Any asbestos siding experts here?

[ETD66SS]

After my pond project was finished (it's now complete) I was going to start building my house.

Due to the market the way it is, and builders still wanting top buck, and some tax incentives, I have been seriously considering buying a house close to my lot. I've looked at many, and I found one that could be the one.

Problem is it has fiber-cement siding shakes that may contain asbestos. They could be fiberglass too.

The seller gave me a chunk of the siding, I will see if I can get it tested. In the mean time I have some pictures of it, maybe some of you here can help me identify it.

http://www.infinity-universe.com/~dev/WhiteDwarf/AB/DSCF3910.JPG

http://www.infinity-universe.com/~dev/WhiteDwarf/AB/DSCF3911.JPG

http://www.infinity-universe.com/~dev/WhiteDwarf/AB/DSCF3912.JPG

http://www.infinity-universe.com/~dev/WhiteDwarf/AB/DSCF3913.JPG

 

[ray66v]

My guess is that is Masonite. Masonite has soft fuzzy fibrous edges when broken. It expands, and gets soft when soaked in water. If the material is falling apart that is probably what it is. It's harmless, it's junk, but it's harmless.

The asbestos cement siding materials I am familiar with the fibers are very hard to see when you look at pieces. Asbestos siding is very brittle. It will break like a piece of china, when you drop it. FYI: The asbestos is trapped in the cement. The big problem is when you cut it with a saw. That will release the asbestos into the air.

 

[kthompson]

Did this get my attention. When we get through with our pond project we will be tearing down a house with asbestos siding. About three months back checked into what that was going to entail and was surprised not that much. Was told needed to call our state DHEC to see how they wanted it wrapped but local landfill who accepts it says the amount determines how it is disposed of. But he was right sure for our amount wrapping it in a heavy plastic sheeting would be all needed. Did say to spray with water hose before tearing it off to prevent any fibers becoming air borne (99% sure that was the reason) as that is the only time it is an issue.

Based upon my experience with both Masonite and Asbestos siding which has been some but no expert totally agree with Ray's thoughts.

 

[MarkV]

Do you know the year the house was built? Asbestos is a problem when it becomes airborne and not so much when embedded in siding and tile like they use to. If the house was built at the time the siding used asbestos I would take a close look at exposed insulation. That is the stuff that is pricey to remove.

MarkV

 

[ETD66SS]

The house was built in 1972.

And no, this siding is not flaking, it's in really good shape. It's very hard and about .340" thick.

There are just some pieces busted off here and there on the bottom course from lawn mowing, etc.

I'm fine leaving the siding on. This house for me would be a starter house/5 year thing until I'd start to build the house at my lot.

I'm really just concerned about it being a bad selling point ~5 years down the road.

Unfortunately I don't have a more closeup shot of the siding on the house than this:

http://i1.e-net.com/mls/import/BuffaloNY/property/full/153/344153_1000.jpg

 

[Duffster]

The house was built in 1972.

And no, this siding is not flaking, it's in really good shape. It's very hard and about .340" thick.

Any asbestos siding I dealt with wasn't that thick.

 

[ETD66SS]

Oh, it's definitely not masonite siding, I know what that stuff is. I spent many years as a kid painting that crap on my Dad's house & garage.

This is definitely cement tiles with fibers mixed in. I just can't find a good website with pictures & information on asbestos vs fiberglass cement shakes.

The shakes on the house are like 12in x 12in, and meant to mimic cedar shakes.

 

[CurlyDave]

I'm really just concerned about it being a bad selling point ~5 years down the road.

I am convinced it will become a bigger and bigger negative over time.

Get it tested now (look in your phone book for asbestos contractors) and let the offering price reflect the cost to remove it.

I was lucky enough to tear out all the asbestos in my house 20 years ago when a guy could still throw it away.

 

[Builder]

It's not that big a deal since it's outside. If you're OK with the way it looks and don't want to spend $$ to remove it, just leave it. It ain't dangerous until you get the dust airborne and breathe it in your lungs.

I've torn plenty of it off, just wet it use a breather and follow state guidelines for disposal before going into landfill. As you know, it pulls off pretty quick & easy. You could probably strip the whole exterior in 1-2 days.

It's a bad selling point only to someone under-educated about asbestos on the exterior. If you think asbestos siding is bad, you should see the problems with synthetic stucco.

 

[ETD66SS]

It's a bad selling point only to someone under-educated about asbestos on the exterior. If you think asbestos siding is bad, you should see the problems with synthetic stucco

The word asbestos freaks people out similar to the word nuclear. Even though in reality the risk is not that great, and blown out of proportion by those with environmental agenda's.

If these shingles do contain asbestos, from what I've read it's less that 1%. And the current regulations allow me to remove the siding, and put it at the curb for the town to properly dispose of.

I'd be doing all that work myself. I'm not afraid of the stuff, just concerned the regulations in 5 years could make it a nightmare to try and sell the house.

If I go and make an offer on it, and subtract what the cost of a contracting out siding removal, I simply won't get the house. So it's not really on the seller to deal with it, someone will come along and buy it, and not even ask or care about the siding. It's all on me on whether or not I want a potential future headache.

I'm trying to get under the $8000 tax credit here. And in NYS, it's common for a house closing to take 3 months. So I have to make my mind up pretty much now.