From the early 1930’s until it was banned in the 1970’s, asbestos cement siding and roofing was typically used on buildings and homes across America. Millions of homes in the U.S. had this kind of siding. An estimated several hundred million square feet of asbestos siding was used. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that helps to fire proof and insulate a structure and also gives the siding extra strength and longevity. Asbestos is generally not harmful if it is left undisturbed, however if it becomes damaged and the fibers get into the air, health risks become an issue.
A common mistake people make is to rip down asbestos in good condition, under the false impression that it is causing them harm. In reality, if asbestos laden materials are intact it is highly recommended that they be left alone. Unless asbestos siding is cut, drilled into, or sanded, it is not likely that the harmful fibers will be released. These fibers are extremely strong and cannot be destroyed. They are often so small that they cannot be seen by the naked eye making them impossible to detect. They also do not dissipate in the air and remain in tact over time, never breaking down.
If asbestos siding is damaged one can either opt to try to repair it, or remove it entirely. A sealant can bind the asbestos fibers together or coat them so that they cannot be released into the air. This should always be done by a trained professional who has experience with asbestos. The least expensive solution to asbestos is shingle repair, this is to leave the shingles in place and remove the aluminum siding. Leaving the shingles undisturbed prevents the hazardous fibers from escaping. Tearing the shingles off will only create dangerous, toxic dust. Repair is often a much cheaper solution than removal but removal may be an unavoidable expense in the future.
Removal is extremely costly and should always be done by a professional with training. One will need a special permit and have an asbestos abatement company assist. Asbestos cement shingles are usually the most expensive to remove and difficult to dispose. This kind of asbestos shingle is a mix of Portland cement and asbestos, which bind with one another to form a hard mass. The unique mixture of asbestos and cement proved to be the most useful in the construction industry. Asbestos cement first came about in 1905 by the Johns-Manville company and was developed to use in places that contained extreme heat or fire. Asbestos cement was turned into rather big sheets which were then cut into two sizes, 12” and 24” inches.
Believe it or not, asbestos cement siding does have its good qualities. It is extremely resistant to fire, insect damage, and rot. Termites stand no chance against this extremely tough material. It is also very easy to paint though it is non porous so it may not absorb the paint as quickly as wood clapboard would. Installation was also extremely easy as the pieces came with pre-drilled holes and the sizes were all uniform. It also came in many different grooving patterns made to imitate wood. The colors offered were Dover white, gray-green, and gray-pink.
However, the bad does outweigh the good. Asbestos cement siding is brittle so if it is accidentally hit with something hard such as a lawnmower, chances are it’s going to break. Because it is no longer made it is difficult to replace and is not able to be fixed, not to mention the fact that it is ugly. It is safe to say that there are certainly no asbestos siding fan clubs out there.
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that occurs in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, and chest. This kind of cancer is a huge risk to those who worked in the construction industry with cement siding in the early 1970’s and typically is detected up 10 to 30 years after asbestos exposure. Also, if a family member was involved in this kind of construction, they may have unknowingly brought the fibers home with them. Anyone involved in the renovation and restoration of an old house may also be at risk.
Asbestosis is also an illness acquired from extreme asbestos exposure. Though it is non-cancerous, it is a chronic and serious respiratory disease which can cause disablement or death. There is no cure or treatment for Asbestosis.
If your home has asbestos cement siding, the best thing to do would be to contact an asbestos abatement firm for advice on your individual situation. Based on the level of deterioration, a professional will be able to determine what step you may have to take next. Also keep in mind the most important rule when it comes to asbestos siding; if your asbestos siding is fully intact, leave it that way.
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