How do you know if your 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.

When was asbestos siding used on homes?

Asbestos siding was a very popular product back in the 1950s and 1960s where siding shingles were traditionally reinforced with asbestos fibers.

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.

How to Identify Asbestos Siding

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.

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.

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 happens if you touch asbestos siding?

Health Risks of Asbestos Siding

If asbestos is inert, there's absolutely no danger; you can touch, lick, or hold asbestos house siding with absolutely no risk of contracting mesothelioma, asbestosis, or other lung diseases and cancers linked to exposure to asbestos.

Do you have to disclose asbestos when selling a house?

There are no laws stating that you need to be aware of asbestos in your property before a sale. Surveyors often encounter asbestos whilst conducting surveys for buyers and it can negatively affect the sale, so it's a good idea to have your own survey done before going to market.

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 long does asbestos siding last?

How long does asbestos cement siding last? You can expect asbestos-cement siding to last 80 years or more. It was used extensively from the 1940s through the '60s, but not produced after the ban by the EPA on construction products that contain asbestos in 1973.

How do you know when to replace your siding?

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.

Was asbestos siding used in the 70's?

The use of asbestos in homebuilding was discontinued in the late 1970s or early 1980s, but it is still present in many older homes. If your home was built before then and is up to 100 years old, it could be covered in asbestos siding.

What are the first signs of asbestos poisoning?

Is it OK to put vinyl siding over asbestos siding?

Unless asbestos siding is disturbed, it doesn't pose a significant health hazard and does not need to be removed. Both the EPA and the Vinyl Siding Institute recommend not disturbing asbestos if at all possible. Installing vinyl siding will require disturbing the asbestos by nailing into it.

What happens if asbestos is in my house?

Even if asbestos is in your home, this is usually NOT a serious problem. The mere presence of asbestos in a home or a building is not hazardous. The danger is that asbestos materials may become damaged over time. Damaged asbestos may release asbestos fibers and become a health hazard.

Can you put hardiplank over asbestos siding?

If there was vinyl there prior and you took it down to update, simply place it over and you will be fine. No legality issues as far as I know and when you disclose this when you sell you can say HardiePlank as it is what is technically on the exterior of the property. Good luck with everything!

How do you cut asbestos siding?

If at all possible, asbestos shingles should be cut with a shingle cutter. Sawing siding panels with an abrasive saw will release large quantities of fibers. The shingles can also be scored with a carbide knife and snapped clean. In either case, a respirator with a HEPA filter should be worn.

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.

Will a mask protect you from asbestos?

Not made to stop asbestos

A dust mask is great at what it's supposed to do, which is blocking normal dust. However, it is not enough to stop asbestos particles. Wearing a simple mask from Lowe's or Home Depot isn't going to give you the protection you need or ensure that you don't develop mesothelioma.

Do N95 masks protect against asbestos?

A: An N95 mask is a disposable filtering facepiece respirator with two straps. When worn properly (with the mask making a tight seal with the user's face), it can protect against hazardous airborne particles. N95 masks do not protect against gases, vapors and cannot be used for asbestos, and they do not provide oxygen.

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.