I ve seen house fires where the vinyl siding burned off only to reveal the superior asbestos shingles underneath which saved the house.
Safe way to put new siding over asbestos siding.
Applying a layer of sheathing or sheets of foam insulation over the asbestos then covering it with vinyl siding is a common practice.
Nail it in place using several nails a few inches apart until the top of the plastic is fully attached.
As a rule when new vinyl siding is installed on top of the asbestos the three eight insulation underlayment has to be installed behind it so it adds even more to the energy efficiency of your house.
Some people attempt to solve the problem of deteriorating asbestos siding by installing vinyl siding over top of it.
In that case you add some extra insulation on to the walls of your house.
If you have tough rules keep the siding and use tarpaper only.
Place the top edge of the plastic sheeting at the top of the exterior wall above the siding.
The plastic is used to create a barrier to the elements as well as prevents the siding from rubbing against the painted asbestos siding.
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.
Was the problem that they put new siding over old or that they put new siding over a rotted wall with no drainage plain in between.
However removing the asbestos siding first though more expensive is the best alternative in the long run.
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.
If the job had been done right the house would have been a total loss.
Asbestos like lead becomes a threat only when they are cut or sanded into a dust.
Covering old asbestos shingles with new siding may seem like an option too but it s not easy to do safely.
Shattered cracked broken pieces of asbestos siding were allowed last time i heard to be thrown out the normal way.
This practice is not recommended for a number of reasons.
Asbestos shingles are relatively strong but brittle.
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.
You can t drive screws and nails through them without pre drilling.
If the shingles are to be removed they should be wetted during the process.
