subject: What You Have To Understand Regarding Asbestos Siding [print this page] From the 1920s to the 1970s, asbestos siding was commonly used in the building industry. One can still find it in many of the older buildings and homes. It was normally added to the cement and pressed into siding shingles.
The product was used for its fire-retardant properties and to make the siding shingles stronger and more durable. It also acted as a good insulator. It had a fairly low manufacturing cost.
It did not rot or decompose and it was resistant to termites. The maintenance costs were low because it was so easy to clean and paint would adhere to it very easily. It was also available in different profiles, sizes and textures. This product was also used in building materials other than siding. Asbestos was used in flooring tiles and drywall as well. There was however one problem with asbestos that took quite a few decades to surface.
It took decades to find out that the fibers that were being placed in siding shingles might cause cancer. This normally occurred if it was in the air and being inhaled. The exposure of this problem caused fear and that was the reason the use of it was stopped. But, as it had been used for so many years, one can still find it on many of the buildings and homes that are still standing.
One has to be aware though that if the fibers are complete and contained in the siding there will not be a risk to your health. It is only if the fibers are in the air that it poses a problem. This will only occur if the siding has been broken into pieces or if it is being sawed.
So, as long as it is in one piece with no cracks, it is not a risk. There are pros and cons to retaining or removing asbestos siding. So if you have a home or you are in the process of buying a home which has it, do a bit of research on this before you decide to remove or replace it.
by: Robert Beck
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