Nailing Into Asbestos Siding

Covering old asbestos shingles with new siding may seem like an option too but it s not easy to do safely.

Nailing into asbestos siding.

Usually one would use fibre cement nails usually 30mm x 2mm so they through to the timber frame behind but they come with a flat head so are not suitable for panelling. It is very brittle and has a tendency to crack and break when nailed which can release asbestos fibers into both the air and ground. But using a fast grab contact adhesive can remove the need for nails altogether as the nails would really be only to hold in place until the adhesive cures. Asbestos siding is composed of asbestos fibers mixed with portland cement.

Back to the vinyl or hardie if there is no solid sheathing under the asbestos only fiber board you will need to makes sure you are nailing directly into the studs. Exposure to and breathing asbestos fibers can result in lung problems and cancer. You can t drive screws and nails through them without pre drilling. 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.

If you don tape you can just install some tyvel wrap over the fanfold. 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. This would trigger dust and asbestos dust is a problem as i ve mentioned. Finally if you do use fanfold you should tape the seams.

You can t nail through the asbestos siding if it is the rigid kind it is brittle and will shatter. Asbestos shingles are relatively strong but brittle.