Removing asbestos siding

Tackling asbestos siding removal on your own is one of the few asbestos abatement projects that most homeowners can safely manage without the help of a professional contractor.

Asbestos siding can often be removed largely intact and the fact that it is installed outdoors minimizes the risk of any fibers becoming airborne and inhaled.

Workers will still need to be properly protected with a respirator, body suit, and gloves during all stages of work -- prep, removal, and disposal -- but more specialized equipment to ensure air safety isn't necessary when working outside with asbestos siding.

Disposal can be an issue depending on where you live and whether or not local landfills will accept asbestos containing materials.

In some states only a select few landfills with accept ACMs and the fees associated with disposal can be very high.

Asbestos tile

Dealing with asbestos tile can be either easy and safe or very difficult and dangerous -- it all depends on the individual situation.

Asbestos may be found in older tile in several instances, as it could be present in the mastic (what is used to stick ceramic and porcelain tiles down -- but what is more common is when asbestos was added to sheet flooring made from vinyl or other materials and installed like linoleum.

If older asbestos tile was installed so that it ca be removed largely intact, there is very little risk and it can be removed and abated relatively easily.

If the tile flooring is still very tightly stuck to the substrate and must be chipped away, it can be a very dangerous situation as asbestos fibers may be sent into the air.

Each installation will be different so there's no general rule of thumb that can be applied to asbestos tile situations.

One additional risk to be aware of is to take care if sanding floors after asbestos tile has been removed, as mastic can also contain asbestos fibers.

In many cases encapsulating and covering up asbestos tile flooring is the safest and most economical solution, with either new sheet flooring installed on top of it or backerboard and tile installed above any older asbestos tile floors.

Asbestos removal state by state

Asbestos removal guidelines vary state by state so you'll need to check with local agencies before tackling any asbestos removal or abatement projects.

Laws and procedures for asbestos removal NJ could be different than what you're facing as far as asbestos removal CT guidelines.

Most states offer resources and help for homeowners wrestling with asbestos issues, although there are typically fewer restrictions and laws in place governing asbestos in residences.

Removal of asbestos from public buildings or schools is governed by federal guidelines for safety (of both workers and anyone that uses the building) laid out by the EPA and OSHA but homeowners typically aren't covered by those same laws.

That's both a good thing (less red tape) but also an area of concern, as it means that you'll need to take charge of your project and take care when selecting a contractor or trying to remove asbestos material yourself.

Homeowners are often allowed to remove and dispose of asbestos material themselves but great care is needed, especially for trickier projects that involve working with popcorn ceilings or insulation, as the risk of asbestos fibers escaping into the air is far greater.

Asbestos Abatement Tips

Asbestos abatement companies come in all shapes and flavors but the basic idea is the same. Contractors must complete specialized training in order to be licensed to work with asbestos, whether it's removing it, replacing it, or encapsulating it to make it safe.

Many people equate abatement with just removal of asbestos but that's not always the case. Abatement technically refers to the process of abating the risk of asbestos material and making the environment safe.

That often means removal but it can also include immobilizing, stabilizing, or covering asbestos material, as asbestos is only dangerous when it is broken up and disturbed and fibers are released into the air.

Asbestos Siding: Repair or Replace?

Asbestos siding can pose an interesting problem for homeowners as some siding that is 50+ years old is still in perfect condition.

Most homeowners (and potential homebuyers) would much rather there be no asbestos siding or other materials in the home but removing it can actually be more dangerous than leaving it be.

GAF and James Hardie make several different lines of asbestos replacement shingles that match the profile and look of older siding.

Painting asbestos siding is also a very legitimate option, especially if it's still in good shape as it takes paint well and a fresh coat of paint can really spruce up old, tired-looking siding.

Asbestos is still a boogeyman of sorts in the eyes of many but some homeowners and potential home buyers now realize that it doesn't pose a threat as long as asbestos material is intact and undisturbed.   

Can I Remove Asbestos Myself?

One of the most common questions about asbestos removal is whether or not a homeowner can tackle the job themselves or if a contractor must be hired.

Like a lot of questions in life, there's no one answer that will apply to every situation.

Generally speaking, safely removing asbestos is beyond the capability of 95% of homeowners except in very limited circumstances.

Asbestos siding can often be removed safely by a homeowner due to its location outdoor and the relative ease with which it can be removed without breaking and disturbing asbestos fibers.

Most other asbestos jobs involve breaking up and disturbing material, which means that specialized equipment must be in place to collect and remove any asbestos fibers in the air.