Asbestos Siding I

Asbestos cement can be dangerous if pulverized by sawing sanding breaking etc.

Asbestos siding i.

The use of a pressure washer for maintenance can crack the siding and lead to moisture intrusion if the pressure setting is high enough. While older homes will likely contain asbestos in roofing insulation and tiles it can also be present in exterior siding. Asbestos shingles are relatively strong but brittle. These shingles are generally 12 by 24 inches and the bottom tends to have a wave like pattern though that is not always the case.

Covering old asbestos shingles with new siding may seem like an option too but it s not easy to do safely. Portland cement is still used to this day in mixing with other materials to create fiber cement siding that in turn is installed by fiber cement siding contractors. 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.

In fact asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was added to portland cement between the 1920s and 1980s. If your siding fits either of these descriptions you should consider having it tested. Asbestos cement siding is very brittle and can be easily chipped cracked or broken. Asbestos siding was made by adding asbestos a naturally occurring mineral to portland cement.

If you suspect that your siding may contain asbestos there is no need for alarm. Testing your siding for asbestos.