Commonly used in homes and buildings in Winchester, VA from the 1920s until the 1980s, asbestos siding can still be found on many older homes. A naturally occurring mineral, asbestos was added to cement that was then pressed into siding shingles which came in a variety of textures and sizes. This resulted in a durable product that was fire-resistant and absorbed paint well. It was cheap to make and resistant to the elements. Upkeep was easy and cost very little because it was easy to clean and paint adhered to it.
The EPA banned the use of asbestos in the U.S. in 1989 for new building materials. Homes that were built before that time in Winchester, VA most likely contain asbestos in some form.
Is Asbestos Siding Dangerous?
As long as asbestos siding stays intact, it poses no real harm. If the asbestos siding is broken up, asbestos fibers are released into the air which is extremely dangerous. Mesothelioma and other cancers, asbestosis and other lung diseases are a grave danger with continued exposure to these fibers from asbestos-containing materials.
If you have asbestos siding on your Winchester, VA home, it is best to call an environment company such as Envirotex who is experienced and certified to handle asbestos materials. You should always test first because there are other products out there that look similar but contain no asbestos.
A trained and accredited asbestos professional will take samples for analysis. These professionals know what to look for at homes in Winchester, VA and because of the health risks involved, this should never be done by homeowners. If not done correctly, there is a risk of fibers being released into the air where family members could be affected.
When Should Asbestos Siding Be Removed?
No asbestos-containing materials are welcoming news for any homeowner, but asbestos siding is actually one of the easier ones.
There are products on the market that offer a wide range of new shingle siding that matches the curved and scalloped contour of many older asbestos siding shingles that are on homes in Winchester, VA. If your asbestos siding is mostly in good condition, you can replace these broken or cracked pieces.
Another option would be to encapsulate the asbestos siding and install new vinyl siding over it.
If you choose to completely remove the old asbestos siding, it is best to call in the experts. They have the proper clothing, respirators and gloves and equipment to remove it from homes in Winchester, VA safely, not to mention, they also have the means to dispose of it legally. Any issues with asbestos should always be left up to environmental experts such as Envirotex.