The Transite Siding Mystery: Uncovering New Jersey's Hidden Housing Trait

Transite is a mixture of asbestos and concrete that was used in the siding of houses, sheds, and garages, as well as roofing, piping, HVAC ducts, and gutter systems. While transite was phased out in the 1980s, it is still present in many homes in New Jersey. If you are a homeowner in New Jersey, it is important to be aware of the potential presence of transite and other asbestos-containing materials in your home. Asbestos can pose serious health risks, and proper assessment and handling by professionals are crucial to ensure the safety of you and your family.

Transite is a mixture of asbestos and concrete, used for siding and other building components

Transite is a brand name for a range of asbestos-cement products that originated in 1929. Over time, the term 'transite' became a generic term for any hard, fireproof composite material made from a mixture of asbestos and concrete. Transite was used in a variety of applications, including siding, roofing, gutters, pipes, and wallboard.

Transite was prized for its durability and fire resistance. The addition of asbestos fibres to a cement base provided tensile strength and made the material highly resistant to corrosion. Transite was also used in applications where fire retardancy was a key requirement, such as furnace flues, soffit and fascia panels, and walk-in coolers in supermarkets.

However, the use of asbestos in transite was phased out in the 1980s due to health concerns. Asbestos is a proven carcinogen, and the release of asbestos fibres during the cutting, breaking, or machining of transite posed a serious health risk to workers and the general public. Despite this, transite is still not banned in the United States, and it is estimated that some 230,000 deaths have been attributed to it.

Today, transite is manufactured without asbestos and instead uses crystalline silica, which provides similar properties. However, crystalline silica is also classified as a carcinogen and can cause silicosis, a non-cancerous lung disease.

Transite was manufactured by John Mansville from the 1920s until the 1980s

Transite is a mixture of asbestos and concrete that was manufactured by John Mansville (or Johns-Manville) from the 1920s until the 1980s. The brand name "Transite" was trademarked by the company in 1929 for a line of asbestos-cement products, including boards and pipes. Over time, the term "Transite" became generic, referring to any hard, fireproof composite material or fibre cement boards used in wall construction.

John Mansville incorporated asbestos into Transite for its heat-resistant properties, which also made the concrete more durable and less permeable. The asbestos fibres mixed easily with the concrete. Transite was used in a variety of applications, including siding on houses, sheds, garages, roofing, piping, HVAC ducts, lab hoods and tables, and gutter systems. It was particularly useful where fire retardancy was important.

However, due to the health risks associated with asbestos, the use of asbestos in Transite was phased out in the 1980s. Cutting, breaking, or machining asbestos-containing Transite releases carcinogenic asbestos fibres into the air. Despite this, Transite is still produced today, but with silica instead of asbestos.

Transite is still being produced, but with silica instead of asbestos

Transite is a mixture of asbestos and concrete, first manufactured by John Mansville in the 1920s. It was used in the siding of houses, sheds, garages, and roofing, as well as piping, HVAC ducts, lab hoods, and gutter systems. Transite was popular due to its durability and the heat-resistant properties of asbestos. However, in the 1980s, the use of asbestos was phased out and replaced by crystalline silica. This was due to asbestos being a proven carcinogen, which can cause serious illnesses such as mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Despite this, transite is still being produced today, but with silica instead of asbestos. Crystalline silica, the substance used in modern-day transite, is also classified as carcinogenic to humans and can cause silicosis, a non-cancerous lung disease. As such, improper disturbance of transite may cause exposure to silica and lead to health risks.

Transite siding was commonly used in older buildings, particularly those constructed before the 1980s. If you suspect the presence of transite or other asbestos-containing materials in your property, it is recommended to contact professionals for assessment and safe removal if necessary.

While the exact number of houses with transite siding in New Jersey is unclear, it is likely that older buildings in the state may contain transite, especially those constructed before the 1980s when asbestos use was phased out.

Improper disturbance of transite may cause exposure to silica

Silica, or crystalline silica, is a common mineral found in the earth's crust. Materials like sand, stone, concrete, and mortar contain crystalline silica. It is also used to make products such as glass, pottery, ceramics, bricks, and artificial stone.

Breathing in crystalline silica particles can cause serious health issues. When silica dust enters the lungs, it causes the formation of scar tissue, making it difficult for the lungs to take in oxygen. This results in silicosis, an incurable and often fatal lung disease. Exposure to silica also increases the risk of developing lung cancer, pulmonary tuberculosis, and other airway diseases.

Therefore, it is essential to properly handle and dispose of transite or any other material containing silica. If you suspect the presence of transite or other asbestos-containing materials in your property, it is recommended to contact professionals to assess and safely remove these hazardous materials.

Transite can become friable with age, which can be problematic if it occurs in an HVAC duct

Transite is a mixture of asbestos and concrete that was manufactured by John Mansville starting in the 1920s and was phased out in the 1980s. It was used in the siding on houses, sheds, garages, and roofing, as well as piping, HVAC ducts, lab hoods and tables, and gutter systems. Transite was desirable due to its durability, heat resistance, and ability to make concrete more durable and less permeable.

If you suspect that your property has transite, it is essential to contact a professional to assess it for asbestos. They can take samples and analyse them in a laboratory to determine the presence and concentration of asbestos. If transite is found in your HVAC duct, there are a few options for remediation:

• Sealant: Some contractors offer duct-sealants as an in-duct spray to prevent or reduce the risk of asbestos fibre release. However, this may only provide a false sense of security, and it can be challenging to inspect the duct in the future to ensure the sealant remains intact.
• Abandonment: Another option is to abandon the in-slab HVAC ducts and install alternate heat sources. This removes the asbestos hazard and also addresses issues such as flooded ducts, mould, and, in some cases, radon gas entry.
• Replacement: If removal or replacement of the transite HVAC duct is necessary or desired, it is crucial to hire a licensed and reputable contractor who follows proper safety procedures to minimise asbestos exposure during the process.

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