{"id":14725,"date":"2023-09-06T13:37:59","date_gmt":"2023-09-06T19:37:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.asbestosclaims.law\/?post_type=blog&p=14725"},"modified":"2023-09-08T09:01:41","modified_gmt":"2023-09-08T15:01:41","slug":"asbestos-siding-on-old-houses","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.asbestosclaims.law\/es\/asbestos-blog\/asbestos-siding-on-old-houses\/","title":{"rendered":"Asbestos Siding on Old Houses"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In the early 20th century, asbestos emerged as a popular construction go-to due to its remarkable fire resistance, durability, and insulating properties. As a result, the mineral found its way into many building materials, including roofing, insulation, flooring, and siding. Asbestos siding adorned the exterior of countless houses from the 1920s through the 1970s. However, what was once considered a marvel of innovation has become a significant environmental and health concern<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article will take a look at the risks of asbestos siding and how to properly handle renovation or removal. It\u2019s vital to adhere to strict protocols when working around surfaces containing asbestos. Doing so will prevent serious health and safety issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If you believe that you were exposed to asbestos, even as a child, speak to a healthcare provider about tests and screening to help diagnose lung-scarring and screen for <\/strong>asbestos-related diseases<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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The Presence of Asbestos in Older Homes<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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As mentioned previously, a home built in the 1920s could contain asbestos. Asbestos was a popular building material throughout most of the 20th century, and it was used in various construction components such as insulation, roofing materials, siding, and flooring. Asbestos insulation and building materials were also used in pipes, electrical wiring insulation, and certain types of textured wall and ceiling coatings. As a result, homes built during this era almost always have some form of asbestos lurking inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Nearly every building constructed before the mid-1980s contained asbestos products and building materials.<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
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Painting Over Asbestos Siding<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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If you plan to paint<\/a> over old asbestos siding<\/a>, it\u2019s crucial to consider the possible health hazards linked to asbestos. While asbestos is durable, as surfaces begin to corrode over time, its microscopic fibers can become airborne and be easily ingested. Once inside the body, they attach themselves to the lungs and are impossible to remove. This has been linked to serious health issues like lung cancer and mesothelioma with symptoms often developing decades later. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u201cGenerally, those who develop asbestos-related diseases show no signs of illness for a long time after exposure.\u201d<\/h3>\n                            
Source: National Cancer Institute\n<\/a> (NIH)1<\/sup><\/p>\n                        <\/td>\n                    <\/tr>\n                <\/tbody>\n            <\/table>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Siding Glue <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Asbestos-containing glue<\/a> used in siding and in other areas of a home looks like a typical adhesive material, often brownish or grayish. Fibers added to such adhesives enhanced their strength and heat resistance. Of course, it\u2019s important to note that not all glues or other adhesives contain this mineral, but it\u2019s important to be cautious when working with siding in older structures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Safe Removal of Asbestos Siding<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Removing asbestos<\/a> is dangerous and requires careful planning, specialized equipment, and proper protective measures to ensure the safety of workers and the environment. It is widely understood that exposure to asbestos fibers can pose serious health risks if released into the air and inhaled. Thus, it\u2019s always best to assume asbestos is present in aging buildings, especially if there is corrosion, and to get surfaces tested before moving forward with any renovation work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u201cSome asbestos fibers may bypass\u2026your body\u2019s natural defenses\u2026and lodge deep within your lungs. Those fibers can remain in place for a very long time and may never be removed.\u201d<\/h3>\n                            
Source: American Lung Association\n<\/a><\/p>\n                        <\/td>\n                    <\/tr>\n                <\/tbody>\n            <\/table>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Getting Surfaces Tested First<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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The only way to ensure any asbestos siding is identified and handled properly is to get a licensed auditor<\/a> to sample any areas in question. Specialized labs<\/a> are equipped to distinguish between asbestos and other additives, and an auditor will use the necessary equipment and protective gear to limit exposure. DIYing asbestos removal is never recommended as this could leave a homeowner open to dire legal, financial, and health consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Asbestos has no taste or smell.<\/span><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
You may not know you\u2019re breathing it.<\/span><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Licensing in Asbestos Remediation<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Safely removing and disposing of asbestos-containing materials from buildings and structures, known as asbestos remediation, is necessary due to the health hazards associated with asbestos exposure. Some of the reasons to work with a licensed <\/a>contractor include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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  1. Health and Safety<\/strong>: Professionals are trained to use specialized equipment, follow strict protocols, and take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of workers, occupants of the building, and the general public.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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    1. Expertise and Training<\/strong>: Licensed remediation professionals undergo rigorous training to understand the properties of asbestos, safe handling procedures, and the use of protective equipment.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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      1. Legal Compliance<\/strong>: Many jurisdictions require licensing before carrying out asbestos removal and abatement. Not adhering to these rules may lead to legal consequences. Licensing ensures that the work adheres to local, regional, and sometimes even national, standards.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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        1. Proper Disposal<\/strong>: Licensed professionals know the regulations regarding properly disposing of asbestos-containing materials. Improper waste disposal can contaminate the environment, posing potential health hazards to the public.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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          1. Risk Mitigation<\/strong>: Asbestos remediation can involve complex procedures, including containment, removal, decontamination, and disposal. Abatement workers are equipped to manage these processes while minimizing risk.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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            1. Insurance and Liability<\/strong>: Asbestos remediation contractors often carry liability insurance. This insurance protects the company in cases where accidents or other unexpected problems occur during the remediation process. Coverage can be crucial for both the workers and the property owner.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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              1. Documentation<\/strong>: Licensed professionals maintain detailed work records, including inspections, assessments, removal procedures, and disposal methods. These records can be important for property owners, real estate transactions, and regulatory agencies. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                “The overall evidence suggests there is no safe level<\/span> of asbestos exposure<\/span>.\u201d<\/h3>\n                            
                Source: National Cancer Institute\n<\/a> (NIH)2<\/sup><\/p>\n                        <\/td>\n                    <\/tr>\n                <\/tbody>\n            <\/table>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n
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                Components of an Asbestos Audit<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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                An asbestos audit<\/a> is a comprehensive assessment to identify asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a building or structure. Asbestos audits are necessary in all of the following situations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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                1. Before Renovation or Demolition:<\/strong> Before any renovation or demolition work, an audit is crucial to identify and safely manage any ACMs that could be disturbed during construction.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                  1. Property Transactions:<\/strong> Asbestos audits are often required during property transactions to inform buyers, renters, or other stakeholders about the presence of asbestos and associated risks.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                    1. Regular Building Assessments:<\/strong> Some buildings, especially older ones built before asbestos regulations, may undergo routine asbestos audits as part of their maintenance and safety practices.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                      1. Occupational Health and Safety Requirements:<\/strong> Workplaces ensure their employees’ safety and health. Asbestos audits are conducted to identify and manage risks in the work environment.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                        1. Compliance with Regulations:<\/strong> There are regulations in many countries and regions that dictate the proper management and removal of asbestos. Asbestos audits are essential to comply with these regulations and avoid legal penalties.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                          Sharing a home or vehicle with someone wearing asbestos-tainted clothing puts you at risk of asbestos-related diseases.<\/span> 3 <\/sup> 4 <\/sup> 5 <\/sup> 6 <\/sup> 7 <\/sup><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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                          Test Heating System for Asbestos<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                          Working with old siding may also involve getting other areas of a home inspected if exposure is likely. Here’s how you can test for asbestos in a heating system<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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                          1. Hire a Licensed Professional<\/strong>: Again, the safest and most reliable way to test for asbestos is to hire a licensed professional. They have the expertise and equipment to collect and analyze samples in a certified laboratory safely.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                            1. Visual Inspection<\/strong>: While not conclusive, a visual inspection of a home\u2019s heating system can be performed to look for any visible signs of asbestos-containing materials. Asbestos insulation, for example, is often gray or white and may look fluffy or like paper, but it can also be found in various other forms.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                              1. Consult Documentation<\/strong>: Locating documentation from when your heating system was installed, or the house was built, might help to determine the presence of asbestos-containing materials.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                                1. DIY Test Kits<\/strong>: DIY asbestos testing kits are available, but these are not recommended due to the potential health risks of handling asbestos-containing materials. Additionally, the accuracy of such kits can vary.  <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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