What is the best way to remove asbestos-containing siding?
If it becomes necessary to remove the siding, it is recommended that it be removed with minimal breakage. To do this it should not be hammered, sawn, or dropped. Siding should be removed in whole pieces and then carried or lowered to the disposal area (instead of letting it drop to the ground). Siding will most likely break where it is fastened to the building, these areas should be moistened with water before attempting to remove the fasteners. Often a type of pliers, called “lineman’s pliers” can be used to cut off the heads of the nails. Fasteners may also be cut by inserting a reciprocating saw behind the shingle and carefully cutting it without damaging the shingle. The ground underneath the work area should be protected with heavy plastic (>= 6mil) in order to catch any debris that might inadvertently fall. Debris should be carefully removed from the plastic at the end of every workday. In NJ it is not required that a NJ licensed asbestos contractor remove this type of material.
