Anyone remove their asbestos siding?

[kgdlg]

We are considering doing this for a number of good reasons. Primarily to blow insulation in to our walls and because there appears to be perfectly fine wood siding underneath.

Questions:

-If you have done this, what was the cost?

-Can you recommend anyone to give us a quote?

-We may do ourselves, but the regulations seem like a pain.

Thanks!

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[Lolo]

As a home owner, it’s legal for you to do it yourself. Hiring someone will cost you a bunch as it’s hazardous waste. It’s important to know how to contain the asbestos dust during the process. Mostly you need to keep everything wet. The shingles themselves are not dangerous but they break easily and that’s really the problem.

Do some research because you are opening yourself up to liability if you do it incorrectly.

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[kgdlg]

Yeah I have read all the guidance. We can do it ourselves but mainly it seems like a huge pain. Might be worth paying someone as a result…

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[cjboffoli]

The regulations are a pain. But so are lung cancer, asbestosis, mesothelioma, pneumoconiosis and interstitial fibrosis. Asbestos has many excellent properties. But once it gets airborne it is significantly dangerous as its fibers are especially good at clinging to lung tissue permanently. And your post-exposure cancer risk is doubled if you’re a smoker. Asbestos removal is NOT a DIY job. Please consider hiring a professional.

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[kgdlg]

Cjbofolli, I hear you, but I also have to say that everything I have read says that as long as you follow the precautions (repirator, etc) it is fine. I am not saying lung cancer isn’t a big deal, but all that i have read about asbestos risk is about prolonged exposure over time. I don’t think that the clean air agency would allow you to do it at home following the guidelines if it were a life and death thing. This is why I would strictly follow the guidelines. I am really interested to hear from anyone who has done thIs themselves?

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[Raincity]

We used American Environmental Construction 206-267-0746 for other asbestos removal (not siding) They were reasonable priced and did there work quickly and took care of all the legal requirements and notices as well as doing all the correct sealing off and cleaning of the areas. It’s worth it for your peace of mind.

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[Lolo]

There are companies that make non asbestos replacement siding designed to match some of the asbestos materials used in the past. So you could take a small amount of your siding off to allow for the insulation and then replace it with a non asbestos material.

The problem with the companies that blow insulation into the walls is that they need to cut holes through your siding. Bad dust…bad.

The precautions you need to take are very similar to dealing with lead based paints on houses….lots of plastic, work on small areas at a time, keep the material wet, respirators and suits and wrap up and dispose of everything properly when you are done. Do it on a calm day.

I wish I had the name of the siding supplier for you but I don’t. I know it’s out there though.

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