Asbestos siding removal?

[Keri Potter]

Just closed on first investment property, currently buy and hold. Doing minor updates. It’s a 1940s apt bldg. 3 sides have asbestos siding, the front is brick. 2 sides have siding on top of the asbestos. The back is still asbestos siding. I was planning on painting it. My repair guys suggested removing it and the pipes and things that are still there but no longer being used and putting siding (would involve the state). I want to do everything the right way but don’t want to spend money unnecessarily. If I took off the back asbestos I feel like the sides would need to be redone too or there is still the presence of asbestos. Is there a benefit to going through everything to remove the asbestos or is it best to just cover it?

[Roy N.]

@Keri Potter

Asbestos siding is typically on the lower end of the risk, and cost, scale and the asbestos does not become friable unless you are cutting or drilling through it.   That said, it is also one of the few remediations, which with a bit of planning and instruction could be done by any contractor or as a DIY (unless prohibited in your area): cover the ground with poly; wear appropriate protective clothing and respirator; wet the siding just before you remove it; when done, roll up the debris in the poly and tape it closed; dispose of the waste at the appropriate facilities; and, don't do the removal on a windy day.

Alternatively, you can encapsulate the asbestos siding by covering it over with {insulation and} new siding.  If you go this route, you will need to disclose the presence of the asbestos to any contractors or service providers (cable, telephone, hydro) who may have to drill through the hidden asbestos siding.

Finally, you could give it a fresh coat of paint - and perhaps apply a sealant - and leave it.