Asbestos Siding: The Complete Guide
In 1888, James Hardie started his own company in Australia after leaving his family’s tannery business in Scotland. He found a new building material called fibrocement during a London trip in 1903. Excited by its possibilities, he imported it to Australia. The company’s early versions of Hardie Board Siding included asbestos. But by the mid-1980s, James Hardie led the way in creating asbestos-free fiber cement products. The company then started making a wide range of strong, durable, and flexible cement building items.
James Hardie used the know-how they gained in Australia to expand into the U.S. market. Now, they are a leading maker of fiber cement building materials here.
How Does Asbestos Siding Look?
Asbestos siding closely resembles Hardie Board Siding but is thinner. The James Hardie Company produced this asbestos-laden version up until the mid-1980s.
Did James Hardie’s Products Use Asbestos?
Yes, they did. In the 1950s, people often picked asbestos cement sheets over other materials like wood and brick. When health risks associated with asbestos became known, James Hardie stopped producing these sheets. Good news: if your home was built after 1985, it probably doesn’t have asbestos Hardie products.
How do I Identify Asbestos Siding?
To be sure your siding has no asbestos, you can send a sample to a lab for testing. The cost is usually low, and you can find testing labs online easily.
What Are the Health Risks of Asbestos Siding?
Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma, a type of cancer affecting cells that cover almost every organ in your body. Most mesothelioma cases have links to asbestos exposure.
When Did the U.S. Ban Asbestos?
The U.S. officially banned products containing asbestos on July 12, 1989.
How to Remove Asbestos Siding
You have two legal options for removal: hire a certified contractor or do it yourself. If you go the DIY route, make sure you properly bag, label, transport, and dispose of the asbestos waste at certified sites.
Should I Remove My Asbestos Siding?
Asbestos is dangerous only when its fibers get into the air. If your siding is in good shape, removal may not be necessary. An alternative is to encapsulate it with a special coating.
Can Asbestos Siding Be Painted?
Yes, it can be painted and it can also be coated. Home Shield Coating® is 17 times thicker than paint and creates a durable, flexible, rubber-like protective paint shield. To learn more about encapsulating your asbestos siding, schedule an Estimate today.
