Asbestos Siding: What You Need To Do Next

Homeowners, particularly those living in older properties, often encounter various challenges when it comes to maintenance and renovation. One such challenge is dealing with asbestos siding.

Though asbestos siding was once considered a revolutionary building material due to its durability and fire-resistant properties, it’s now known to pose serious health risks. Today, we will help you understand everything you need to know about asbestos siding, including:

• Its history
• Identification
• Risks
• Removal
• Replacement options
• Safety precautions

What is Asbestos Siding?

In the early-to-mid 20th century, asbestos was hailed as a wonder material due to its resistance to fire, heat, chemicals, and electricity. It was extensively used in various building materials, including insulation, roofing, and siding. Asbestos siding is typically made from a mixture of asbestos fibers and Portland cement, giving it a distinct appearance and durability.

Characteristics

• Durability: One of the primary reasons asbestos siding became popular was its long lifespan and resistance to wear and tear.
• Fire Resistance: Unlike many other materials, asbestos does not burn, making it a preferred choice for fire-resistant construction.
• Insulation: It provides a degree of thermal insulation, which was beneficial for homes built before advanced insulation materials were available.

Identifying Asbestos Siding

Do you suspect that you have asbestos siding? Look for these signs.

Visual Identification

While identifying asbestos siding can be challenging without professional expertise, there are some visual cues that can help homeowners make an educated guess:

• Shape and Size: Asbestos siding shingles are usually rectangular, often measuring around 12 by 24 inches.
• Texture: They typically have a smooth surface, sometimes with a faux wood grain or a pebble-like texture.
• Color: Most asbestos siding panels are white, gray, or light-colored, although they can be painted.

Professional Testing

To confirm whether your siding contains asbestos, professional testing is essential. A certified asbestos inspector will take samples of the siding material and analyze them in a laboratory. This testing is crucial because it provides definitive results and ensures your safety.

Health Risks Associated with Asbestos Siding

Asbestos siding can have serious consequences for your health.

The Dangers of Asbestos

When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, they can release microscopic asbestos fibers into the air. Inhaling these fibers poses significant health risks, including:

• Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease that causes scarring of lung tissue.
• Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer that primarily affects the lining of the lungs and abdomen.
• Lung Cancer: Long-term exposure to asbestos fibers can significantly increase the risk of lung cancer.

Risk Factors

• Age of the Material: Older asbestos materials are more likely to be friable, meaning they can easily crumble and release fibers.
• Damage: Damaged or deteriorating asbestos siding poses a higher risk of fiber release.
• Disturbance: Activities such as drilling, cutting, sanding, or even pressure washing can disturb asbestos siding and release harmful fibers.

Handling and Removing Asbestos Siding

It’s important to handle asbestos material correctly, in order to prevent a health hazard.

Regulations and Guidelines

Due to the health risks associated with asbestos, there are strict regulations and guidelines for handling and removing asbestos-containing materials. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provide detailed regulations to ensure safe handling, removal, and disposal.

Hiring Professionals

Given the complexities and risks involved, hiring a licensed asbestos abatement professional is highly recommended. These experts have the necessary training, equipment, and experience to safely remove asbestos siding while minimizing health risks.

DIY Precautions

If you choose to handle asbestos siding removal yourself, extreme caution is required. Here are some critical precautions:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear a high-quality respirator, disposable coveralls, gloves, and goggles.
• Wet Methods: Wetting the asbestos siding can help minimize dust and fiber release.
• Avoid Disturbance: Do not sand, saw, or break the asbestos siding material. Carefully remove whole pieces to prevent fiber release.
• Proper Disposal: Follow local regulations for asbestos disposal. Double-bag the material in heavy-duty plastic bags and clearly label them as asbestos waste.

Replacing Asbestos Siding

It’s always important to leave asbestos removal to a professional.

Safe Alternatives

Once asbestos siding is removed, homeowners have several safe and modern alternatives to choose from:

• Fiber Cement Siding: Made from a blend of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, fiber cement siding is durable, fire-resistant, and visually similar to traditional asbestos siding.
• Vinyl Siding: A popular and cost-effective choice, vinyl siding is available in various colors and styles. However, it is less durable than fiber cement.
• Wood Siding: For a more traditional look, wood siding offers natural beauty but requires regular maintenance to protect against rot and pests.

Installation Considerations

When replacing asbestos siding, consider the following:

• Professional Installation: Hiring experienced professionals ensures proper installation and adherence to safety standards.
• Weather Barriers: Install a weather-resistant barrier to protect your home from moisture.
• Insulation: Consider adding or upgrading insulation during the siding replacement process to improve energy efficiency.

Maintaining and Caring for New Siding

Once you’ve replaced your siding, you’ll want to make sure that it is well cared for.

Regular Inspections

Regularly inspect your new siding for signs of damage, wear, or moisture infiltration. Address any issues promptly to prevent further deterioration.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Different siding materials have specific cleaning and maintenance requirements:

• Fiber Cement and Vinyl: Clean with a mild detergent and water. Avoid using high-pressure washers that can damage the siding.
• Wood: Periodically apply a protective finish or paint to prevent moisture damage and maintain the wood’s appearance.

Weather and Pest Protection

Ensure your new siding is adequately sealed to protect against weather elements and pests. Regularly check for gaps, cracks, or openings that could allow moisture or insects to penetrate.

Understanding Legal and Insurance Implications

Got questions about asbestos siding and what that means for your home? Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Disclosure Requirements

When selling a home with asbestos siding, homeowners may be required to disclose the presence of asbestos to potential buyers. Familiarize yourself with local regulations and ensure you provide accurate information.

Insurance Coverage

Review your homeowner’s insurance policy to understand coverage related to asbestos siding. Some policies may cover removal and replacement costs, while others may not. Contact your insurance provider to clarify your coverage and explore additional options if needed.

Voyager Is Here To Help

Navigating the complexities of asbestos siding can be daunting, but with the right knowledge and precautions, homeowners can make informed decisions to protect their health and improve their homes. Remember, if you suspect your home contains asbestos siding, always consult with professionals for testing, removal, and replacement. Your health and safety are paramount.

For more information and resources on asbestos siding and other home improvement topics, visit our website or contact our team of experts. We’re here to help you every step of the way.