Removal Asbestos Siding
Removal asbestos siding encompasses the safe, hazardous abatement of exterior transite cement shingles installed across millions of mid-century residential homes. Because these rigid panels contain fifteen to twenty-five percent chrysotile asbestos fibers locked in a Portland cement matrix, safe removal requires continuous surfactant wet-misting, careful fastener extraction without breakage, perimeter ground containment, and compliant manifest landfill disposal.
Material Properties and Friability of Transite Siding
Exterior asbestos siding—marketed under trade names such as Transite, Careystone, and Johns-Manville Asbestos Shingles—was one of the most widely used exterior claddings between 1930 and 1980. Valued for its fireproof nature, resistance to insect rot, and low maintenance, transite was manufactured by combining Portland cement with fine chrysotile asbestos fibers under heavy hydraulic pressure. The resulting shingles were rigid, weather-resistant, and frequently stamped with decorative wood-grain textures.
Under federal EPA NESHAP definitions, intact transite siding is classified as Category II non-friable asbestos-containing material. Because the fibers are embedded within dense hardened cement, undamaged siding poses minimal risk to occupants while hanging on exterior walls. However, the material is extremely brittle. If panels are broken, dropped, sawed, or abraded during demolition, the fractured cement releases high concentrations of microscopic, inhalable fibers, converting non-friable siding into an active airborne hazard.
| Physical Condition | Integrity Classification | Airborne Fiber Risk | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intact & Firmly Fastened | Category II Non-Friable | Negligible while undisturbed | Maintain paint seal or encapsulate with modern siding |
| Cracked / Chipped Shingles | Localized Friable Breakage | Low to Moderate localized drift | Apply bridging sealant or execute careful replacement |
| Power-Washed / Mechanically Sanded | Regulated Friable Dust | Catastrophic whole-property contamination | Strictly prohibited under federal EPA regulations |
| Controlled Manual Abatement | Non-Friable with Wetting | Minimal under saturated surfactant misting | Follow certified NESHAP wet-removal protocols |
Engineering Protocols: Siding Rippers and Ground Containment
Professional removal asbestos siding operations follow strict engineering sequences designed to prevent panel breakage. Workers begin by erecting perimeter ground containment, laying two overlapping layers of six-mil polyethylene sheeting extending at least ten feet outward from the foundation walls. All windows, doors, and exterior HVAC louvers within the work perimeter are sealed with plastic sheeting and duct tape to prevent fugitive dust infiltration.
During the physical teardown, technicians continuously mist each shingle course with amended surfactant water using low-pressure pump sprayers. Rather than using hammers to smash panels, workers slide thin, hooked steel shingle rippers beneath each panel to shear or lever the mounting nails. Saturated shingles are carefully lifted from the wall intact and placed directly into lined disposal containers or stacked onto pallets for immediate shrink-wrapping.
| Operational Phase | Standard Operating Specification | Specialized Equipment | Regulatory / Health Objective |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perimeter Isolation | Double 6-mil poly 10 ft from foundation | Poly sheeting, sandbags, stakes | Captures all falling chips and dust on plastic |
| Dust Suppression | Amended surfactant water misting | Low-pressure compression sprayer | Keeps fibers saturated; prevents aerosolization |
| Fastener Extraction | Shear nails without flexing shingles | Shingle ripper / flat pry bar | Minimizes mechanical fracture and fiber release |
| Waste Packaging | Double 6-mil bags or wrapped pallets | OSHA-labeled asbestos bags & stretch wrap | Mandated by state and federal transport laws |
Homeowners must verify that their contractor provides signed waste shipment manifests following project completion. Landfills permitted to accept asbestos require official manifests documenting that the waste was handled and delivered in full compliance with state environmental laws.
Once siding is removed, the exposed wood sheathing should be HEPA-vacuumed and inspected for rot or structural deterioration before installing modern modern house wrap and new siding materials.
How to Execute Safe Removal of Asbestos Siding
Step-by-step procedure for removing exterior transite siding shingles safely.
Confirm Content via Laboratory PLM Testing
Collect a small damp chip from an inconspicuous corner of one shingle and confirm chrysotile content with an accredited lab.
Establish Ground Containment and Window Seals
Spread double six-mil poly sheeting ten feet out from foundation walls and seal windows, doors, and exterior vents with plastic.
Apply Saturated Surfactant Water Spray
Thoroughly mist the shingle courses with water and dish soap using a garden sprayer before touching any fasteners.
Extract Nails with a Shingle Ripper Tool
Slide a shingle ripper beneath each panel to shear or pull nails without breaking the brittle cement body.
Package in Labeled Six-Mil Poly Hazmat Bags
Carefully place intact shingles into labeled six-mil asbestos disposal bags, tape with gooseneck seals, and manifest for disposal.
Frequently Asked Questions (8 Questions Answered)
Q1: Can I remove asbestos siding myself?
Federal law allows single-family homeowners to remove siding in many states, but many municipal bylaws mandate licensed contractors.
Q2: What is transite siding?
Transite is a brand name for rigid cement-asbestos building panels containing fifteen to twenty-five percent chrysotile fibers.
Q3: How much does it cost to remove asbestos siding?
Professional removal typically costs between $7 and $14 per square foot, averaging $8,000 to $18,000 for a standard home.
Q4: Can you put new vinyl siding over asbestos siding?
Yes, installing rigid foam insulation board over intact shingles followed by new siding is an approved encapsulation method.
Q5: Why can't you power wash asbestos siding?
High-pressure water pulverizes the weathered cement, atomizing millions of microscopic fibers into the surrounding neighborhood air.
Q6: What tool is best for removing asbestos shingles?
A shingle ripper tool is best because it slips underneath to shear or pull nails without shattering the brittle cement panel.
Q7: What respirator is required for removing asbestos siding?
Workers must wear a NIOSH-approved tight-fitting elastomeric respirator equipped with P100 particulate (HEPA) filter cartridges.
Q8: Where do removed asbestos siding shingles go?
They must be double-bagged in six-mil poly sheeting and transported under manifest to a permitted hazardous asbestos monofill landfill.
Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways
Executing a removal asbestos siding project permanently frees a home from hazardous exterior minerals while paving the way for energy-efficient modern cladding. By insisting on manual wet-removal methods, perimeter ground containment, and licensed hazardous transport, property owners modernize their exteriors safely.