Nailing Asbestos Siding

Covering old asbestos shingles with new siding may seem like an option too but it s not easy to do safely.

Nailing asbestos siding.

You can t drive screws and nails through them without pre drilling. Exposure to and breathing asbestos fibers can result in lung problems and cancer. Place the top edge of the plastic sheeting at the top of the exterior wall above the 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.

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. About asbestos siding asbestos siding is composed of asbestos fibers mixed with portland cement. Nail it in place using several nails a few inches apart until the top of the plastic is fully attached. When you nail siding to the house remember to nail the siding loose.

A typical procedure is to install furring strips on the existing wall avoiding breaking the existing 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. Asbestos shingles are relatively strong but brittle.