The issue here is asbestos and the risks of serious lung diseases it can cause.
Asbestos siding before and after improve.
Wrap asbestos siding in 6 mil thick plastic sheeting and secure the plastic with duct tape or place the debris in heavy duty plastic bags.
Even a single airborne fiber of the most dangerous types of asbestos can eventually cause a particular form of lung cancer if inhaled.
Using a respirator rated for asbestos and disposable tyvek suits is likely overkill for painting asbestos siding but they are definitely necessary when removing siding but peace of mind is priceless especially if your significant other insists.
Asbestos was commonly added to cement siding for many decades.
Here at top coat painters we dial down the pressure and use a 4 step process.
It s pretty serious but according to health canada one of the world s leading sources of unbiased information on the subject if.
Taking some extra time cleaning and prepping the siding before painting which is always recommended to remove dirt and mildew that may present is necessary.
The portland cement binds asbestos fibers into a hard mass.
Asbestos cement siding is very brittle and can be easily chipped cracked or broken.
If you live in such a house you re probably curious where asbestos could be.
It added durability and kept siding from breaking and cracking plus it is very resistant to fire and weather.
Asbestos cement was first developed in 1905 by the johns manville company who became one of the premier manufacturers of cement asbestos materials.
Asbestos cement is a mixture of portland cement reinforced with asbestos fibers.
If you hire the job out painting asbestos siding doesn t require any special licensing as far as the contractor doing the work so you.
Work from the top down removing the snails to keep from breaking the asbestos siding.
After the potential harm was discovered manufacturers stopped using asbestos in building materials but the asbestos is still commonly found in homes predating the 1980s.
Most notably asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma.
A brief history of asbestos cement siding.
And make no mistake asbestos is dangerous.
Asbestos siding is very durable and in some cases remains in perfect condition 50 years after being installed.
Do not throw or drop removed asbestos siding.
The reported costs for such projects range from 500 to 4 500 while the typical cost for asbestos siding removal is generally between 1 000 and 2 500.
Asbestos siding removal isn t free but if you re having it replaced with something else you just might be able to get a good deal with the company you end up choosing.