By Barry Stone
Dear Barry,
We were about to buy an old home, but then we learned that it has asbestos shingle siding. We've read that this material is safe if it is not damaged, but we're worried about likelihood of future problems. What do you recommend? - Lynne
Dear Lynne,
Asbestos shingle siding, commonly installed in the 1940s and early '50s, consists of a material knows as transite. Transite siding is comprised of asbestos fibers that are embedded in a solid cement medium, thereby preventing release of fibers into the air. Unless the material is ground into dust by application of power tools or other destructive processes, transite is not regarded as a significant health hazard. However, in the event that you should alter the exterior of the building, handling and removal of the asbestos containing material should be assigned to a specially licensed professional, and such services can be very costly. Also, when reselling the home, the presence of asbestos material must be disclosed, and this can adversely affect the interest of some buyers (just as you were deterred), regardless of the relative safety of the material.
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