Table of Contents
How do you fix asbestos shingles?
Cracks can often be made almost invisible by sealing them with a high-quality, acrylic-latex caulk, then touching up the caulk with paint that matches the shingle color. A missing shingle or two is an easy repair. The replacement shingles have predrilled nailing holes across the bottom.
What can I replace asbestos siding with?
Finding Replacement Asbestos Siding As far as finding replacement siding, various types and styles are now available from companies such as GAF,, with the GAF Weatherside line of fiber cement siding being one of the most popular and readily available.
Can you cover asbestos shingles with 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 long do asbestos shingles last?
The life expectancy of an asbestos cement shingle roof is 40 to 60 years, with an average of 50 years. It will last longer with luck and diligent maintenance, and we saw one roof a few years ago that was just beginning to fail at 60 years old.
Can you nail into asbestos siding?
Because it’s better than risking your health. However, if your asbestos siding is in good condition, you can definitely nail into it. Directly putting pressure while nailing into the siding can cause it to break.
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.
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.
Can I 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.
When were asbestos shingles banned?
For many years, roofing shingles made of hydraulic cement and asbestos were the gold standard. Sturdy and fireproof, asbestos shingles soared in popularity beginning in the early 1900s until health risks associated with material became widely publicized, resulting in a nationwide ban of the product in 1989.
How do you seal asbestos siding?
As long as the material is not disturbed, it is perfectly safe. A fresh coat of paint is a good way to seal in the asbestos and keep it in its place. Someday, you’ll probably want to repair or replace the asbestos siding.
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 walk on an asbestos roof?
The simple fact is that you should never walk directly on an asbestos roof. The fragile nature of asbestos cement sheets means that they can give way without warning.
Should you remove old shingles roof?
If any areas of the roof have become severely damaged, it’s usually better to remove the old shingles and start from scratch. If you’re going to add a roof on top of an old one, it’s a good idea to remove any loose shingles and apply a new layer of 30-pound roofing felt before laying the new shingles.
Can I drill a hole in asbestos siding?
That being said, carefully grinding a hole through a few asbestos shingles is not going to be problem if you contain dust within a simple plastic enclosure, or a stream of water. Pretend you’re working in an archaeology museum and you MUST keep dust to an absolute minimum.
Do you have to disclose asbestos when selling a house?
Absolutely not, although you will have to disclose its presence if you are already aware of it. The Property Misdescriptions Act of 2013 states that it is an offence to withhold such information, and failing to abide by the law could invalidate the sale and result in prosecution.
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.
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.).
How do you encapsulate asbestos siding?
The two most affordable options are: 1) applying new vinyl siding over your asbestos siding to safely encapsulate the asbestos or 2) simply replacing older broken (cracked, chipped, etc.) pieces of asbestos siding with matching panels from GAF and James Hardie.
How do I know if my siding is asbestos?
How do I know if my roofing or siding contains asbestos? Look for asbestos markings on the roofing or siding material or the packages in which they came, or call the manufacturer. Another alternative is to hire a Minnesota certified asbestos inspector to sample the material and submit it for laboratory analysis.
Should you remove old siding before installing vinyl siding?
The short answer is that removing old siding is almost always a better idea. Some homeowners may also worry they need to remove the siding themselves before the siding replacement installation, but with Weather Tight, that’s not the case.
