Nailing Asbestos Siding

Let the siding dry then prime and paint with the best exterior latex you can find.

Nailing asbestos siding.

A common remodeling practice is to install new vinyl or aluminum siding over cement asbestos shingle siding as well as over many other older siding materials when the old siding has become damaged leaky or cosmetically ugly. It is very brittle and has a tendency to crack and break when nailed which can release asbestos fibers into both the air and ground. Start by hooking the siding on the bottom of the starter strip with the nail holes facing upward. When you nail siding to the house remember to nail the siding loose.

Exposure to and breathing asbestos fibers can result in lung problems and cancer. Now that you have your backer board up and set firmly in place you can put the siding up safely without worrying about the asbestos falling down behind the siding. Covering old asbestos shingles with new siding may seem like an option too but it s not easy to do safely. Nail it in place using several nails a few inches apart until the top of the plastic is fully attached.

Asbestos shingles are relatively strong but brittle. A typical procedure is to install furring strips on the existing wall avoiding breaking the existing siding. You can t drive screws and nails through them without pre drilling.