Santa Fe Siding: Is New "Green" Siding Hiding Asbestos?
By Franklin Everett ShawImagine discovering a hidden danger lurking within the very walls of your home, a silent threat woven into the fabric of your past. For many homeowners in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and the surrounding areas like Los Alamos and Taos, this isn’t a scene from a horror movie, but a potential reality concerning their older Santa Fe siding. The beautiful, rustic charm of these homes can mask a hidden risk: asbestos.
This article will serve as your guide to navigating this complex issue. We’ll delve into the potential presence of asbestos in older Santa Fe siding, specifically focusing on homes built before 1985. We’ll provide a practical, step-by-step approach to identifying potential asbestos-containing siding, understanding your testing options right here in New Mexico, and navigating the often-confusing world of safe removal and disposal procedures, all in accordance with EPA and New Mexico Environment Department guidelines.
First, let’s understand why older Santa Fe siding might contain asbestos. Asbestos was a popular building material additive for decades due to its fire-resistant and insulating properties. It was commonly used in cement siding to increase its strength and durability. Homes built before the mid-1980s are more likely to have asbestos-containing materials, including siding.
Now, how do you determine if your Santa Fe siding might be a culprit? The age of your home is the first clue. If your home was built before 1985, there’s a higher probability that the siding contains asbestos. Visually inspect the siding. Look for a cement-like appearance, often with a slightly textured surface. Older asbestos siding might also have a distinctive pattern or be stamped with a manufacturer’s mark. However, visual identification alone is not sufficient.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you assess the risk:
Determine the age of your home: Check your property records or contact the Santa Fe County Assessor’s Office. This is crucial.
Visually inspect the siding: Look for the characteristics mentioned above. Pay close attention to any areas where the siding is damaged or deteriorating.
Look for markings: Some asbestos siding was stamped with the manufacturer’s name or a code. This can help narrow down the possibilities.
Document your findings: Take photos and notes of your observations. This will be helpful when you consult with a professional.
Do NOT disturb the siding: Asbestos is only dangerous when the fibers are released into the air. Avoid sanding, cutting, or breaking the siding.
If your initial assessment raises concerns, the next step is testing. Do not attempt to collect samples yourself unless you are properly trained and equipped. Improper sampling can release asbestos fibers and create a health hazard.
Instead, contact a certified asbestos inspector in New Mexico. The New Mexico Environment Department maintains a list of licensed asbestos professionals. A qualified inspector will collect samples of the siding and send them to an accredited laboratory for analysis. This is the only way to definitively determine if asbestos is present.
When choosing an inspector, verify their credentials and experience. Ask for references and check their licensing status with the state. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about their sampling procedures and the laboratory they use.
Let’s talk about testing options in New Mexico. The most common type of asbestos testing is polarized light microscopy (PLM). PLM is a cost-effective method for identifying asbestos fibers in bulk samples. Another option is transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which is more sensitive and can detect smaller asbestos fibers. TEM is typically used for air samples or when PLM results are inconclusive.
The cost of asbestos testing in New Mexico can vary depending on the number of samples collected and the type of analysis performed. Expect to pay between $50 and $100 per sample for PLM analysis. TEM analysis is typically more expensive.
Now, what happens if the test results confirm the presence of asbestos in your Santa Fe siding? Do not panic. Asbestos-containing siding is not an immediate health hazard as long as it is in good condition and not disturbed. However, it’s important to take steps to manage the risk.
The primary options are encapsulation and removal. Encapsulation involves sealing the asbestos-containing siding with a special coating to prevent the release of fibers. This is a less expensive option than removal, but it requires ongoing monitoring and maintenance.
Removal is the more permanent solution, but it is also more complex and expensive. Asbestos removal must be performed by a licensed asbestos abatement contractor in accordance with EPA and New Mexico Environment Department regulations.
Here’s a breakdown of the removal process:
Hire a licensed asbestos abatement contractor: Verify their credentials and experience. Get multiple bids and check references.
Permitting: The contractor will obtain the necessary permits from the New Mexico Environment Department.
Containment: The work area will be sealed off to prevent the spread of asbestos fibers.
Removal: The asbestos-containing siding will be carefully removed and placed in sealed containers.
Disposal: The asbestos waste will be transported to an approved landfill for disposal.
Clearance testing: After the removal is complete, air samples will be collected to ensure that the area is safe.
The cost of asbestos removal can vary widely depending on the size of the project and the complexity of the removal process. Expect to pay several thousand dollars for a typical siding removal project.
A common mistake homeowners make is attempting to remove asbestos siding themselves to save money. This is extremely dangerous and illegal in many cases. Improper removal can release asbestos fibers into the air, putting yourself and your family at risk. It can also lead to costly fines and legal penalties.
Another pitfall is hiring an unlicensed contractor. Unlicensed contractors may not have the proper training or equipment to safely remove asbestos. They may also cut corners to save money, which can compromise the safety of the project.
Navigating the regulations surrounding asbestos can be challenging. The EPA and the New Mexico Environment Department have strict rules regarding asbestos handling, removal, and disposal. It’s crucial to understand these regulations and ensure that all work is performed in compliance.
Here are some key resources:
- EPA Asbestos Website: Provides information on asbestos health risks, regulations, and abatement procedures.
- New Mexico Environment Department Asbestos Program: Offers guidance on asbestos regulations in New Mexico, licensing requirements, and approved disposal sites.
Let’s consider a real-world scenario. A homeowner in Taos, New Mexico, suspects that their older home’s siding contains asbestos. They follow the steps outlined above, starting with determining the age of the home and visually inspecting the siding. Based on their findings, they contact a certified asbestos inspector in Santa Fe. The inspector collects samples, and the lab results confirm the presence of asbestos. The homeowner then hires a licensed asbestos abatement contractor to remove the siding. The contractor follows all applicable regulations, and the project is completed safely and successfully.
This scenario highlights the importance of taking a proactive approach to managing asbestos risks. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can protect yourself and your family from the potential dangers of asbestos.
In conclusion, if you own an older home in Santa Fe, Los Alamos, Taos, or any surrounding area in New Mexico with Santa Fe siding, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential presence of asbestos. Don’t let the charm of your historic home mask a hidden danger. Take the necessary steps to assess the risk, test your siding if needed, and, if asbestos is present, ensure its safe management or removal by qualified professionals. Your health and safety are worth the investment.