Asbestos Shingles....

[Ronniels]

I have a house to go look at later this week. She said she had "Asbestos Shingles" and when she had them painted last year the painter told her to have them Pressure Washed twice a year. (But he does not do the washing himself)

I have not looked at this house yet, but is this maybe just another name for something I've already delt with...or is this a special care item?

Thanks!

 

[Jim Bilyeu]

Ronniels,

You must be a young man not to know what "asbestos" is. I can tell you from experence that asbestos can KILL you if you get it in your lungs. The effects of asbestos is unnoticeable for many years. It causes cancer and a few other good little things. Go on the internet and research this product to see if you really want to do it.

I rarely try to talk a person out of doing a job but this one, I will say, walk away from it for your own health. Working with asbestos is a very dangereous thing. If you break the seal, not only could it harm you, but also your wife and kids and you won't know it for many years.

I have lost 40 % of my lung capacity because of this product. Don't let it happen to you. It isn't worth the money.

Asbestos abatment and removal is under tighter controll than lead abatment. It requires special training and licenses.

Be safe, walk away from this one.

Jim Bilyeu,
Exterior Woodcare

 

[Ronniels]

I know what asbestos is...
I am just confused as to the care instructions she was given plus the siding is less than a year old. So it shouldn't be an abestos product should it?
Most likely she is confused as to what the material is....I'll find out when I do the estimate.

 

[Jim Bilyeu]

Ronniels,

Because of the health hazzards caused by asbestos and the number of law suits filed against the manufactures, the use of asbestos was banned in the early 1970's. These lawsuits are still going on today. I myself have 32 suits pending.

You said that the house was painted last year and I assumed it was an older home. If the shingles are only a year old, they cannot contain asbestos. Even at this, if someone told me that they had asbestos shingles, I would be questioning this information. You don't just pull this out of the air.

As for cleaning a house twice a year, we recomend that also. If everyone would do this, it would make the house look better and also extend the life of the finish, weather it's painted or has a natural finish. It's called maintaining the home.

Jim Bilyeu,
Exterior Woodcare

 

[Glenn]

Ronniels,
There is a non asbestos shingle on the market that looks just like the asbestos shingles but without the asbestos. This pdoduct is used alot on older homes to replace broken of chipped asbestos ones or when an addition is added and the customer wants the new part to match the old. If the house is new then it shouldn't contain the asbestos and would be safe for you to wash it. Not many homes built today have this type of siding and when used is mainly used to match an older section. I would question the homeowner and explain your concerns before proceeding. I totally agree with what Jim has said and would run like hell if it is in fact the asbestos type or if even part of it is asbestos.
Glenn

 

[Ronniels]

Thanks...

Kind of odd...but just had another call today with the same question. But most things seem to come in at least pairs if not whole groups!