If the siding on my home is asbestos can i cut into it and install a patio door?
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Asbestos removal (such as cutting some away) is regulated by state and federal law. Removal is very dangerous. Disposal is also heavily regulated. Once removed, you cannot throw it away in a landfill, or anywhere else!
It's not a homeowner project. Call a professional.
You could, but if it really is asbestos and you enhale the fibers that are released into the air when you cut it, you could have cancer in your lifetime. You could have an inspector tell you whether or not it is real asbestos.
I've heard from many many people that youre not supposed to cut into that siding. If I were you, I would click on this link I've provided for you and browse through all of these asbestos webpages, and you may find the answer youre looking for there, atleast I hope so.
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I wouldn't. Asbestos is nasty material and drilling or cutting it may cause asbestos fibers to fly. Get an expert to do it for you.
Asbestos siding needs to be treated with care. It's a hazardous substance and needs to be handled by professionals.
Sure you can. Be sure to get a good quality mask (the kind auto body painters use). I would get a disposable paper coveralls and booties from the hardware store. Use a reciprocating saw with medium teeth instead of a circular saw - there will be less dust kicked up. Place large plastic drop cloths all around your work area (even inside). Roll it up and throw it in strong plastic trash bags closed with zip-ties after you are done cutting..
Throw away the coveralls and booties and respirator filters.
If anyone asks, tell them you don't know if they are asbestos but wanted to play it safe.
I would not suggest cutting asbestos siding. The risk is minimal to nonexistent if the tiles are left alone, as you disturb them you will be releasing fibers into the air. Cutting is the worst thing you can do, the amount of fibers released may be significant. There is a lot of dust involved in close proximity to where you are working. Your tools will be contaminated as well and will continue to release fibers for some time.
Removal is another story. You would still release some fibers, but it should be much more controllable. Wetting the area with detergent and water will help keep down the fibers -- 2 tablespoons of dish detergent to 1 gallon of water, use a garden sprayer and keep the area wet. Use a HEPA dust mask, dispose of your clothing and shower well afterwards. Make sure openings to the house are well sealed before you begin.
Once the tiles surrounding the new opening are removed, you can cut your opening and fill the area back in with new tiles. You can purchase tiles that are similar to the existing (some are an exact match) that do not contain asbestos. These can be cut without any problem.
Generally you can do this type of project on your own home without any legal problems. A few localities, mostly in California, have stricter guidelines so you may want to check with your local authorities. Check with your local landfill for disposal requirements, usually double bagged, taped and dumped in a designated location. Not all landfills take this material, but there is usually one within a reasonable distance that will.
Absolutely not. Leave it to the pros.
Check out www.BuyInsulationProducts.com for asbestos removal supplies, especially respirators if you are going to be cutting through asbestos materials
Asbestos is dangerous - leave well alone.
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