Can You Nail Through Asbestos Siding

I plan to install vinyl siding on a business firm that has asbestos siding. Should I remove the asbestos siding or side over information technology? -Frank

Hi Frank,

Unless asbestos siding is disturbed, it doesn't pose a significant health adventure and does not need to be removed. Both the EPA and the Vinyl Siding Institute recommend non disturbing asbestos if at all possible. Installing vinyl siding volition require agonizing the asbestos by nailing into information technology.

About Asbestos Siding

Asbestos siding is composed of asbestos fibers mixed with Portland cement. It is very brittle and has a tendency to scissure and break when nailed, which can release asbestos fibers into both the air and ground. Exposure to and breathing asbestos fibers can result in lung problems and cancer.

Applying a layer of capsule or sheets of foam insulation over the asbestos, then covering it with vinyl siding is a common exercise; just be certain to check your local building codes first to run into if information technology is allowed in your area. However, removing the asbestos siding first – though more expensive – is the best culling in the long run.

I recommend having a certified asbestos removal contractor have the existing asbestos siding off, though in many areas homeowners are allowed remove asbestos siding themselves if they follow proper precautions. Get-go past sending a sample of the siding to an EPA approved lab for testing to brand sure the siding actually contains asbestos.

Removing Asbestos Siding

If the test comes dorsum positive, and you practise decide to remove asbestos siding yourself, it'southward important to follow all safety guidelines and dispose of the asbestos material properly, including:

Place half-dozen-mil plastic sheeting on the footing around the firm to take hold of whatever debris.
Clothing a properly fitted respirator that's approved for asbestos (HEPA filter, colored coded imperial).
Wear disposable coveralls with hood, rubber gloves, goggles, and rubber boots.
Practice not bring asbestos contaminated clothing, boots, or tools within your home.
Post warning signs and keep other people well away from the area while working.
Keep all windows and doors to the house closed during removal.
Wet the asbestos siding and removed debris down with water before and during removal.
Work from the top down, removing the snails to keep from breaking the asbestos siding.
Do not throw or drop removed asbestos siding.
Wrap asbestos siding in vi-mil thick plastic sheeting and secure the plastic with duct tape, or place the debris in heavy duty plastic bags.
Dispose of the asbestos properly at a landfill, or contact your local waste product drove service to find out if they volition choice upwardly asbestos fabric.
Dispose of all clothing and boots used during asbestos removal.
Wash and clean all tools used during asbestos removal.
Bathe thoroughly later on working with asbestos.

Once the asbestos siding has been removed and disposed of, install insulation and breathable housewrap over the capsule before applying new vinyl siding.

Skillful luck with your project,

Danny