Remove or side over asbestos shingle?
My house has asbestos shingles on 3 sides. I am getting estimates for vinyl siding, some new windows (Andersen tilt-wash, not replacement windows) perhaps new roof, some other things. I am trying to get something definitive about whether it's better to side over the asbestos shingle on the 3 sides and the wood shake in the front and on the garage, or if it should be removed. Most contractors don't want to remove it, but I have one who will. My question is whether it's worth removing it, and also if siding over it presents disclosure issues upon sale of the house. My understanding is that this kind of shingle, which was used a lot in the 1940's and 1950's (my house was built circa 1952), is not a high-risk kind of asbestos, since it's mostly cement with the asbestos fibers. My question really has to do a) aesthetics of siding over siding; especially with new windows; and b) what kinds of disclosure issues there might be upon resale. Can anyone help? The state is NJ. I would be inclined to side over the asbestos. It is not a concern if it is not disturbed. Removing it may open up all manner of inspections, licenses, environmental intrusions, governmental meddling, and hidden costs. Someone who is licensed to remove asbestos does not ordinarily do such work cheaply, because of all the regulations imposed upon this endeavor. It may be prudent to check local laws. I'm just concerned about potential buyers (not that I'm planning to sell in the near future) freaking out about it. It looks pretty clear that you have to disclose this on sale. I contacted my local building department, and the laws are weird -- you can take it down yourself as a homeowner, but a contractor should be licensed for asbestos abatement (which none are). I don't really care one way or the other (especially if foam board on top of the siding will also provide more insulation), but I just don't want to end up with an unsaleable house 30 years down the line. My next door neighbor may be a problem too. He's already cut branches on one of my trees back to the trunk because they are right over his daughter's room -- I can imagine the stink he'll kick up if we start ripping off asbestos shingles. If you take this down yourself, where will you dispose of it? Find that out before you plan to remove it yourself. Your local landfill may charge a princely sum to take it, if at all. It may have to be shipped in a sealed truck to a hazardous waste disposal facility many miles away. There is a lot of passion and very little science supporting all the concern for asbestos and its potential for being a hazard. Nevertheless, there are many laws, restrictions, licenses, fees, and other such abounding. Who knows what may happen in 30 years. It may be that there is some restriction on the old glass in windows in a house because not all of it is tempered. Your neighbor can cut the limbs back to the property line, but no further. Being a homeowner, i would remove the shingles myself. The reason i would remove them is when you're nailing siding over them, they begin to crack and some fall apart and slide behind the wall and end up settling at the bottom of the wall. If you remove them, you can check the walls themselves for any damage from water and/or bugs over the 50 yrs the house has been standing. As for disposal?, i would just get a dumpster and dispose of them there. It can be very expensive to properly remove and dispose of asbestos siding. I've seen a lot of people cover it up, but I've never seen anyone actually have them removed. It is perfectly acceptable to encapsulate it behind new siding, and it should not affect the value or sale of your home. Just disclose it if you ever sell. As long as the asbestos shingle siding is not friable (powdery) where the dust could be enhaled, it is perfectly safe. Although you can't get asbestos shingle siding anymore, you can get siding shingles that look exactly like them made out of cement fiber (same stuff as Hardi-Plank) for repairs and replacements. I would cover it up with new siding or just replace those that need it with the cement fiber shingles. Good Luck! Mike After speaking with the town building inspectors and several contractors, the job now involves siding over the asbestos shingle. The wood shakes in the front of the house and on the garage will come off. Our home has asbestos siding as described in the earlier emails - asbestos with cement - where can we buy replacements? We have about 20 shingles that are cracked need to be replaced. Thanks very much for your assistance. happysandy, It is unlikely that you will find asbestos or asbestos products for sale. I want to cover the asbestos with cultured(veneer) stone. I will have to attach the ties somehow, but drilling could cause the asbestos to get into the air. Any suggestions? Is this even possible? Cover the siding with polystyrene-foam insulation panels. Make sure screws penetrate at least 3/4 inch into the wall studs. Hang the new vinyl siding using 2-in.-long nails. If you are drilling, hammering or breaking any tiles, use a respirator. Asbestos removal must be done by a certified contractor (look under Asbestos in the yellow pages). Improper removal is illegal and increases the health risks to you and your family. I was wondering if anyone would know if it is safer to paint over asbestos siding rather than to put vinyl siding over it? I am looking into purchasing a home that has asbestos siding (previous owners had to disclose this on the home disclosure by law), but the only thing holding me back is the dangerous asbestos siding. The siding is breaking apart in some areas. I have been told it is easier to paint over it rather than to have it vinyl sided. Is this true? And how safe would it be? Any responses would be greatly appreciated. If the siding is breaking apart in places, you will probably want to replace the broken panels. I think Hardiplank makes something similar, at least that's what I'm told. If it's in good shape, I do think you can paint it, but you can't powerwash it beforehand or anything like that. My good news is that I have FINALLY hired the guy who did my windows 3 years ago to do the roof, siding, and windows. He is hiring an asbestos abatement contractor to remove the old siding. This involves a radical cash-ectomy to the tune of some $4400. Ouch.
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