Friable Asbestos Siding

Non friable asbestos is found in old shingles siding and floor tiles pictured above.

Friable asbestos siding.

Ring gaskets are a common variety of asbestos containing gaskets which are commonly composed of metal and asbestos. Non friable acm is divided into two categories. These materials rarely become friable because the asbestos is locked securely into the material. You may need a pdf reader to view some of the files on this page.

Friable means they are easily damaged by hand pressure. Burke re applicability to category ii material january 8 1992 pdf 3 pp 94 k letter to j. The danger with this type of material is that it can pose the same hazard as friable. This means that human contact and weathering is unlikely to release the non friable asbestos.

Non friable asbestos containing material acm is not regulated because it contains a binder or hardening agent such as cement asphalt or vinyl examples of acm are asphalt roofing shingles vinyl asbestos floor tiles and transite siding made with cement acm products are still being manufactured today. See epa s about pdf page to learn more. Most cases of mesothelioma asbestosis and other asbestos related diseases involve workers who are exposed to high levels of airborne asbestos fibers. Acm floors mastics and siding are classified as non friable materials.

However heat water weathering or aging can weaken nonfriable siding and roofing to the point where they are considered friable. Friable asbestos which is asbestos that is easily broken down is always a health hazard. Friable materials can release asbestos fibers into the air. Dufour re applicability to transite siding january 14 1993 pdf 4 pp 129 k.

Non friable asbestos however which is generally part of an indurated material that will not yield until under substantial effort. Asbestos gaskets would have been ideal for systems using steam gases or caustic compounds. Examples of non friable acm include vinyl floor tiles and cement transite siding or roofing. Also the siding and roofing can be made friable when it s being removed.

Category i non friable acms are asbestos containing resilient floor coverings like vinyl asbestos tile asphalt roofing products packings and gaskets. Asbestos only poses a health risk when the fibers are airborne and friable which in the case of asbestos siding only occurs if the siding is actively sawed or broken into many smaller pieces. Although it is less dangerous than friable asbestos it should still be treated with caution and disposed of properly. Asbestos regulations the bureau of environmental services regulates any renovation that will disturb or remove friable acm in the amounts between 25 and 260 linear feet between 15 and 160 square feet and between 75 and 35 cubic feet.

Conversely non friable asbestos containing materials because of their nature do not easily release their fibers into the air. This class of material must be mechanically impacted power tools such as sanders drills chippers saws etc to release fibers. Other forms of gaskets that are composed of asbestos containing rope or sheet gaskets are considered to be friable.