Fiber cement siding used to contain asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, for reinforcement. Asbestos, however, was later replaced by cellulose, a harmless material that makes wood rigid. Twin Cities Siding and Roofing, one of the trusted siding contractors in the area, explains why siding manufacturers turned away from asbestos.
What Is Asbestos?
For many years, asbestos was used for different commercial and residential building materials. It is a soft and flexible material that can resist heat, electricity and chemical corrosion. Note that asbestos is a group of silicate minerals that share the same fibrous nature. Pure asbestos, on the other hand, is a great insulator and can make cloth, paper, cement and plastic stronger. These qualities, however, make asbestos highly toxic.
Why Is Asbestos Hazardous?
Asbestos fibers are microscopic, which makes them easy to inhale. Exposure to this material can result in many health problems, including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. Without the help of individuals trained in asbestos removal, removing siding materials with asbestos can pose health issues.
Siding systems on homes built from 1905 to the 1960s often contain asbestos. Before removing your old siding, get in touch with your local siding contractor to find out whether your cladding material contains asbestos.
Siding Replacement for a Safer Home
To keep your home safe, why not consider installing an asbestos-free fiber cement siding system? This will help eliminate the risks of inhaling this harmful substance and even revamp your home’s look. Fiber cement siding systems also add an extra layer of protection to keep the insulation materials on your walls dry.
Entrust your siding installation to reliable siding contractors in the area like Twin Cities Siding and Roofing. We install James Hardie® siding to help enhance your home’s look and weather protection. Call us today at 651-571-9557 to learn more about our products and services. We serve residents of Minneapolis and other nearby areas.
