As a homeowner, you may have concerns about older materials used in your home’s exterior. If your home was built before the 1980s, you might have heard about asbestos siding, which was a common building material for decades. At Reliable Design-Build-Remodel, we want to provide clear, helpful guidance on dealing with asbestos siding to help keep you informed and safe. Below, we’ll answer common questions about asbestos, including how to identify it, its risks, and how to handle it.
How to Tell if Old Siding Has Asbestos?
Identifying asbestos can be tricky. Asbestos siding often looks like regular cement siding or shingles, typically in rectangular shapes, usually about 12 by 24 inches. It tends to have a somewhat rough texture, and can sometimes resemble a wood-grain pattern, even though it’s a cement-based product. One of the easiest ways to tell if your siding might have asbestos is by checking the age of your home. If your house was built between the 1920s and the late 1970s, there’s a possibility the siding could contain asbestos. The only sure way to know, though, is to have it tested by a professional asbestos abatement service. At Reliable Design-Build-Remodel, we strongly recommend leaving testing to the experts for the safety of you and your family.
Is It Okay to Live in a House with Asbestos Siding?
Living in a home with asbestos can be safe, but it depends on the condition of the material. Asbestos is dangerous when it’s disturbed, damaged, or deteriorating, as it can release harmful fibers into the air. If the siding is intact and in good condition, it doesn’t usually pose a health risk. However, if the siding is cracked, broken, or if you plan on doing renovations, there’s a higher risk of asbestos exposure. If you have concerns about the state of your asbestos siding, it’s wise to have it inspected by a professional. In Birmingham, we offer comprehensive inspections to determine whether your siding is safe or needs attention.
What Years Did They Use Asbestos Siding?
Asbestos became a popular choice in the U.S. during the 1920s and remained in use until the late 1970s. It was widely used due to its durability, fire resistance, and insulating properties. However, as awareness of the health risks of asbestos exposure grew, its use in building materials was largely discontinued in the early 1980s. While asbestos was banned from new construction materials in the U.S. in 1989, homes built before then may still contain asbestos. If your home was built in or before the 1970s, there’s a chance that asbestos siding was used, and it’s important to have it inspected if you’re unsure.
How Long Will Asbestos Siding Last?
Asbestos is known for being incredibly durable. It can last for decades, even upwards of 30 to 50 years, depending on the climate and the maintenance it receives. Because of its fire resistance and strength, asbestos doesn’t rot or degrade in the same way wood siding might. However, as it ages, the risk of cracks and damage increases, which can lead to the release of harmful asbestos fibers. If your siding is in good condition and undisturbed, it could last for many more years. However, as your siding ages, it’s important to keep an eye on its condition and address any damage immediately to ensure it remains safe.
Can You Power Wash Asbestos Siding?
Power washing asbestos is not recommended. While power washing might seem like a convenient way to clean the exterior of your home, the high-pressure water can damage the siding, causing it to crack or break. When this happens, asbestos fibers can be released into the air, posing serious health risks to you and your neighbors. If your asbestos needs cleaning, it’s best to hire professionals who are experienced in handling asbestos safely. There are specialized cleaning methods that can be used to gently clean the surface without disturbing the asbestos material underneath.
Is It Okay to Put Vinyl Siding Over Asbestos Siding?
In many cases, it is possible to install vinyl siding over existing asbestos siding, but this approach comes with considerations. Adding vinyl siding can give your home a fresh new look without the need to remove the asbestos siding, which can be costly and dangerous if not handled properly. However, it’s important to make sure the asbestos is in good condition before doing so. If the existing siding is cracked or damaged, it may not provide a solid foundation for the vinyl, and the underlying asbestos could still pose a risk. At Reliable Design-Build-Remodel, we can assess the condition of your asbestos siding and advise you on whether covering it with vinyl is a safe and effective option.
Reliable Design-Build-Remodel is a full service general construction firm and remodeling contractor operating in the Birmingham metro and Jefferson and Shelby County areas and surrounding communities, including Birmingham, Helena, Chelsea, Mountain Brook, Hoover, Homewood, Montevallo, Alabaster, Vestavia Hills, and Pelham, with over 30 years of servicing our valued clients. Offering full service suite of general remodeling, design and build services. Our specialties include bathroom remodeling, kitchen remodeling, exterior renovations, interior renovations, painting, and more!
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