Asbestos Siding On Homes

Asbestos shingles are relatively strong but brittle.

Asbestos siding on homes.

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. Asbestos siding is composed of asbestos fibers mixed with portland cement. Covering old asbestos shingles with new siding may seem like an option too but it s not easy to do safely. 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 was essentially a cement siding product that asbestos fibers had been added to. 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. Exposure to and breathing asbestos fibers can result in lung problems and cancer.

This was done in order to add fireproofing and stability to cement siding so that it wouldn t crack or break as easily. Asbestos cement can be dangerous if pulverized by sawing sanding breaking etc. Let the siding dry then prime and paint with the best exterior latex you can find. Asbestos house siding was used in many homes until the epa banned its use in new products in 1989.