How to Identify Asbestos Siding
– If your siding has these characteristics, then asbestos could be present.
Asbestos Siding Removal
Asbestos-containing siding was a common building material in Maine during the middle part of this century. The exterior siding material is durable and cement-like and much less likely to release fibers than other asbestos-containing materials like pipe covering and boiler insulation.
Maine’s asbestos regulation allows a homeowner who is living in their single family home to remove their own siding following the removal procedures described below. You must hire a licensed asbestos abatement contractor if you want anyone else to remove your asbestos siding for you. The removal of asbestos siding from multi-family dwellings and commercial buildings must be done by a Maine-licensed asbestos abatement contractor. Generally, the removal of asbestos siding by an asbestos abatement contractor is not as costly as projects involving the removal of asbestos-containing thermal system insulation.
Removal of Asbestos-Containing Exterior Siding from Owner-occupied Single Family Residences
Work Practices
1. Set up a regulated area/exclusion zone with barrier tape or barricades. Do not allow unauthorized persons inside the area.
2. Place a drop cloth under the area in which you are working to collect any falling debris. After your job is complete, wet, roll-up, and double bag the drop cloth and dispose of it as asbestos waste
3. Wet the siding during the removal, and keep it wet at all times while working (be careful of electricity!)
4. Working from top to bottom, remove siding as whole as possible by pulling the nails out rather than breaking the siding. Please keep in mind that once asbestos siding is significantly broken, drilled or sawed, it becomes friable and must be handled by licensed professionals.
5. Double bag (6-mil plastic each) all debris for disposal. Use burlap bag as a third bag (inner) to prevent tears in plastic. An alternative wrapping method is to stack 6 to 10 pieces of whole siding on 2 layers of pre-cut 6-mil poly sheeting (sheeting is easier to obtain and less expensive than bags) and then securely sealing both layers with duct tape. The bagged (or wrapped) siding must be labeled as asbestos waste (labels are available at some hardware stores).
Protecting yourself
6. Homeowner should wear:
– Protective disposable suits (such as Tyvek), or coveralls that are handled and washed separately from other laundry;
– Respirators – half-faced (minimum), with purple (HEPA) filters (no beards); and
– Disposable gloves/booties are also recommended
7. Homeowner should shower immediately after finishing each work session. Wear the respirator into shower and remove only after completely wetting the body. Disposable suits and respirator filters should be disposed as asbestos waste.
8. Dispose of material either at a landfill licensed to accept asbestos waste (e.g., the Juniper RidgeLandfill 207-862-4200, or Waste Management Disposal Services in Norridgewock, ME 207-634-2714 and Rochester, NH 800-847-5303- call them first to see if they will accept your non-friable asbestos waste), or at a DEP-approved C&D landfill. Call your local landfill to see if they can accept your non-friable asbestos waste (transfer stations can not accept any asbestos materials). Alternatively, call a solid waste disposal company or an asbestos abatement contractor to pick up and dispose of your asbestos waste for you.
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How to Identify Asbestos Siding
It’s quite simple to spot building materials that are not asbestos ridden, like natural stone and brick. However, there are several types of asbestos siding that may be a bit harder to identify.
It’s quite simple to spot building materials that are not asbestos ridden, like natural stone and brick. However, there are several types of asbestos siding that may be a bit harder to identify.
Type of Asbestos Siding
- Stucco (Real and Synthetic)
- Natural Wood Siding
- Synthetic Wood Siding
- Vinyl Siding
- Asbestos Siding
How to Identify Asbestos Siding
– Determine the age of your home by looking at the property deed or any other records about its construction.
– Inspect your siding: Look specifically for any printed information that identifies the siding manufacturer or date of installation.
– Count layers of paint because many layers indicate age and therefore a greater chance of asbestos.
– Examine areas around replaced windows and doors if they have newer siding next to them.
-Compare the newer siding to older siding areas and look for evidence that indicates age.
– Asbestos was particularly prevalent in siding that resembles shingles or was made to look like wood grain.
– If your siding has these characteristics, then asbestos could be present.
– You may choose to take a sample of siding from a damaged area of siding.
– Put on a mask and scrape away some siding material into a baggie.
– Contact an accredited testing lab in your area to analyze your sample
With each type of siding, there is potential for the presence of asbestos.The strong fibers were combined with substances such as cement and molded together to make asbestos siding. Like other forms of asbestos used, the siding was done away with during the late 1970s, early 1980s. Because the material is so toxic, the only way to determine that you have asbestos siding is to have it tested. Some of the characteristics that are unique to asbestos siding include shingle/shake form 12″x24″, with a few nails contained at the bottom portion of each panel.
There are many types of sidings and they each have their own risks for asbestos exposure. In any event, asbestos siding is harmless unless disturbed. If you are unsure if your home contains the substance, choose the safe route and call an asbestos removal professional for an assessment.