Asbestos In Aluminum Siding

Asbestos siding is composed of asbestos fibers mixed with portland cement.

Asbestos in aluminum siding.

Asbestos shingles are relatively strong but. This is usually the preferred method of dealing with asbestos building materials. Often found in the cement and insulation of the structures machinery used to manufacture aluminum and even in the safety clothing workers wore asbestos could be found almost anywhere to control the heat and electrical processes of making aluminum. And see asbestos cement siding for details about cement asbestos building siding its repair removal demolition or cover over.

Asbestos siding is very safe until it is removed and releases the asbestos particles in the air. Most siding companies are well experienced at techniques for covering over existing asbestos cement siding with new vinyl aluminum or fiber cement siding. Covering old asbestos shingles with new siding may seem like an option too but it s not easy to do safely. Lead paint wasn t outlawed until 1978 so it s sure to be present on siding going back to the 1950s.

Cement asbestos wall shingles outside and not easily friable unless being demolished or cut with power tools. The general impression of asbestos has changed over time so that many people now wrongly assuming that it is a highly dangerous toxic substance that must be immediately removed. Let the siding dry then prime and paint with the best exterior latex you can find. Asbestos was frequently used in the high heat environments of aluminum plants.

If asbestos remains intact in siding insulation popcorn ceilings or other materials it poses no risk and is not dangerous. 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. If you suspect that your siding may contain asbestos there is no need for alarm. Asbestos ranks high on the list of dangerous substances because of its toxic and carcinogenic properties when airborne.

When the fibers become airborne they pose health concerns. Exposure to and breathing asbestos fibers can result in lung problems and cancer. If a siding company removes an outer layer of siding and finds an older layer of asbestos cement siding beneath the standard procedure is simply to. See photos at asbestos siding in this document.

While most siding containing asbestos has been removed from public buildings due to health concerns it may still be present on some older buildings and homes. That cement was then pressed into siding shingles that came in a wide variety of sizes profiles and textures. Asbestos is a natural fibrous mineral used for insulation and fireproofing. While older homes will likely contain asbestos in roofing insulation and tiles it can also be present in exterior siding.

A better strategy may be to cover it over with new siding which effectively seals in the asbestos material. Removal and disposal would need to be done by a certified asbestos removal renovator who will take the proper precautions to protect you and your family.