Replies

1. 
   csnow | Nov 26, 2003 12:10am | #1

   Confused. Do you mean this 'backer board' material is asbestos?

1. 
   Kev | Nov 26, 2003 12:17am | #2

   Yes, the siding itself is a cedar shake, the backer is a brown cardboard/particle board like material.

1. 
   csnow | Nov 26, 2003 01:28am | #3

   I have seen similar material used like that which did not contain asbestos.

   They had no concerns about asbestos as a health hazard in 1956.  It was thought to be a 'miracle' product (and still is, in some ways).

   They even made asbestos shingles for siding, which was wonderful stuff in terms of durability.

   I believe the stuff is far less hazardous than it is commonly perceived to be.  The folks who developed serious problems generally worked in clouds of the stuff for prolonged periods.

   See if you can use this 'mass fear' to your advantage in negotiating a price.

   Depending upon local regs, 'hard' asbestos products may not require any special licenses for removal, particularly outside.  Around here you can generally remove asbestos siding without any serious precautions, since it is mostly encapsulated in the product, and is unlikely to become 'friable'.  Waste disposal policy is a mixed bag, since the disposal folks do not want to be crushing the stuff up, as they normally would...

   You may want to have it tested before striking a deal.

   Edited 11/25/2003 5:30:45 PM ET by csnow

1. 
   Kev | Nov 26, 2003 04:42pm | #4

   thanks