Often found in the cement and insulation of the structures machinery used to manufacture aluminum and even in the safety clothing workers wore asbestos could be found almost anywhere to control the heat and electrical processes of making aluminum.
Asbestos in aluminum siding.
Asbestos is only dangerous when cut sawn or broken into small enough pieces so that asbestos fibers are sent into the air.
Asbestos ranks high on the list of dangerous substances because of its toxic and carcinogenic properties when airborne.
The general impression of asbestos has changed over time so that many people now wrongly assuming that it is a highly dangerous toxic substance that must be immediately removed.
This is usually the preferred method of dealing with asbestos building materials.
Asbestos is a natural fibrous mineral used for insulation and fireproofing.
That cement was then pressed into siding shingles that came in a wide variety of sizes profiles and textures.
If a siding company removes an outer layer of siding and finds an older layer of asbestos cement siding beneath the standard procedure is simply to.
While older homes will likely contain asbestos in roofing insulation and tiles it can also be present in exterior siding.
The resulting product was very durable fire resistant and absorbed paint well.
If you suspect that your siding may contain asbestos there is no need for alarm.
Asbestos siding was made by adding asbestos a naturally occurring mineral to portland cement.
And see asbestos cement siding for details about cement asbestos building siding its repair removal demolition or cover over.
If asbestos remains intact in siding insulation popcorn ceilings or other materials it poses no risk and is not dangerous.
Removal and disposal would need to be done by a certified asbestos removal renovator who will take the proper precautions to protect you and your family.
Exposure to and breathing asbestos fibers can result in lung problems and cancer.
Cement asbestos wall shingles outside and not easily friable unless being demolished or cut with power tools.
Covering old asbestos shingles with new siding may seem like an option too but it s not easy to do safely.
A better strategy may be to cover it over with new siding which effectively seals in the asbestos material.
Most siding companies are well experienced at techniques for covering over existing asbestos cement siding with new vinyl aluminum or fiber cement siding.
Asbestos siding is very safe until it is removed and releases the asbestos particles in the air.
See photos at asbestos siding in this document.
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.
While most siding containing asbestos has been removed from public buildings due to health concerns it may still be present on some older buildings and homes.
Asbestos was frequently used in the high heat environments of aluminum plants.
Asbestos siding is composed of asbestos fibers mixed with portland cement.
Let the siding dry then prime and paint with the best exterior latex you can find.
