Vinyl siding over asbestos

[Michael Shadow]

Has anyone ever installed vinyl siding over asbestos? I'm going to put 1/2 foam insulation over the asbestos, then side over that.

My main question is what type of nails or screws do you use to get through the asbestos siding? Also do you know if there is an air tool that could be used to install the siding with out attaching the siding too tightly?

Thanks,

-Michael

[Account Closed]

I'd check to make sure the building codes in your area allow that; many don't.

You can't nail through the asbestos siding if it is the rigid kind, it is brittle and will shatter.

There is a vinyl siding product that uses adhesive instead of nails, but it has not been in field use long enough for me to consider it. I told the contractor who recommended it for a rental in NC to call me in 15 years and let's see how it holds up.

[Michael Shadow]

Local codes allow me to cover it.

It is the hard brittle kind. Would 1/2" furring strips be better with insulation between the strips?

-Michael

[Account Closed]

Probably, but you will need to drill through the asbestos with a masonry bit and with appropriate protection to nail the strips to the studs.

However, due to the nature of the materials, you are probably going to have to hand nail it to the strips.

[Terry Royce]

Why don't you get replacement asbestos shingles?

[Michael Shadow]

I'm not even sure you can still buy them. I also want to update the look of the property.

[Terry Royce]

You can buy matching replacements that are not asbestos. I think they break down to be 7 or 8 bucks per shingle.

http://www.abccatalog.com/store/listcategoriesandproducts.asp?idCategory=715

I am looking at a house with these, and I like the look, because it goes with the style of the house and new siding is not in the budget.

[Charles Whitaker]

I have used a pneumatic stapler to install siding over asbestos, but the siding was hardboard, not vinyl. As for the old siding, replacing it or tearing it down usually always leads to legal matters. Also, if you could somehow use a pneumatic tool the shattered siding wouldn't be able to move anyways.

[Mike Haynes]

You can use a pneumatic nailer if you make a modified head/shoe or whatever the thingy is called. You know, the part that rest on the board or vinyl.. This modification is nothing more that a piece of metal placed on the head/shoe so that it doesn’t let the hammer go all the way in and strike the vinyl. Basically it just keeps the nail from being driven up tight. I’m sure these names are maybe not correct but hope you get idea.. You will have to play with the thickness of the material you use to get the right depth.

[Josh Bertolet]

Some nailers have a depth adjustment. I know the bostitch roofing nailing has one. Many of the new models have it as well. It will drive the nail and leave almost 1/8 sticking up. They also make siding nailrs that might incorporate this feature.

[Phil *]

From what I read you should use screws, but my siding guy who is very meticulous preffers to use long nails w/o any problems.

[Carlos Santiago]

Is this house to sell or for a rental? If its for a rental, double check with your insurrance agent about difference in cost for vinyl vs. asbestos. I found that asbestos siding (which is fire resistant) is about $200/year cheaper to insure. Just FYI...

[Scott Williams]

If you drill or saw the asbestos you may get in trouble. The dust is the main health hazard.

In my experience as bad as it sounds your first plan was the best, just put insulation over it and nail through it,

Best to talk with your building codes office(maybe even call twice and make sure you get the same answer from two different people).

Asbestos and lead are both things that I hear can get very expensive in a hurry if you don't cya.

[Just Don]

'HERE" you can put a half dozen sheets of it in double plastic bags and take it to the regular land fill. It may happen sooner or later you cant do that any more.

I would say take it off,,I cant imagine residing with it on,,,When it breaks and it will,it all settles down and makes bulges where you dont want them.

Last one I took off,I picked a steady drizzle rain day,it kept me cool under my raincoat,,the dust all settled,,,very little dust to start with and took a potatoe fork and dumped it on the ground,,,alot like jerking off shingles.

And I bought a bostich nailing gun and a VS-46 adapter to apply the siding with,,,it was a 46 Bostich gun ,,,VS stands for vinyl siding,,,think the adapter was like 25-30 bucksmmmand your right,it stops the nail from being driven tight.

Its also been said,,,if you have a place in the country away from prying eyes and can bury it,,,its gone,,,and was told it really isnt illegal to do that,,,maybe they were wrong,dunno.