Cutting Into Asbestos Siding

Cut a 45 degree bevel onto the edge joint of asbestos cement siding with a large carpenter s rasp.

Cutting into asbestos siding.

There is no legal requirement to do so nor is there significant real estate benefit. Cutting sanding or breaking asbestos cement tiles poses a distinct health hazard. Asbestos is only dangerous when cut sawn or broken into small enough pieces so that asbestos fibers are sent into the air. If you answer yes to any of the follow questions you could be at risk due to asbestos siding on your home.

For details see asbestos textiles. Plies in asbestos yarn refers to the number of asbestos yarn strands twisted together. Astm d577 52 provided methods for testing asbestos cloth for heat resistance. The approach of removing the old shingles and replacing them with new siding is an option that many homeowners have pursued though probably not as safely as they should.

Things you ll need straightedge utility knife thick plank c clamps dolphin nosed tin snips carpenter s rasp bench grinder 1 inch diameter steel pipe vise punch hammer hand drill sharp drill bit hacksaw fitted with a coarse blade. Cut for asbestos fabrics was calculated as grain weight of 100 yards of a single yarn 7000 grains. Astm d677 50 pertained to woven asbestos cloth. Use slow deliberate strokes with the saw under water trickling from a hose pipe or a water bottle with a small hole.

Saw through a cut line in asbestos cement pipe with a hacksaw fitted with a coarse blade. If asbestos remains intact in siding insulation popcorn ceilings or other materials it poses no risk and is not dangerous.