Asbestos siding, also known as asbestos cement siding, was commonly installed on homes and buildings from the 1920s through the 1980s. While asbestos siding is not banned in the U.S., it does pose potential health hazards if the asbestos fibers become airborne during removal or demolition. Proper safety precautions must be taken to minimize exposure when removing asbestos siding. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to safely remove asbestos siding from your home.
Understanding Asbestos Siding
Asbestos siding, sometimes called transite siding, is a cement-based siding product containing 10-15% asbestos fibers. The siding was valued for its affordability, durability, and fire resistance. However, research linking asbestos to serious health issues like mesothelioma resulted in a decline of its use.
If your home has original siding installed prior to 1980, it is likely asbestos cement siding. There are a few ways to identify it:
- Asbestos siding is solid with a rough, grainy texture. It does not have the wood grain pattern of wood siding.
- It is brittle and can crack or break easily if force is applied.
- Asbestos siding is heavyweight and dense. A 4 x 8 foot sheet typically weighs around 190 pounds.
- On the backside, you may find marks indicating an asbestos material. “Transite” or “Asbestos Cement” are common labels.
- Testing by an accredited asbestos inspection company can conclusively identify if siding contains asbestos.
It is important to note that intact, sealed asbestos siding does not pose a health risk. The danger occurs when the siding is disturbed, releasing asbestos fibers into the air. Therefore, special safety steps must be taken during removal or demolition projects to prevent fiber release.
Dangers of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is a known human carcinogen. Microscopic fibers easily become airborne when asbestos materials are damaged. When inhaled, the sharp fibers lodge in lung tissues, causing lung diseases like asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma decades later. There is no safe level of asbestos exposure.
Symptoms of asbestos exposure include:
- Shortness of breath and wheezing
- Persistent dry cough
- Chest tightness or pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Difficulty swallowing
Those most at risk are people who worked with asbestos products prior to the 1980s. However, secondary exposure can put family members at risk. Disturbing asbestos siding without proper precautions endangers yourself, your family, and anyone in proximity to the project.
Asbestos Removal Regulations
Strict regulations govern asbestos removal to protect public health. Depending on where you live, removal may require permits, licensed contractors, and special disposal procedures.
Federal Asbestos Regulations
Under the Clean Air Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates asbestos as a hazardous air pollutant. Federal law requires special training, containment, and disposal for asbestos abatement projects.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets exposure limits and requires employers provide proper asbestos safety training and equipment. OSHA also regulates disposal.
State and Local Asbestos Rules
Individual states and municipalities often have their own asbestos regulations:
- Permits may be required before starting asbestos removal projects.
- Only licensed asbestos abatement contractors can perform removals. Homeowners may be prohibited.
- Waste disposal rules may require bagging in labeled plastic and disposal at approved sites.
Always check the asbestos removal and disposal regulations for your area before beginning a project. Failing to follow requirements could result in heavy fines.
Safely Removing Asbestos Siding as a Homeowner
In some areas, homeowners may be permitted to remove small amounts of asbestos siding themselves. However, this involves serious safety considerations:
Assess Siding Condition
Examine the siding for damage. Removal is safest if siding is intact. Avoid removal if brittle, crumbling areas are present as this increases fiber release. Consider professional abatement for damaged siding.
Purchase Proper Safety Gear
You will need:
- Disposable coveralls with hood and booties
- NIOSH-approved respirator with P100 filters
- Rubber gloves
- Safety goggles
- Duct tape
- Plastic sheeting
Seal Off Interior Areas
Prevent fibers from entering living spaces by sealing windows, doors, vents, and other openings with plastic sheeting and tape. Turn off HVAC systems. The containment area should be negatively pressurized, meaning air flows from inside the home to the outside. Set up exhaust fans blowing air away from the home.
Carefully Mist Siding
Use a garden sprayer to mist sections of siding where you will cut. The light spray helps keep fibers out of the air. Avoid excessive water, which can break material apart.
Cut Siding with Care
Use a utility knife to lightly score siding along cut lines. Make multiple passes, cutting a little deeper each time until cut through. Once scored, gently break siding pieces off by hand. Avoid power saws and other tools that aggressively vibrate or break material.
Wet Waste Frequently
Mist sections of siding debris before carefully lowering to ground. Double bag pieces in heavy plastic immediately to contain fibers. Gooseneck seal bags with duct tape.
Dispose of Waste Properly
In most areas, asbestos waste must be disposed of at approved landfills. Asbestos bags also require labeling with asbestos warnings. Follow all local regulations for asbestos disposal.
Clean Work Area Thoroughly
Use wet rags to wipe down all surfaces and tools used during the project. Dispose of rags with asbestos waste. Shower immediately after finishing removal work. Send coveralls and other non-disposable gear for professional laundering.
Following safety protocols minimizes risk when removing small amounts of asbestos siding. However, asbestos removal presents serious dangers better left to professional abatement contractors in many cases.
Hiring an Asbestos Abatement Company
Consider hiring a licensed asbestos abatement contractor for:
- Removal of damaged or crumbling asbestos siding
- Large removal jobs, such as whole house residing
- Removal involving power tools like saws that aggressively break apart siding
- Projects requiring disposal of large quantities of asbestos waste
- Siding removal in areas where homeowners are prohibited from doing their own removals
Professional companies have extensive specialized training, commercial-grade equipment, and experience managing hazardous asbestos jobs. They can provide complete abatement services, including:
Assessment
A contractor will thoroughly inspect siding and develop a specialized plan for safe, efficient removal. Proper containment setup is designed based on the home.
Containment
The company seals off the work area fully with plastic, tape, and portable containment structures. High-volume exhaust filtration units keep air moving away from the home.
Removal
Workers wear protective “moon suits” and respirators, use specialized tools, and follow meticulous procedures to keep fibers contained. The abatement area may also have a decontamination unit.
Disposal
Waste is double-bagged and removed under containment protocols. Companies have the resources to properly transport and dispose of asbestos at approved facilities.
Certified Inspections
Once finished, professionals use air testing and visual inspections to certify the area is free of contamination before containment materials are removed.
By handling the specialized equipment, hazardous waste transport and disposal requirements, and stringent process, asbestos abatement companies take the risks out of asbestos siding removal.
Finding an Asbestos Removal Company
It is important to select a qualified, experienced contractor for asbestos abatement projects. Warning signs of an unreliable company include:
- No licensing
- Willingness to skirt legal procedures like waste disposal
- Limited safety equipment
- Lack of experience handling asbestos
Look for these signs of a reputable contractor:
- Legal licensing for asbestos work in your state
- Extensive specialized training records
- Long track record handling asbestos siding and other products
- Comprehensive insurance, including environmental and pollution coverage
- Commercial-grade safety equipment like air filtration units
- Detailed removal plans and contracts
- References from past asbestos jobs
Avoid “lowest bid” companies that may cut corners on safety. Using experienced asbestos professionals is worth the investment to protect you from liability and health hazards.
Alternative Siding Options
In some cases, encapsulating or sealing asbestos siding offers a safer, affordable alternative to removal. However, if replacing your siding completely, there are a number of modern options:
Vinyl Siding
PVC vinyl is the most popular siding today. It is lightweight, durable, and inexpensive to install. Vinyl provides ample color and style options. However, it can become brittle and crack over time.
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement contains wood fibers suspended in a binder. It provides the look of wood without the maintenance. Impact-resistant fiber cement holds paint well. However, cutting creates concrete dust.
Engineered Wood Siding
Engineered wood siding like LP SmartSide resists moisture and damage while requiring minimal upkeep. It provides the aesthetics of real wood. Chemical sensitivities can be a concern.
Brick and Stone Veneers
Masonry veneers offer classic appeal, durability, and low maintenance. Advanced lightweight synthetic veneers look and feel like the real thing. However, a full tear-off is required.
Metal Siding
Steel, aluminum, and other metals make for a resilient, non-combustible siding option. Standing seam metal roofing is popular. However, expansion and contraction can be problematic.
Consult a reputable contractor to determine which type of new siding best fits your budget, aesthetic preferences, and home style. They can guide you through the installation process.
FAQs
Is it illegal to remove asbestos siding yourself?
Rules vary regionally. Some areas prohibit homeowners from removing any asbestos materials. In other areas, DIY removal of small amounts may be allowed if safety protocols are strictly followed. Check your municipal regulations before attempting DIY asbestos siding removal.
Does paint seal in asbestos siding?
Painting does not seal asbestos siding. The paint may temporarily bond fibers together, but it does not prevent fiber release if the siding is broken, crushed, or subjected to damage over time. Damaged areas still pose a hazard.
Can I just cover over asbestos siding?
Encapsulating asbestos siding with vinyl or other covering is possible in some cases. This may be a cost-effective alternative to removal. However, improperly attaching covering can damage brittle asbestos cement. Professional installation is recommended.
How much does asbestos siding removal cost?
Asbestos abatement companies typically charge $10-$30 per square foot, depending on home size and complexity. DIY removal can run $3-7 per square foot but involves major safety risks. Costs depend on disposal fees, protective equipment, and other factors.
Is it worth the risk to remove asbestos siding myself?
Removing asbestos siding as a homeowner involves serious hazards from asbestos exposure. The proper equipment, training, and experience to contain fibers is specialized and extensive. Except for minor repairs, asbestos abatement is best left to licensed professionals.
Conclusion
Asbestos siding still present on many older homes can pose a health risk when disturbed. Strict regulations exist governing asbestos removal and disposal due to the dangers of asbestos fiber inhalation. While permitted in some areas, DIY removal involves significant safety considerations most homeowners cannot adequately meet. For all but minor asbestos cement repairs, hire a professional licensed abatement company to contain fibers and dispose of waste properly. Or consider encapsulating existing siding instead of removal. If replacing siding completely, modern materials like vinyl, fiber cement, and engineered wood provide durable and aesthetically pleasing options without the risks of asbestos. Follow all precautions and regulations, and leave siding removal to the professionals whenever possible.