What does it mean if home info says - Exterior Wall Code: Asbestos... (how much, contractor)

[hotkarl]

You just go right over it.
You'd be surprised at how many homes actually have asbestos shingles under the siding. My house included.
Vinyl siding & tyvek right over the old shingles.

They are excellent added insulation if you go right over them. Do not remove them unless you absolutely have to, it's a waste. They also offer extra moisture protection when you side right over them.
They are not dangerous unless you are breaking them up and breathing in the dust.

[Chrisk327]

I disagree with the idea of just slapping more siding over it.

I have seen lots of houses that look like crap because everything is built out so much from the windows with layers and layers of siding. Some may look fine, but a lot look like exactly whats there, siding slapped over siding.

[hotkarl]

I disagree with you disagreeing. Ha.
Asbestos shingles are thin. It's not like when a hack contractor tries to go over existing aluminum siding, or the thicker cedar shakes, etc...
A quality contractor will do a good job, and you'll never notice the difference.
A hack job and you'll see it from down the block.
The biggest problem is...too many hack contractors out there wrecking people's homes.

[DonnaReed]

Many thanks fellow posters!

[suzook]

Originally Posted by hotkarl

You just go right over it.
Vinyl siding & tyvek right over the old shingles.

They are excellent added insulation if you go right over them.

HACK HACK. the r value of a 1/8th inch shingle is .03.
remove the shingles, tyvek, and add fanfold(R 1.5). this is the proper way to do it.
If a contractor suggests going over them, find another.

[DeadPool1998]

Originally Posted by suzook

HACK HACK. the r value of a 1/8th inch shingle is .03.
remove the shingles, tyvek, and add fanfold(R 1.5). this is the proper way to do it.
If a contractor suggests going over them, find another.

Isn't that right? And won't the stuff end up in my soil?

[suzook]

it wont make a difference if some of it makes it into the soil. you would obviously clean it up, any little bit left is fine. People think if they breath in a few fibres and they will get cancer. it is repeated exposure to it that can be dangerous. in actuality asbestos is a natural resource from the ground.

[DeadPool1998]

Originally Posted by suzook

it wont make a difference if some of it makes it into the soil. you would obviously clean it up, any little bit left is fine. People think if they breath in a few fibres and they will get cancer. it is repeated exposure to it that can be dangerous. in actuality asbestos is a natural resource from the ground.

Lots of natural things harm people. Lead is natural.

Repeated exposure is meaningless. All you need is asbestos lodged in your lungs. Once there, your lungs decide to self-destruct. Repeated exposure just means you inhale more.

[suzook]

uranium- LOL

if you are removing the shingles you would obviously protect yourself. A good mask, eye protection and clothing are important. If you are concerned about the soil, put down some plastic along the foundation of the house. The point i was trying to get across is, some people assume if you even touch asbestos, you will die. It needs to be handled properly.

[Crookhaven]

Harmless, great insulator as said.

Breaks easy and hard to replace. Watch out with the lawn mower.

crooks