You may choose to take a sample of siding from a damaged area of siding.
Numbers on asbestos siding.
Covering old asbestos shingles with new siding may seem like an option too but it s not easy to do safely.
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.
Pros and cons of asbestos cement siding.
Asbestos siding is composed of asbestos fibers mixed with portland cement.
Lead paint wasn t outlawed until 1978 so it s sure to be present on siding going back to the 1950s.
Let the siding dry then prime and paint with the best exterior latex you can find.
Exposure to and breathing asbestos fibers can result in lung problems and cancer.
Asbestos was particularly prevalent in siding that resembles shingles or was made to look like wood grain.
There are hundreds of thousands of homes and garages with this siding material and when it is in good shape the health hazards are minimal.
Put on a mask and scrape away some siding material into a baggie.
The epa asbestos web site contains general information on asbestos sources exposure and health effects what to do if you suspect asbestos training and laws and regulations.
Asbestos siding removal isn t free but if you re having it replaced with something else you just might be able to get a good deal with the company you end up choosing.
If your siding has these characteristics then asbestos could be present.
The presence of asbestos cement siding in and of itself is not a.