Asbestos Siding On Homes

Covering old asbestos shingles with new siding may seem like an option too but it s not easy to do safely.

Asbestos siding on homes.

Asbestos cement siding is very brittle and can be easily chipped cracked or broken. Asbestos shingles are relatively strong but brittle. Asbestos siding was made by adding asbestos a naturally occurring mineral to portland cement. Exposure to and breathing asbestos fibers can result in lung problems and cancer.

Asbestos house siding was used for many decades in the u s. Lead paint wasn t outlawed until 1978 so it s sure to be present on siding going back to the 1950s. 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. Let the siding dry then prime and paint with the best exterior latex you can find.

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 siding is composed of asbestos fibers mixed with portland cement. 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 house siding was used in many homes until the epa banned its use in new products in 1989.