QA

Quick Answer: How To Identify Asbestos Siding

How do I know if I have asbestos siding?

The only way to be sure whether your siding contains asbestos is to have it tested. The Asbestos Network recommends bringing in a professional to collect samples. They then send the samples to a qualified laboratory to test and determine whether they contain asbestos.

When was asbestos used in siding?

History of Asbestos-Cement Siding Asbestos-cement was not only commonly used but it was a recommended siding material from the 1940s to the 1960s, due to its extremely durable and fireproof nature.

How do you tell what siding I have?

The best way to tell what type of siding it is, is to go to an unfinished area like the attic, and look on the backside of the board to find the manufacturer’s name or an AHA code (The American Hardboard Association). This will help you determine the manufacturer of the product and where it was made.

When was asbestos siding banned?

Asbestos house siding was used for many decades in the U.S. and Canada. Asbestos house siding was used in many homes until the EPA banned its use in new products in 1989.

Can you nail into asbestos siding?

Because it’s better than risking your health. However, if your asbestos siding is in good condition, you can definitely nail into it. Directly putting pressure while nailing into the siding can cause it to break.

How does asbestos siding affect resale value?

The general take on asbestos siding is that it’s dangerous and expensive to remove, so that often translates into a perceived lower value for a home that has asbestos cement siding, in the eyes of many home buyers and sellers.

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 I paint asbestos siding?

Painting asbestos siding is often a much better alternative than trying to remove it. It’s not difficult at all to paint asbestos siding, as one of its benefits is that paint easily adheres to it and it is very durable and can last for decades without chipping or cracking.

How do you match old siding?

Finding out how to match replacement vinyl siding with existing siding is a task in itself, but it can be done. Take the broken vinyl siding piece to a paint store to get the color matched. Apply a coat of acrylic primer and a coat of acrylic house paint to match the color of the house siding.

How long does asbestos siding last?

How long does asbestos cement siding last? You can expect asbestos-cement siding to last 80 years or more. It was used extensively from the 1940s through the ’60s, but not produced after the ban by the EPA on construction products that contain asbestos in 1973.

Should I replace asbestos siding?

Just having asbestos siding and roofing on your home does not pose a hazard to your health. Asbestos-containing roofing and siding in good condition are best left alone. Damaged roofing and siding should be carefully repaired. Sometimes asbestos-containing roofing and siding can be covered with new materials.

Do you have to disclose asbestos when selling a house?

Absolutely not, although you will have to disclose its presence if you are already aware of it. The Property Misdescriptions Act of 2013 states that it is an offence to withhold such information, and failing to abide by the law could invalidate the sale and result in prosecution.

What was asbestos siding called?

Asbestos lumber — also called asbestos cement sheathing, it was used in siding materials such as false brick facing and shingles.

Should old siding be removed before installing vinyl siding?

The short answer is that removing old siding is almost always a better idea. Some homeowners may also worry they need to remove the siding themselves before the siding replacement installation, but with Weather Tight, that’s not the case.

How do you tear down a house with asbestos siding?

Begin chipping away at the asbestos-filled siding and removing piece by piece, by pulling any nails or trimming down. If needed, lift the siding with the pry tools to expose the nails more. Be sure not to release any debris into the air. Keep wetting the siding and place it onto a plastic sheet meant for removal.

Can I drill a hole in asbestos siding?

That being said, carefully grinding a hole through a few asbestos shingles is not going to be problem if you contain dust within a simple plastic enclosure, or a stream of water. Pretend you’re working in an archaeology museum and you MUST keep dust to an absolute minimum.

Can you drill through asbestos tile?

Reply: Removal of or drilling through asbestos-containing floor tile and/or mastic is a Class III operation under the OSHA asbestos standard for construction, 29 CFR 1926.1101, as long as the amount of asbestos-containing debris from the work can be contained in one standard-sized waste bag not exceeding 60 inches in.

Which asbestos sheet is best?

American brands of asbestos cement sheets include: Manufacturer Brand Celotex Careycel Insulated Sheathing, Careystone Corrugated Asbestos Cement, Careystone Flat Asbestos Cement Keasby & Mattison Company Ambler Asbestos Corrugated Sheathing, Ambler Corrugated Roofing and Siding, Century Asbestos Corrugated Roofing.

Does asbestos affect home value?

When it comes to selling a property, asbestos can have a negative effect on the value of the home. Buyers can also hire an inspector or abatement company to look at the property, and would therefore have the power of negotiating a lower price.