QA

How To Remove Asbestos Siding

Remove pieces of siding by pulling nails or cutting nail heads to minimize breakage. If necessary, carefully lift siding pieces with pry tool to expose nail heads. If siding should begin to crack or crumble, immediately wet the cracked or broken areas with the spray water bottle or garden pump sprayer.

Is it safe to cover asbestos siding?

Exposure to and breathing asbestos fibers can result in lung problems and cancer. Applying a layer of sheathing or sheets of foam insulation over the asbestos, then covering it with vinyl siding is a common practice; but be sure to check your local building codes first to see if it is allowed in your area.

How do you cut old asbestos siding?

If at all possible, asbestos shingles should be cut with a shingle cutter. Sawing siding panels with an abrasive saw will release large quantities of fibers. The shingles can also be scored with a carbide knife and snapped clean. In either case, a respirator with a HEPA filter should be worn.

How much does it cost to paint asbestos siding?

For 1,500 sq. ft, it can cost from $3,000 to $9,000. Encapsulating is a more inexpensive option for full replacement. An expert will painstakingly paint your siding using a latex masonry primer and high-grade latex paint.

Can you pressure wash asbestos siding?

Do not power wash your siding. This could release cancer-causing particles into the air which could end up in your lungs.

Can I cut asbestos siding with a utility knife?

Answer: You can cut the siding by using either a utility knife or circular saw. Both are pretty easy to work with. If you’ve got an old-style asbestos siding, go for the utility knife or blade paper cutter.

How do you paint asbestos siding?

Best Paint for Asbestos Siding With the protective seal, encapsulant paint can prevent cracking, chipping, and subsequently, the release of asbestos particles. This type of paint works best on a dry and clean surface. After sanding down and cleaning the siding, apply a thick, water-based, 100% acrylic latex primer.

Can I sell a house with asbestos in it?

Is it illegal to sell a property with asbestos? Absolutely not, although you will have to disclose its presence if you are already aware of it.

Can you paint old asbestos siding?

Painting asbestos siding is often a much better alternative than trying to remove it. It’s not difficult at all to paint asbestos siding, as one of its benefits is that paint easily adheres to it and it is very durable and can last for decades without chipping or cracking.

Do you need to prime asbestos siding?

If the asbestos-cement siding is already painted and the paint is in good condition, clean the siding and then use a high-quality acrylic latex paint. Priming may not be necessary if the old paint is in good condition (free from peeling, cracking, flaking, etc.).

What kind of paint do you use on asbestos siding?

Latex paint is the preferred paint for asbestos cement siding, but needs a base coat of latex primer for proper adhesion. Select the highest quality satin latex paint and prepare the tiles properly for a perfect finish.

What is asbestos siding called?

Asbestos lumber — also called asbestos cement sheathing, it was used in siding materials such as false brick facing and shingles.

Can you wash asbestos shingles?

Leeper explained that asbestos shingles must be cleaned “with a soft-bristle brush” similar to a car-cleaning brush. You can also use detergent, like dishwashing liquid, with the brush. Leeper called this method “the safest way” to clean shingles.

How can I tell if my siding is asbestos?

The only true way to identify asbestos siding is to have it tested. It does have some characteristics too look for. It is ususally in a shingle/shake form 12″x24″. It may be smooth, or have a pressed wood-grain pattern on the surface of the board.

Can I put new siding over old asbestos siding?

So, when new siding is installed on houses having asbestos-cement siding, it’s usually done to improve or update the appearance of the house and not because the shingles are worn out. Some experts recommend screwing, rather than nailing, when new siding is installed over existing asbestos-cement siding.

Can you cut asbestos siding with a tile saw?

Asbestos siding as it is on a house is perfectly safe. Asbestos dust, which is what would be created by sawing it, is the dangerous part. If you absolutely have to cut it, do not use power tools. Use a hand saw with a water stream and wear a good quality dust mask.

How do you cut old siding?

For vinyl shake siding, you can cut panels using snips or a circular saw with a blade that can be used for vinyl. Snips work best for long, vertical cuts while circular vinyl siding saws work best for short, vertical cuts.

Can you sand asbestos siding?

As long as you don’t drill, sand or brush the shingles, the asbestos remains encapsulated in a type of mortar-like base that makes it harmless. You’d still want to wear a respirator working with the stuff, just to be safe, but that’s just an added precaution.

Should I prime asbestos before painting?

Prime First This will not only ensure that the paint takes well, but will also give it the proper protection. Priming asbestos siding helps to keep the fibers in, which is what poses such a danger and what worries people the most.

What replaced asbestos siding?

The Best Replacement Option These are generally fiber cement siding. Some are hesitant to use vinyl because it does not have the same heat resistance and insulation properties of asbestos exterior cladding.

Can you put stucco over asbestos siding?

If your building has old asbestos siding, cover it with stucco. It’ll give you a smooth finish. Its hazardous effects will be lessened as well.

How do you cover asbestos siding with vinyl?

Inspect the outside of the home for any damages to the asbestos siding. Measure the house for siding and the backer board. Install the vapor barrier. Cut the backer board to fit the dimensions of your home. Install the starter strip at the bottom of the house. “Hang” the siding.