We’ve all seen the commercials on TV and subway ads about contacting a lawyer if you have cancer caused by asbestos. Many people don’t realize that asbestos isn’t just a problem for industrial workers—the material can sometimes be found a lot closer to home. In fact, did you know your house may be encased in asbestos siding? Below, Astech in Bridgeport, CT, shares some facts homeowners should know about the material, including how it can affect your health and whether you should remove it.

3 Facts You Should Know About Asbestos Siding

1. Asbestos Is Only Harmful in the Air

If you purchase a home that has asbestos siding, it is not a health risk unless you decide to remove or cut into the planks. The material is only dangerous when the fibers are airborne. Professional asbestos removal companies wear respirators and take proper safety measures with siding disposal to protect themselves and homeowners while uninstalling asbestos siding.

2. You Can Get Your Asbestos Siding Tested

Many homeowners are primarily concerned about the popular asbestos and concrete mix used in homes built in the last two centuries. If you want to learn about the asbestos in your siding, you can get your home tested for contamination levels. Reach out to an asbestos removal company who can perform a test or provide you with a sample kit. You’ll soon know the potency of these fibers, which can factor into whether you remove the siding or not.

3. You Can Encapsulate Asbestos Siding

If you currently have asbestos siding and you want to get rid of it, cutting and ripping it off is a bad idea. This releases fibers into the air and can harm your health. Instead, consider encapsulating the current siding with new vinyl planks. This way you’re not releasing asbestos into the air, but you’re still upgrading the look of the exterior of your house. 

In many situations, asbestos siding can be left alone without posing a threat to humans or animals. However, if you decide to take it off, don’t do this project by yourself. Contact the experienced technicians at Astech by calling (203) 335-0502. Visit the website to learn about their estimate process and how they mitigate asbestos contamination.