Asbestos Siding I

Lead paint wasn t outlawed until 1978 so it s sure to be present on siding going back to the 1950s.

Asbestos siding i.

Testing your siding for asbestos. The use of a pressure washer for maintenance can crack the siding and lead to moisture intrusion if the pressure setting is high enough. Asbestos ranks high on the list of dangerous substances because of its toxic and carcinogenic properties when airborne. Let the siding dry then prime and paint with the best exterior latex you can find.

In fact asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was added to portland cement between the 1920s and 1980s. If you suspect that your siding may contain asbestos there is no need for alarm. Asbestos siding was very commonly used in buildings and homes from around the 1920s until the 1980s and can still be found in many older homes in the u s. Asbestos shingles are relatively strong but brittle.

The siding may also contain asbestos if it is old with a wood grain texture to resemble cedar. 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. If your siding fits either of these descriptions you should consider having it tested. 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.

Asbestos cement can be dangerous if pulverized by sawing sanding breaking etc. Asbestos cement siding is very brittle and can be easily chipped cracked or broken.