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Asbestos siding can be a real headache when you want to remodel or change your home’s exterior. It is essential to understand the health risks associated with asbestos siding and take the proper steps to safely and effectively manage and deal with it.
Removing and covering asbestos siding is no easy task, and it is essential for any homeowner looking to tackle this issue to ensure that the job does safely and adequately. So, the Home Affluence team recommends these steps to cover asbestos siding:
- Identify and assess the presence of asbestos siding.
- Assess the condition of the asbestos siding.
- Choose the covering for asbestos siding.
- Check local regulations for asbestos siding covering.
- Prepare the siding for covering.
- Use covering materials to cover the asbestos siding.
- Apply the covering material.
- Take necessary safety precautions.
- Measure and cut the covering material.
- Attach the material to the siding.
- Secure the covering materials to the asbestos siding.
- Caulk the seams of the covering material.
- Paint the covering material.
- Maintain the covering on the asbestos siding.
- Dispose of asbestos siding safely.
Let’s walk you through the steps of covering asbestos siding to protect your home, family, and yourself from avoidable hazards.
We will discuss why asbestos siding is dangerous, the proper safety equipment and measures to take, and the several methods for covering asbestos siding.
How To Cover Asbestos Siding
Identify and assess the presence of asbestos siding
Before attempting to cover asbestos siding, it is crucial to identify and assess the presence of asbestos. Asbestos is a hazardous material that can cause serious health problems if disturbed. Before beginning any project, it is essential to check for asbestos.
It can do with a simple visual inspection of the siding. If asbestos is suspected, samples must be tested by an accredited laboratory. It does recommend having a professional contractor or asbestos consultant assess any potential asbestos present before taking any action.
Assess the condition of the asbestos siding.
Before you begin covering an asbestos siding, it is crucial to assess the condition of the existing siding.
Look for signs of damage, including cracks, holes, and crumbling sections.
If the siding is rough, consider replacing it instead of covering it.
The siding is in good condition. It would help if you still had it inspected to ensure no underlying issues.
If the siding is older than 20 years, it does recommend that a professional inspect it to determine if it is safe to cover.
Choose the covering for asbestos siding.
Once a survey of the siding is complete, the next step is determining the type of coverage used to cover the asbestos siding.
Depending on your budget and the existing condition of the siding, there are several different options available. The three most common types of coverage for asbestos siding are vinyl siding, stucco, and elastomeric coating. Vinyl siding is the least expensive option and is relatively easy to install and maintain.
Stucco can offer a more natural look and is more expensive, although installation and maintenance involve more.
Elastomeric coating is the most expensive option but is the most effective at sealing off the asbestos siding and preventing further contamination.
Check local regulations for asbestos siding covering.
Before beginning to cover asbestos siding, it is essential to check with local regulations.
Each state and municipality have different regulations regarding asbestos siding, and it is essential to follow these regulations to ensure proper safety and adherence to the law.
It may include the need for a permit, inspection, or the approval of a qualified professional in the field. Researching the applicable regulations and consulting with a professional before beginning any project can ensure it is safe and efficient.
Prepare the siding for covering.
Before beginning to cover asbestos siding, it is vital to prepare it properly. It is crucial that the siding is completely clean and free of any debris or dust.
To do this, use a soft-bristled brush and an approved cleaning solution to lightly scrub any dirt, dust, and debris from the siding.
Use a pressure washer to ensure the siding does thoroughly clean. Be sure to fully dry the siding before beginning the covering process.
Use covering materials to cover the asbestos siding
When covering an asbestos siding, it is essential to ensure the covering material is installed correctly.
To do this, it does recommend using a covering material specifically designed for asbestos siding.
This material should be thick enough to cover the siding completely, providing insulation, protection, and soundproofing.
Additionally, ensure that the material securely adheres to the siding so it does not lose over time. Finally, inspect the material regularly, as it may need replacement if damaged.
Apply the covering material.
Once you have prepped the surface and applied the adhesive, it’s time to use the covering material.
When covering an asbestos siding, it is vital to use a thick, durable material designed for this purpose.
Asbestos siding can be dangerous when exposed, so the covering material should be applied carefully and thoroughly.
Cut the fabric to fit the siding panels, leaving an extra inch of material on all sides.
Learn More: How To Cut Paneling
Peel back half of the adhesive backing, and affix the material to the siding.
Then, peel back the remaining adhesive and press the material firmly onto the siding.
Ensure that the material is flush with the edges of the siding and that there are no air bubbles or gaps between the material and the siding.
Take necessary safety precautions.
It is crucial to take necessary safety precautions when covering asbestos siding.
You must wear protective clothing such as respirators, safety glasses, and gloves.
You should also work in a well-ventilated area and keep bystanders out of the work zone.
Additionally, it would help if you washed the siding before starting work to reduce airborne asbestos fibers.
Finally, ensure that all materials used for the covering do rate for asbestos abatement. These safety precautions will help protect yourself and others from asbestos exposure.
Measure and cut the covering material
Measuring and cutting the covering material to cover asbestos siding requires specific safety and handling protocols.
The covering material must be cut with a sharp utility knife, careful not to disturb the asbestos siding beneath.
The covering material should be measured and cut slightly larger than the asbestos siding.
A dust mask and safety glasses should work when measuring and cutting the material.
Every cut should be made in one motion, away from the body, to prevent contact with the asbestos.
After cutting, the covering material should be laid in place and secured with a heavy-duty adhesive.
All safety and handling protocols should be strictly followed when measuring and cutting the covering material to cover asbestos siding.
Measure and cut the covering material
Before beginning to cover asbestos siding, the area must first measure, and the covering material does cut to the correct size. It is essential to take accurate measurements to ensure the material fits appropriately and provides complete coverage.
Once the measurements have to take, you can cut the covering material safely and accurately with a utility knife.
It is essential to wear protective gear such as gloves, a respirator, and safety eyewear while working with asbestos and to ensure that all debris is removed and disposed of properly.
Taking the necessary precautions will ensure a safe and successful project.
Attach the material to the siding.
Attaching material to asbestos siding can be complicated and should only be done by a professional.
First, inspect the siding to ensure it is in good condition.
Determine the ideal attachment method, such as mechanical fasteners or adhesives, and select a compatible material that can be attached to the siding. Before securing the material to the siding, it should be cut to size and pre-drilled to receive the fasteners.
Take care not to penetrate the siding too deeply, as this can damage the siding.
Once the material is in place, use caulking to seal any gaps and ensure the material is securely attached.
Finally, inspect the siding and material for any damage signs and ensure the job to do correctly.
Caulk the seams of the covering material.
Caulking the seams of covering material is essential for those covering asbestos siding.
It is necessary to ensure a good seal and limit exposure to hazardous asbestos particles.
First, the surface must be cleaned and dry.
Then, a high-quality exterior caulk should apply with a caulking gun. Ensure to fill in all the gaps, cracks, and seams around the covering material.
Once the caulk does apply, smooth it out with your finger or a wet sponge and allow it to dry before painting. These simple steps will ensure a safe covering over the asbestos siding, protecting against potential exposure.
Paint the covering material.
Covering asbestos siding as soon as possible is vital to prevent exposure to hazardous fibers.
The most effective way to cover asbestos siding is to paint over it.
It is crucial to choose a paint that does label as being “asbestos-resistant.”
Also, essential to use a primer specifically designed to bond to asbestos siding before applying the top coat.
It is essential to use a good quality paint brush that can reach all the nooks and crannies of the siding to ensure complete coverage.
After the paint has dried and cured, inspecting the siding and caulking any cracks or gaps is crucial to reduce the risk of asbestos exposure.
Following these steps and using quality materials will ensure the asbestos siding is safely and effectively covered.
Maintain the covering on the asbestos siding.
Maintaining the covering on asbestos siding is vital to ensure the safety of those living in or visiting the building. The body should regularly inspect to check for signs of damage or wear.
Any areas that appear damaged or worn should repair or replace immediately.
The covering should also adequately seal to prevent air from reaching the asbestos underneath.
If the covering does not maintain correctly, the asbestos materials underneath may become exposed, leading to potential health risks for those living in the building.
Regular maintenance and inspections of the covering should conduct to ensure the safety of everyone in the building.
Dispose of asbestos siding safely.
When disposing of asbestos siding, it is essential to follow all safety protocols to protect oneself and the environment.
First, the siding should cover with plastic sheeting and wetted down to minimize the risk of asbestos fibers do release into the air.
After this, the siding should seal in leak-proof containers for transport and disposal.
Proper disposal requirements vary from state to state, so it is important to research local regulations before disposing of the asbestos siding.
Hiring a professional to handle the disposal do highly recommend.
Professionals trained to handle asbestos safely and abide by all local regulations when disposing of the siding.
Taking these steps to dispose of the asbestos siding safely will help protect both the environment and those involved in the disposal process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you cover asbestos siding?
Yes! Of course, some experts suggest the asbestos siding with screws rather than nails if you want to side with the existing siding. During the procedure, the shingles should be removed and wetted to prevent the fibers from the air. They should be disposed of properly.
Can asbestos siding be repaired?
Asbestos siding is difficult, but the good news is that you can replace it with another one that matches the older one.
You can repair asbestos siding by using patchwork in small areas with cracks, holes, and gaps you can see. But the old asbestos sidings are textured and grooved, so they are challenging to repair. So, it is better to replace the whole piece with new ones. So many options, types, and styles are available from the reputed companies in the market as far as there is a discussion of replacing asbestos siding. The weather side-line of fiber cement is the famous option for this purpose.
How do you clean asbestos siding?
To clean asbestos siding, mix one teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with water in a spray bottle, and place all the products at the entry and exit. Clean the wet rags with a water sprayer and place the asbestos waste disposable bags on the entry and exit places.
Expert Opinion
Dealing with asbestos siding safely and effectively requires a certain amount of knowledge and skill.
With suitable precautions and procedures in place, however, homeowners can successfully cover asbestos siding and protect their homes from potential asbestos exposure while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of their exterior.
Homeowners should always consult a professional with questions or concerns about their asbestos siding before attempting to cover it.
Finally, covering asbestos siding is a great way to protect your home and safety. Not only will it help to keep your family safe, but it will also help to preserve the value of your home.
Following the above steps, you can quickly and safely take on this asbestos siding project.
References
- Safe Way to Put New Siding Over Asbestos Siding – Home Arise. (2021). Home Arise. Retrieved from https://homearise.com/new-siding-over-asbestos-siding/
- How to Safely Remove Asbestos Siding. (2022). The Spruce.
- LIPFORD, D. (2011). Dealing with Asbestos Siding: Cover Over or Remove? – Today’s Homeowner. Today’s Homeowner.
- What You Should Know About Asbestos-Cement Siding. (2022). The Spruce.
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