Is there asbestos in fiber cement siding?

Cementitious siding installed after 1973 is very unlikely to contain asbestos. These materials are known as fiber-cement siding and they contain no asbestos. Cement-asbestos siding tiles do not need to be removed simply because they contain asbestos.

What is comparable to asbestos siding?

GAF’s WeatherSide® fiber cement siding is a perfectly-matching replacement for older asbestos-cement or fiber cement products orginally produced by Supradur, and is sold in the three standard patterns illustrated here. Some of the substitute products have been in use for more than 30 years (2008).

How can you tell if old siding has asbestos?

How do I know if my roofing or siding contains asbestos? Look for asbestos markings on the roofing or siding material or the packages in which they came, or call the manufacturer. Another alternative is to hire a Minnesota certified asbestos inspector to sample the material and submit it for laboratory analysis.

Can you pressure wash asbestos siding?

Do not power wash your siding. This could release cancer-causing particles into the air which could end up in your lungs.

Can you just cover up asbestos siding?

Exposure to and breathing asbestos fibers can result in lung problems and cancer. Applying a layer of sheathing or sheets of foam insulation over the asbestos, then covering it with vinyl siding is a common practice; but be sure to check your local building codes first to see if it is allowed in your area.

Can you side over asbestos siding?

But damaging the shingles can release some of the fibers. So, whether the shingles are to be sided over or removed, the methods used should avoid breaking, cutting or abrading the shingles. Some experts recommend screwing, rather than nailing, when new siding is installed over existing asbestos-cement siding.

How much does it cost to remove asbestos siding?

Disposal costs can also vary significantly based on the state you live in and the guidelines and laws regarding the disposal of asbestos containing materials. Costs for just the removal of asbestos siding if you’re using a contractor may range from $1,000 to $10,000+ depending on the size of your home, the amount of siding, and where you live.

How do you cut asbestos siding?

Cut asbestos cement corrugated roofing material with a pair of heavy dolphin-nosed tin snips. Mark the cut line with a pencil and straightedge. Wet the surface down and use the tin snips to cut and break off small sections at a time. Smooth off jagged edges with a sharp carpenter’s rasp to keep asbestos particle sizes as large as possible.

What are the dangers of asbestos siding?

The Dangers. Asbestos is actually not hazardous when left alone and intact, and for this reason it is often advised not to remove asbestos siding so long as it is in good condition. The danger is that when asbestos begins to break down, it releases fibers into the air.

How do you replace asbestos shingles?

Repairing Asbestos Shingle Siding. Even removing them can release fibers. To fix a broken one, take a full shingle from an out-of-sight place like the top of a gable, and install a vent or decorative grill in its place. Remove it by pressing the top of the shingle. Then carefully clip or cut the nail heads. Nail it in place — carefully.