Asbestos Siding Removal Explained
It is not recommended removing asbestos siding by yourself.
Number one, it's not a simple job to undertake but, more importantly, there's a great risk of damaging the siding and causing asbestos fibres to enter the air.
Should you inhale these fibres then you risk developing one of a number of diseases including lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma.
Having said this, if you are still thinking about doing the job yourself then here is some tips on what you need to know about asbestos siding removal:- Removing the Siding Use a light mist to wet each bit of siding as you remove it.
This will ensure the risk of asbestos fibres being released into the air is minimised.
As you continue working throughout the day, keep spraying the removed siding pieces to ensure no fibres are released.
To aid in easy removal, try cutting the nail heads or pulling them.
This will help reduce the chance of breaking the siding.
If you need to you can also use a prying tool to help lift the siding.
Be very careful not to damage the siding surface.
If you do happen to disturb it then give it a quick wet with a sprayer.
Make sure it's a light sprayer though because a high-pressure jet can cause more damage.
Be very careful when lowering each piece of siding to the ground.
Be sure you're lowering it onto a plastic sheet.
Try not to cause damage! When placing it on the ground make sure the siding doesn't rub against one another.
All siding bits should be placed against a wall to minimise the risk of somebody walking over it causing damage.
Cleaning it Up Asbestos material typically has sharp, pointy edges so you should place any material into sturdy containers and not just regular plastic bags.
You could use boxes or even burlap bags for this.
If you are going to use burlaps then it's a good idea to double-bag them.
Each bag should be twisted shut, bent over and sealed with strong tape.
If you intend to use boxes, it's a good idea to line them first with thick plastic while allowing enough overhand to cover the top when they're full.
When the box is full seal it with good strong tape.
Make sure you mark your waste as containing asbestos.
The plastic sheet along the wall should be wet down, rolled up and also disposed of in a similar manner.
What the Law Says Depending on your local laws, it may be illegal to remove asbestos yourself.
In this case, you'll need to hire professional asbestos removal contractors.
A good contractor is specially trained in asbestos removal and has all the necessary equipment to do the job safely.
Do not reuse your old asbestos siding.
It isn't safe.
Any kind of exposure to asbestos can be dangerous so why risk it? It may even be illegal to reuse it in your local area.
Number one, it's not a simple job to undertake but, more importantly, there's a great risk of damaging the siding and causing asbestos fibres to enter the air.
Should you inhale these fibres then you risk developing one of a number of diseases including lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma.
Having said this, if you are still thinking about doing the job yourself then here is some tips on what you need to know about asbestos siding removal:- Removing the Siding Use a light mist to wet each bit of siding as you remove it.
This will ensure the risk of asbestos fibres being released into the air is minimised.
As you continue working throughout the day, keep spraying the removed siding pieces to ensure no fibres are released.
To aid in easy removal, try cutting the nail heads or pulling them.
This will help reduce the chance of breaking the siding.
If you need to you can also use a prying tool to help lift the siding.
Be very careful not to damage the siding surface.
If you do happen to disturb it then give it a quick wet with a sprayer.
Make sure it's a light sprayer though because a high-pressure jet can cause more damage.
Be very careful when lowering each piece of siding to the ground.
Be sure you're lowering it onto a plastic sheet.
Try not to cause damage! When placing it on the ground make sure the siding doesn't rub against one another.
All siding bits should be placed against a wall to minimise the risk of somebody walking over it causing damage.
Cleaning it Up Asbestos material typically has sharp, pointy edges so you should place any material into sturdy containers and not just regular plastic bags.
You could use boxes or even burlap bags for this.
If you are going to use burlaps then it's a good idea to double-bag them.
Each bag should be twisted shut, bent over and sealed with strong tape.
If you intend to use boxes, it's a good idea to line them first with thick plastic while allowing enough overhand to cover the top when they're full.
When the box is full seal it with good strong tape.
Make sure you mark your waste as containing asbestos.
The plastic sheet along the wall should be wet down, rolled up and also disposed of in a similar manner.
What the Law Says Depending on your local laws, it may be illegal to remove asbestos yourself.
In this case, you'll need to hire professional asbestos removal contractors.
A good contractor is specially trained in asbestos removal and has all the necessary equipment to do the job safely.
Do not reuse your old asbestos siding.
It isn't safe.
Any kind of exposure to asbestos can be dangerous so why risk it? It may even be illegal to reuse it in your local area.