Asbestos siding question?

[Jason S]

I am new here so I apologize in advance if I posted in the wrong forum. I have a rental property that was built in 1951 and still has the asbestos siding on it. My question is: can I put vinyl siding over it or does it need to removed first? There is no damage to the asbestos that I can see. However, it is in need of painting. I plan on holding onto this property long term and didn't know if it would be cost efficient to put vinyl siding up or just paint it? I know that cost will vary from contractor to contractor and state to state. But has anyone had any experience with asbestos that can give me a ballpark on cost of putting vinyl siding up. The home is small (approx 800 SF). Please let me know what additional information is needed for a valid response. And thanks in advance for anyone that takes time to give me any advice.

[Kevin M]

Jason,
You can put vinyl over asbestos,its not as hard as people make it out to be.i have heard some say you have to predrill holes for the nails,this is simply not true.when you nail most pieces will just crack and stay in place.the cost of materials is around $100 a square(10x10area)this includes everything to do that square ex..j channel,corner posts,starter,undersill.youll also want to use fanfold insulation3/8 or 1/2inch.cost is about $14sq.labor varies from region to region but in these times you can get someone to do it for $40-50sq just buy your own materials.good luck