If your home has tested positive for asbestos, you will want to remove it as soon as possible. So, how exactly do you get rid of asbestos siding safely? In some cases, the best option may actually be to not remove the asbestos siding at all. Instead, installing brand new siding placed on top of the old asbestos could be an option.
However, you do have the choice of removing asbestos in two different ways:
Hire A Local Asbestos Abatement Company In Phoenix, Arizona
The option of having your asbestos removed by a professional company can lead you into a world of unexpected expenses. This will be a regulated professional that meets all state requirements to work with you and your home. Give these people the courtesy and respect they deserve, as the service they provide saves countless lives.
The professional usually has an arsenal of items they must wear when performing the removal, such as a suit, respirator, shields for the impacted areas, and copious amounts of water to apply to hold the dust down.
When searching for a professional abatement company, use these key terms and you will be guaranteed to find a “certified asbestos removal company in Phoenix Arizona.” Then narrow down the search by using different terms, focusing on the area you would like remediated.
Removing the Asbestos Siding Yourself
In many parts of the U.S., there really are no laws that hold you accountable for having to hire an asbestos removal company. On the off-chance that you really wanted to remove asbestos from your home, you could perform such a task. Although in some places there are some laws on the disposal of the asbestos, but not the removal process.
This can be an entire Do It Yourself (DIY) asbestos removal job; just be very safe and cautious when approaching the removal process.
When working on the asbestos removal, there are some key factors to pay attention to when it comes to your safety. Be careful when cutting, drilling, and sanding of any kind – or anything that creates any sort of dust that emits into the air. As mentioned before, this dust is highly toxic and can impact your health in various ways. Some things you can do are removing a nail, and/or removing the entire siding itself. This should not put you in any danger unless the conditions of the shingles are brittle and cause smoke to emit.
Things You Will Need to Remove Your Own Asbestos from Your Home.
- Crowbar to remove the nails.
- A nail-pulling device.
- Knife or scissors to sever the polyethylene sheet.
- HEPA respirator.
- Disposable garments to clean, such as coveralls, rubber boots, safety glasses, and rubber gloves.
- Container to hold the debris.
- Disposable bags meant for asbestos removal and some duct tape for the bags.
- Basic garden hose with water and a spray attachment.
- Liquid dishwashing detergent.
Instructions For Asbestos Removal
Obtain Permit
Getting a permit may sound harder than it really Is. Most local departments will issue these with ease. You can also head directly to an agency that primarily deals with this. There is usually no way around this; the area you live in will most likely require a permit.
Hang Up Signs For Others’ Awareness
Be sure to post signs letting others know of the removal process. Also, be sure to place about a six-foot distance of the six-mil plastic sheeting across the home where the removal is taking place. Another key element to making the process easier is to work in the shade so the wet area remains moist. Also, be sure to create some sort of entrance and exit to the work area with the plastic sheeting to ensure maximum safety .
Cover Your Entire Body
Safety is the number one priority when it comes to doing this job by yourself. Some of the equipment used by most professionals is (but not limited to): disposable coveralls, gloves, rubber boots, HEPA respirators, and goggles.
Start The Asbestos Siding Removal Process
Begin chipping away at the asbestos-filled siding and removing piece by piece, by pulling any nails or trimming down. If needed, lift the siding with the pry tools to expose the nails more. Be sure not to release any debris into the air. Keep wetting the siding and place it onto a plastic sheet meant for removal.
Double Bag The Disposable Asbestos Contents
When getting rid of the Asbestos-filled contents, be sure to double bag your trash and pre-mark the bags to let others know of the asbestos. Seal off the contents with duct tape to ensure a solid seal on the bag. Only use the 6-mil polyethylene plastic bags/wrap, as this is the only material durable enough for these contents.
Dispose Of Asbestos Filled Debris From Location
This is the final step in the process of removing asbestos siding from your home. As mentioned, double bag the remaining asbestos debris. For any extra cleanup, use moist rags and shower afterwards.
NEVER Sweep Or Vacuum Asbestos Leftovers. This Causes Asbestos Microfibers To Enter The Air And Become Highly Toxic.
The next step would be to remove the asbestos trash that has been collected. There are specific licensed disposal locations that can take in this specific type of waste. Do proper research to find a place to dispose of your debris properly.
Disclaimer
The Asbestos Institute is not the official authority to determine OSHA training requirements, which are set forth in the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. OSHA regulations are always being revised, added, and/or deleted, so you must not rely on The Asbestos Institute as the official authority of OSHA asbestos training requirements. Visit the official OSHA Asbestos Training Requirements page here.
