When it comes to repairing an asbestos siding, it is recommended to hand over the task to a certified and reputed professional. Asbestos is a dangerous material, and you would do good by calling professionals for the repair work.
Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was used in construction of houses due to its fireproof characteristics. Though it’s beneficial to the house in case a fire breaks out, it is, on the other hand, harmful if it mixes with the air and gets into a person’s lungs. Asbestos can certainly be very harmful if we happen to inhale air that consists of this fibrous substance. The harm caused due to asbestos exposure can be severe, and may even lead to lung cancer. This is the reason you need to take excessive care while dealing with asbestos materials and sidings.
Due to the health risk of asbestos exposure, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has prohibited its use in houses built today. So, if you own a house built before the mid 1970s, your house is most likely to be manufactured using asbestos. Any project that is related to repair, removal, or replacement of asbestos is required to be handled by a professional agency.
Removal
The idea of carrying out the asbestos siding removal as a do-it-yourself (DIY) task is discouraged. But if you are seriously thinking of doing the procedure yourself, you need to take additional precautions and keep some crucial considerations in mind. The first thing is to make sure if asbestos siding removal or repair is actually permitted by the home owner. The rules and regulations of asbestos removal may differ from state to state or even from city to city. If you do not abide by the set rules, you may be asked to pay a penalty.
While taking the asbestos siding out, you need to ensure that the particles do not mix with air. This can be done by using a light mist to make the siding wet, so that the possibility of the particles mixing with air is reduced. Remove the siding carefully without a lot of movement, and place it on a plastic sheet. Before starting with the removal process, it is essential to wear protective gear that includes gloves, goggles, and overalls, and also use a respirator.
Repair and Replacement
If there are small cracks in the siding, you can apply a layer of latex paint on it. If the case is more severe than just minor cracks, it is better if a professional handles it. If the cracks are a bit bigger, you can put epoxy into the cracks. If the cracks are very big, you can fill in a mixture of hydraulic cement and water. If there is any issue with the fixings of the siding, you need to replace the fixtures with more durable materials such as stainless steel. You can even consider using chemical or breathable sealants for preventing the siding from eroding and flaking.
If you are not sure about asbestos siding repair, it is strongly suggested that you get the repair or replacement job done from a professional. In all cases, it is better to take professional help as asbestos disposal is also a concern that is to be thought upon. You need to get in touch with your local and state environmental authorities to know the appropriate place where the asbestos materials can be dumped.