Nailing Asbestos Siding

Place the top edge of the plastic sheeting at the top of the exterior wall above the siding.

Nailing asbestos siding.

Start by hooking the siding on the bottom of the starter strip with the nail holes facing upward. 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. 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. Let the siding dry then prime and paint with the best exterior latex you can find. A typical procedure is to install furring strips on the existing wall avoiding breaking the existing siding. Asbestos shingles are relatively strong but brittle.

Nail it in place using several nails a few inches apart until the top of the plastic is fully attached. The plastic is used to create a barrier to the elements as well as prevents the siding from rubbing against the painted asbestos siding. 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.