Asbestos siding, once prized for its durability and fire resistance, can pose serious health risks when disturbed. Identifying asbestos in your home is critical for maintaining safety and protecting your property’s value, so it’s important to consult a siding contractor for proper handling and removal.
Types of Asbestos Found in Siding
Understanding the types of asbestos used in construction can help you recognize asbestos siding:
- Actinolite: Used in paints and insulation, often white or gray, sometimes green or yellow.
- Amosite: Recognized by its coarse texture, typically brown, gold, or black.
- Chrysotile: The most common type, grayish-white, brittle, and often mixed with cement.
- Crocidolite: Rare and expensive, with a distinct blue hue and silky texture.
- Tremolite: Found in roofing and plumbing materials, ranging from white to dark green.
How to Identify Asbestos Siding
- Appearance
Look for a wavy bottom edge on siding panels or specific manufacturing codes on the back of shingles.
- Home Age
Homes built between 1940 and 1970 are more likely to have asbestos siding. Homes from this period that still have their original materials are likely to contain asbestos.
- Professional Inspection
A professional inspection is the most accurate method of identifying asbestos. Experts use techniques like polarized light microscopy to confirm the presence of asbestos fibers.
Is Asbestos Siding Dangerous?
Asbestos siding is generally safe when intact. However, damaged siding can release harmful fibers into the air, posing severe health risks when inhaled.
Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure:
- Asbestosis: Scarring of lung tissue, causing breathing difficulties and chronic cough.
- Lung Cancer: Exposure to asbestos greatly raises the risk, particularly for smokers.
- Mesothelioma: A rare, aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs or abdomen, directly linked to asbestos exposure.
Should You Remove Asbestos Siding?
When to Leave It:
If the siding is undamaged and unlikely to be disturbed, it can remain in place. Regular inspections can help monitor its condition.
When to Remove It:
If the siding is damaged, or crumbling, or you plan renovations, removal is necessary. Always hire certified asbestos abatement professionals to ensure safe handling and disposal.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Removal
Benefits:
- Health Protection: Eliminates the risk of future asbestos exposure.
- Increased Property Value: Homes without asbestos are more appealing to buyers.
- Peace of Mind: Being assured that your home is free from asbestos can help alleviate worry.
Drawbacks:
- Cost: Removal costs range from $50–$150 per square foot, depending on your location and project size.
- Disruption: The removal process can be noisy, dusty, and require temporary relocation.
- Risk of Improper Handling: Mishandling during removal can release hazardous fibers into the air.
Professional Assistance is Key
If you suspect asbestos siding, never attempt removal yourself. Licensed professionals have the expertise and equipment to safely handle asbestos, minimizing risks to your family and neighbors.
Proper identification and management of asbestos siding safeguard your health and home. Whether you choose to remove or leave the siding, prioritize regular inspections and rely on professional guidance to address any concerns. Managing asbestos properly ensures a safe living environment and long-term peace of mind.
Solid Kansas City Siding
107 W 9th St 2nd floor #585, Kansas City, MO 64105, USA
816-542-4147
