s to the 1970s, aluminum was the most common material for siding.

Does asbestos siding affect resale value?

Asbestos cement siding can also negatively impact the resale value of your home because of the way it looks. Unlike wood, which can be sanded down, repainted, and refinished, asbestos siding cannot.

Can I paint asbestos siding?

Painting asbestos siding is often a much better alternative than trying to remove it. It's not difficult at all to paint asbestos siding, as one of its benefits is that paint easily adheres to it and it is very durable and can last for decades without chipping or cracking.

How much exposure to asbestos causes mesothelioma?

Pleural is the most common type, representing about 75% of all mesothelioma cases. Out of all people with heavy, prolonged exposure to asbestos, 2% to 10% develop pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms of mesothelioma usually do not show until 20-50 years after asbestos exposure, which is when tumors have grown and spread.

Can you live in a house with asbestos siding?

Is it safe to live in a house that has asbestos siding? Yes, as long as the material isn't disturbed, and the asbestos fibers stay contained within the cement, asbestos siding is safe. Asbestos siding can remain in perfect condition for 50–80 years or more.

What is asbestos siding called?

Asbestos lumber — also called asbestos cement sheathing, it was used in siding materials such as false brick facing and shingles.

What kind of siding was used in 1950?

Fiber cement, cedar ridge, aluminum and vinyl siding were popular in the 1950s. Short of re-siding your house, the best way to update the look is by repainting with more modern colors.

What type of siding lasts the longest?

Vinyl siding is a popular choice when it comes to your home's cladding and actually lasts much longer than expected. With no effort or cleaning, it's expected to last you about 60 years but with meticulous care and maintenance, you can expect your vinyl siding to last up to 100 years.

What happens if you breathe in asbestos once?

It is possible to develop an illness such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, pleural effusions or lung cancer after a one-time exposure to asbestos if the exposure was significant enough to lead to asbestos particles lodging in the body's tissues. The 9/11 attack is a common example.

How long does asbestos stay in the air?

The toxic mineral dust can remain in the air for hours, placing anyone nearby in danger of inhaling or ingesting it. In an environment with little disturbances, it may take 48 to 72 hours for asbestos fibers to settle. If the dust is disturbed, it can easily become airborne again because it is so light.

How do you deal with asbestos siding?

Wrap asbestos siding in 6-mil thick plastic sheeting and secure the plastic with duct tape, or place the debris in heavy duty plastic bags. Dispose of the asbestos properly at a landfill, or contact your local waste collection service to find out if they will pick up asbestos material.

Can you hammer into asbestos siding?

Now, to cover, remove or replace the siding, you need to nail into it. However, you can't nail into asbestos siding whenever or however you want. Because if you didn't know – asbestos siding can't be nailed if it's rigid. Because there's a chance that it'll crack and break afterward due to pressure.

How do you cut a hole in asbestos siding?

Answer: You can cut the siding by using either a utility knife or circular saw. Both are pretty easy to work with. If you've got an old-style asbestos siding, go for the utility knife or blade paper cutter. And use the circular saw for cutting the newer ones.

Can you burn asbestos siding?

Burning is considered demolition, so the Asbestos NESHAP standard for demolition applies. Just as with other forms of demolition, the building must be inspected first. The only time a building containing asbestos can be burned is when a fire department does it as a training exercise.

What are the first signs of asbestos poisoning?