Asbestos siding is composed of asbestos fibers mixed with Portland cement. Because of its durability and fire-resistant nature, the material was highly valued as a home exterior for many years. When subjected to pressure, it is very fragile and readily cracks and breaks, such as when nailed. Siding that has cracked or broken can create a breathable powder that can result in lung issues if inhaled.

However, asbestos is toxic, and it causes lung cancer and a variety of other serious respiratory illnesses. However, just having asbestos siding on your house does not imply that you will develop cancer from it. Loose airborne asbestos fibers, on the other hand, are dangerous and cause far more lung diseases than tightly bound or enclosed asbestos.

The following solutions may reduce any potential health hazards from asbestos inhalation:

Don't Disturb Your Asbestos Shingles

There is no airborne asbestos when you leave the shingles on your walls, so there isn't much of a health risk. While working on the siding, avoid scrubbing, brushing, or drilling since this may cause asbestos particles to fall off the wall. Also, while handling it, keep in mind that you'll need to use a respirator whenever you plan to agitate any building material containing asbestos.

Repainting Your Asbestos Siding

In this process, you should use a wet cloth to wipe away the layers of paint that have accumulated on your siding. While working on asbestos siding, gently brush off the old, flaking paint while keeping the siding wet to avoid dust. To prevent flakes of paint from landing on your property, wear a HEPA-rated respirator and other safety equipment to minimize exposure.

Repainting your asbestos siding can be an alternative to replacing it, but it's only a short-term solution. Replacing your siding completely will be a better long-term solution.

Using New Siding To Cover Asbestos Siding

Another alternative that may look appealing is to nail or screw new siding material over the top of your old siding, but this is not a particularly safe process. Asbestos shingles are quite sturdy yet brittle. It's tough to drive screws and nails through them without drilling. As a result, dust would be created, and asbestos dust is highly dangerous.

Conclusion:

The dangers of being exposed to asbestos are so great that workers must wear a respirator and disposable overalls. In order to be safe, you'll need to wear a respirator and a completely sealed set of disposable overalls. Sheathing or foam insulation may be applied over the asbestos before covering it with vinyl siding, but this is not always the best solution long-term.

If you're interested in removing asbestos siding, make sure to check your local building codes and rules first. It is suggested that you hire a certified asbestos removal business to assist you in taking off the asbestos siding in Vancouver. To remove and dispose of the material safely, follow your local municipal regulations.