How To Test Asbestos Siding In Sussex

If you live in Sussex, South East England and your home was constructed sometime in the 1940s up until the early 1980s, it may contain some asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). It's important to identify and test these materials as asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems if they're inhaled. Moreover, if the ACM is damaged, it can release fibers into the air, which is even more dangerous.

If you suspect that some of the materials used in your home contain asbestos, particularly the siding, then you may want to test it. In this landing page, we'll discuss how to test asbestos siding in Sussex.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex

Before we proceed with the steps on how to test the siding, let us introduce ourselves. We are Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, a company that specializes in asbestos testing and removal. If you're not confident in testing the material yourself, you may contact us for expert assistance. Our team of professionals can help you identify and test the material for asbestos.

Our contact details are as follows:

• Phone: 01273 978238
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk

Asbestos Material and Fibers

Before we proceed with the steps, let's talk about asbestos and its fibers. Asbestos is a naturally-occurring material that was widely used in home construction from the 1940s until the early 1980s. It was commonly used in siding, roofing, insulation, floor tiles, and more.

Asbestos fibers are microscopic and can float in the air. If they're inhaled, they can get lodged in the lungs and cause serious respiratory problems such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Therefore, it's important to handle asbestos material with care and take necessary precautions.

Slightly Damaged Asbestos Siding

If the siding is slightly damaged and you suspect it contains asbestos, then you may want to test it. However, if the damage is severe or the ACM is crumbly or powdery, do not attempt to test it yourself. Contact a licensed contractor like Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex to remove it safely.

If the siding is slightly damaged, then follow these steps:

1. Wear protective equipment such as gloves, safety goggles, and a disposable respirator mask.
2. Wet the area with water to prevent fibers from being released into the air.
3. Use a utility knife or a razor blade to cut a small piece of the siding, about 1 inch by 1 inch.
4. Place the sample in a sealed plastic bag.

Sealing the Slightly Damaged Siding

After you've taken the sample, it's important to seal the damaged area to prevent fibers from being released into the air. Here are the steps on how to seal the area:

1. Use duct tape or masking tape to cover the damaged area.
2. Make sure the tape covers the entire area and is tightly sealed.
3. Dispose of the protective equipment, including the respirator mask, in a sealed plastic bag.
4. Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly.

Testing The Siding Material

After you've taken the sample and sealed the damaged area, it's time to test the material for asbestos. You may do this by sending the sample to a laboratory or performing a test yourself.

Sending the Sample to a Laboratory

If you're not confident in testing the sample yourself, you may send it to a laboratory for analysis. Here are the steps:

1. Look for a laboratory that specializes in asbestos testing.
2. Place the sealed plastic bag in a larger plastic bag and label it as "asbestos sample".
3. Place the larger plastic bag in a cardboard box and fill the box with packing material such as bubble wrap or foam peanuts.
4. Ship the box to the laboratory using a courier service.

The laboratory will analyze the sample using polarized light microscopy (PLM) or transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to determine if it contains asbestos and how much.

Performing a Test Yourself

If you want to perform the test yourself, you may purchase an asbestos testing kit online or at a hardware store. Here are the steps:

1. Wear protective equipment such as gloves, safety goggles, and a disposable respirator mask.
2. Follow the instructions provided in the kit.
3. Use a utility knife or a razor blade to cut a small piece of the siding, about 1 inch by 1 inch.
4. Place the sample in the provided plastic bag or container.
5. Use a dropper to add a few drops of liquid from the testing kit to the sample.
6. Wait for the color to change or follow the instructions on how to read the test results.
7. Dispose of the protective equipment, including the respirator mask, in a sealed plastic bag.
8. Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly.

Contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex

If you're unsure of how to test asbestos siding in Sussex, or if the material is severely damaged, it's best to contact a licensed contractor like Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex. Our team of professionals can assist you in identifying and testing the material for asbestos. We can also remove ACMs from your home safely and efficiently.

Prevent Exposing Yourself To Asbestos Fibers

Asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems when they're inhaled. To prevent exposing yourself to these fibers, here are some tips:

• Do not disturb or damage any material that may contain asbestos.
• If you're planning a renovation or demolition of your home, have it tested for asbestos first.
• Wear protective equipment such as gloves, safety goggles, and a disposable respirator mask when handling potential ACMs.
• Place protective coverings over your flooring and objects that cannot be removed when working with ACMs.

Inbox us at [email protected] or give us a call at 01273 978238 for more information.

Conclusion

Testing asbestos siding in Sussex is important to ensure that you and your family are not exposed to asbestos fibers. If you're not confident in testing the material yourself, contact a licensed contractor like Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex. We can assist you in identifying and testing the material for asbestos. Asbestos fibers are dangerous when they're inhaled, so take necessary precautions when handling potential ACMs.