Installing Vinyl Siding Over Asbestos Shingles

I m not saying that new siding over old is often preferable but there is a right way and a wrong way to do everything.

Installing vinyl siding over asbestos shingles. Some people attempt to solve the problem of deteriorating asbestos siding by installing vinyl siding over top of it. Unless asbestos siding is disturbed it doesn t pose a significant health hazard and does not need to be removed. First the siding installation process itself nailing into the existing boards or tiles is enough to disturb the existing material and create a dangerous condition. Choose a paint that is mold and mildew resistant as well as waterproof.

Asbestos siding though hard can flake over time which will lead to the possibility of you inhaling the asbestos. Asbestos cement shingle siding is common on houses built or re sided from. Alternatively if you leave the asbestos on your home you can safely seal the old siding underneath the new siding and because asbestos is an excellent insulator you will actually be adding to the energy efficiency of your home by leaving it on. This article series includes a photo guide and text that can help in identification of asbestos containing wall siding products like asphalt shingles asbestos cement siding shingles.

I ve seen house fires where the vinyl siding burned off only to reveal the superior asbestos shingles underneath which saved the house. How to remove and dispose of asbestos siding roofing today s. This practice is not recommended for a number of reasons. Both the epa and the vinyl siding institute recommend not disturbing asbestos if at all possible.

The easiest way to paint the asbestos siding is to use a paint sprayer. Removing asbestos is often cost prohibitive for most people. Installing vinyl siding will require disturbing the asbestos by nailing into it. If the job had been done right the house would have been a total loss.

Painting the asbestos siding will help prevent this from happening.