Can You Remove Asbestos Siding Yourself in Hampshire?

Are you considering removing the siding of your home yourself but are unsure if it contains asbestos? Or are you concerned about the safety implications of asbestos removal? We're here to help.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we are a professional asbestos removal company in Hampshire with experience handling all aspects of removal, including siding. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about removing asbestos siding yourself and discuss why it is important to hire professionals.

Asbestos and its Danger

Asbestos is a silicate mineral fiber that has been used for over a century in construction and industry. Its popularity is due to its durability and resistance to heat and chemicals. However, it is also incredibly dangerous when inhaled.

The fibers of asbestos, when inhaled, become lodged in the lung tissue and the body's natural defenses cannot remove them. Over time, this can lead to a variety of serious illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma.

With the health risks associated with asbestos, it is essential to handle it with care and follow the proper removal protocols. Otherwise, you risk putting yourself and your family in danger.

Asbestos Siding

Asbestos siding was a popular building material from the 1920s to the 1980s. It was commonly used in residential construction as roofing and siding materials. The siding was usually made of cement mixed with asbestos fibers to make it more durable and resistant to heat and fire.

If you have an older home, there is a chance that it may contain asbestos siding. If you suspect this may be the case, it's crucial to get it inspected and tested by professionals.

If tests confirm that your home's siding contains asbestos, the next step is to plan for its removal.

Can You Remove Asbestos Siding Yourself?

You may think you're saving money by removing your home's asbestos siding yourself, but it's essential to consider the risks and costs associated with it.

There are a few reasons why you should leave asbestos siding removal to the professionals:

1. Safety Concerns

As mentioned above, asbestos fibers are incredibly dangerous when inhaled. If you don't have the proper equipment and training, you could put yourself and those around you in significant danger.

Professional contractors are trained in the handling and removal of asbestos and have the necessary protective equipment to do the job safely.

2. Legal Laws and Regulations

Asbestos removal is regulated by government agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and local authorities.

The laws surrounding asbestos removal can be complex, and if you don't follow them, you could face legal consequences. As a homeowner, it's essential to be aware of the laws governing asbestos removal in your area.

3. Proper Disposal

Disposing of asbestos-containing materials is not as simple as throwing it in the trash. It must be disposed of in a specific manner to prevent harm to the environment and those around you.

Professional asbestos removal companies are familiar with the disposal requirements and can ensure that the asbestos-containing materials are safely and legally disposed of.

The Process of Asbestos Siding Removal

The asbestos removal process should always be handled by professionals. Here is an overview of the process that professionals follow:

1. Inspection and Testing

Asbestos removal companies will start by inspecting your home and taking samples of the materials that may contain asbestos. These samples will be sent to a lab for testing to confirm the presence of asbestos.

2. Creating a Plan

Once the tests confirm the presence of asbestos, the removal company will create a plan for its safe removal. The plan should detail the procedures and the safety measures that will be taken.

3. Removal

The asbestos siding will be carefully removed using specialized equipment and protective gear. This process may involve sealing off the area and using negative air pressure to avoid spreading the fibers.

4. Disposal

The removed siding will be placed in special plastic bags and disposed of in a location designated for asbestos disposal.

5. Decontamination

The work area will be cleaned and decontaminated to ensure that no asbestos fibers are left in the area.

Permits

In some cases, you may need to obtain permits for asbestos siding removal. The requirements for permits vary by location and jurisdiction.

In Hampshire, permits are primarily issued by the Environmental Health Departments, and they are mainly concerned with ensuring that asbestos-containing materials are safely removed and disposed of. To obtain a permit, you will need to provide proof that the work will be carried out by licensed professionals.

Prevention

The best way to prevent asbestos-related illnesses is to ensure that your home or building is free of asbestos-containing materials. If your home is newer, then it's unlikely that it contains asbestos siding.

However, if you live in an older home, it's essential to have it inspected for asbestos-containing materials. You can hire professionals who will test for the presence of asbestos and recommend a course of action if it's found.

Hiring a Professional Asbestos Removal Company

Hiring a professional asbestos removal company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is your best option for ensuring the safe removal of asbestos siding.

All of our technicians are trained and certified in asbestos removal, and we follow all regulatory guidelines regarding its handling and disposal. Our company is fully licensed, insured, and accredited to handle asbestos removal in Hampshire and the South-East of England.

We understand that the cost of asbestos removal can be high, but we believe that the health and safety of your family and the surrounding community are worth it. We offer competitive pricing and will work with you to find a solution that meets your budget.

Conclusion

Asbestos siding removal is a complex and dangerous job that must be handled by professionals. The health risks associated with asbestos make it essential to take the proper precautions and follow regulatory guidelines.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we are committed to providing safe and affordable asbestos removal services throughout Hampshire and the South-East of England. If you suspect that your home may contain asbestos siding, contact us today to schedule an inspection and consultation. We are available at 01962 458066 or [email protected].

Don't risk your health or the health of your loved ones let the professionals handle your asbestos removal needs.