Posted by Paul (MO) on March 14, 2002 at 20:11:58:
As a 20 year vetran of the construction business, I can tell you there’s very little chance of asbestos in the plaster. It’s mostly sand, cement, and lime. Another thing you need to do, beyond the proper breathing aparatus is use a pump up sprayer to soak the shingles as you remove them. Asbestos is only dangerous when disturbed, and releases small paricles in the air. Using water to spray down minimizes the dust particles. Rubber gloves are also highly recomended. Any personal protective equipment used is also considered contaminated, it must be disposed of in the same way as the shingles.
Looking at a possible rehab that has asbestos siding. Not in good enough shape to just paint it. Can anyone venture a guess at the cost of removing it on about 1500 sq. ft. Any advice on asbestos appreciated as i have never dealt with it. Possibilities of a good deal.
Steve,
Approach this one with caution!I highly recommend that you consult a local asbestos abatement specialist with your questions/concerns.At least the building dept.Codes vary from state to state and co to co.As a homeowner,you may be able to do the abatement yourself but NOT recommended.Depending on the type of asbestos,all it would take would be for 1 airborne fiber to lodge in your lungs(or anyone else nearby)to prove to be tragic.Asbestosis is not worth a few thousand in cash.Some people do cover asbestos siding w/vinyl but each time that a penetration is made(ie:nails)it becomes friable and can release airborne fibers.You may be responsible to provide a disclosure to the buyer that asbestos was covered up.To some this may be of minor consequence.As far as the plaster issue,depending on the age and manufacturer,it CAN contain asbestos.I spent the majority of 2001 in Antarctica working for Raytheon Corp.We came across the same situation.When the Navy built the station practically all of the building materials contained asbestos(paint,plaster,sheetrock,insulation,etc.)An abatement crew was flown in from the US to deal with the problem.Don’t be overly paranoid about it,but don’t treat it too lightly either.Like anything else,the more informed that you are… the better off you will be.
Replacement pieces that will match perfectly are made and sold by most bldg material retailers. They are not asbestos, but pressed paper or compound, that match perfectly. So, if you have a small amount of damage, just fill in with the replacement pieces.
If the majority of them are broken and beyond repair, call your local Landfill, or several of them. Tell them exactly what you have to dispose of. The last time that I did a tear-off of the asbestos siding, (5 yrs ago), we had to have a separate 10 yd dumpster, with nothing but the asbestos tile deposited. The up- charge for this dumpster was not terrible; and extra $ 100, plus the regular cost of the dumpster and disposal fee.
If doing a tear-off, or removal of minor pieces of asbestos material, be certain to use masks that properly filter the dust that is created by removal and diturbing these particles, which may become airborn, when removed. Consult with a professional sevice here.
Either way, it is an inexpensive way to solve what is perceived as being a terrible problem. You can profit by solving this situation for them, but it is really not big deal.
I re-sided my home two years ago. I went through the same questions you have. Check with the company that would be hauling the siding away. They will tell you weather you can put them in the dumpster for the land fill. I was told by my township that I was going to have to drape the house so that no fibers blew in the air. I then contacted the local branch of the EPA and the dumpster company. They both stated that the asbestos shingles are not even considered environmentally hazardous and can be dumped at the site and that breaking them was not a even a concern. I would check with those two agencies first then make your decision. I would not just cover them because you will have to disclose that if you sell the house and the new owner may require you to remove them for the sale to go through.
Rich