From roughly the 1940s to the 1970s, asbestos was a key ingredient when it came to shingles and siding for homes and businesses. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral in rocks and stone. Including Delaware County, asbestos was mixed into the cement and applied to the exterior of a house during builds and renovations. Asbestos was thought to be an important ingredient because it helped avoid pest damage and rotting. It also prevented many issues that come along with inclement weather. The DelCo area experiences all of the highs and lows of weather throughout the year. Having your home coated with asbestos on the exterior would help save consumers from possible major repairs that needed to be done. While asbestos is now deemed unsafe for humans, there are telltale signs that your siding may still include this dangerous ingredient.
Signs of Asbestos
Age – One of the most significant signs one could have when it comes to asbestos residing in your siding is the age of your home. The 1970s and before were when asbestos was used the most in siding. This is also true in Delaware County. Coming in all shapes and sizes, if your home still has its original siding, it could possibly still contain asbestos. Although not every manufacturer added asbestos to their siding, it is still a good idea to have a professional siding company like Top Tier inspect your home and put your mind at ease.
Texture – Texture is another important factor when it comes to inspecting asbestos. Asbestos has a chalk like texture to it that you can feel. However, spotting asbestos may prove to be difficult once it is mixed into the ingredients made for siding. Also, compared to fiber cement siding, asbestos siding feels a lot denser. Asbestos was specifically frequent in siding that resembled shingles or wood grain. Asbestos-free siding has a manufacturing code that is stamped on the back. If your siding does not contain this code, it could have been made using asbestos from the manufacturer.
The Dangers of Asbestos
Health issues such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis were reason enough for the EPA to ban products made with asbestos in the 1970s. Although not all asbestos siding poses an immediate danger because it does not become harmful until it is damaged. Homeowners should still work on getting renovations to remove it. If you lack the right training, this is not a DIY project because of the toxins and harm it will cause your body. Seek professional advice and service while taking on this issue. Removing asbestos siding will not only give you peace of mind because the threat of harm has been discarded, but it will also increase the value of your property for potential buyers in the future.
Overall, when making decisions that will affect you and your family’s health, it is best to contact a professional roofing and siding company like Top Tier Roofing. Education and assisting our customers in knowing the dangers of asbestos helps our business grow in the Delaware County area. If you are wondering whether you may need new siding due to possible asbestos, don’t hesitate to contact us today for a free quote.