How to Remove Exterior Asbestos Tile

Inhaling asbestos is a health hazard.

If your home has exterior tiles containing asbestos, you can remove them yourself in most states as long as you follow certain safety precautions. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used until the 1970s in the manufacture of various home products, including siding, roofing and vinyl and linoleum tiles. The tiny fibers found in asbestos materials can cause future health problems if inhaled. Asbestos is a known carcinogen and can cause cancer or asbestosis, among other ailments, 10 to 40 years after it's been inhaled.

Things You'll Need

• Rolled plastic
• Old or disposable clothing
• Respirator with P100 cartridge
• Hose
• Water
• Scraper
• Putty knife
• Pry bar
• 6-mil polyurethane or leakproof bags

Instructions

1. Put plastic drop cloths or rolled plastic around the area where you're removing the asbestos tiles. This will help collect any debris or pieces that may separate during the removal process.

2. Put on disposable clothing or old clothes that you can throw away. Wear a respirator with a P100 cartridge to protect you against any asbestos fibers that might float into the air. Do not use a dust mask -- it does not provide enough protection against asbestos fibers.

3. Spray the entire area of asbestos tiles with water from your hose. Soak the tiles to help them stay together during removal and keep fibers from floating into the air.

4. Remove tiles from the surface with a scraper, putty knife or pry bar. Remove the tiles in sheets without breaking them apart, if at all possible. The more tiles break, the more asbestos fibers can travel into the air.

5. Keep the tiles moist with water during the removal process to prevent fibers from being released. Place tiles on the plastic as you remove them. Do not throw them -- this can increase the chance of breakage.

6. Wrap all the tiles in 6-mil polyurethane or leakproof bags when you're done removing them. Wash off all tools with soap and water to remove any asbestos fibers. Throw away the clothes you wore during removal.

7. Dispose of the tiles in accordance with your local disposal rules and regulations.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact your local pollution control or waste management agency to find out the proper way to dispose of asbestos waste in your area.

• Check with your doctor before you remove asbestos to make sure you can use a respirator.

• Check construction and asbestos removal regulations in your area before removing asbestos from your home. Some states and cities require that any asbestos removal be performed by certified asbestos removal technicians.

References

• Minnesota Department of Health: Asbestos -- Homeowner Information
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration: Significant Changes in the Asbestos Standard for Construction
• Minnesota Department of Health: Asbestos Floor Tile Removal
• Maine Bureau of Remediation & Waste Management: Information That Realty Agents Should Know About Asbestos Regulations
• Asbestos Siding: Asbestos Siding Removal
• Wisconsin Department of Health Services: Asbestos Guidelines -- Roofing, Siding and Window Contractors