What is comparable to asbestos siding?

Siding materials that use fibers and aggregate other than asbestos are properly called “fiber cement” building siding products. Some manufacturers use the term “fiber-reinforced cement” for these products.

Can you match asbestos siding?

After replacing the damaged asbestos siding shingles with new fiber cement siding shingles, you will likely need to paint the new shingles to match the rest of your home. Most big box stores are able to perform a color match. However, be sure to use a high quality, exterior rated 100% acrylic paint.

How do you replace one piece of fiber cement siding?

To remove and replace damaged siding: Cut the fiber cement siding to length (wear approved dust protection). Blind-nail the fiber cement siding in place, starting with the bottom piece. Face-nail the top piece of fiber cement siding through the old siding. Prime and paint new siding to match the old.

Do they still make asphalt siding?

There are no modern asphalt siding products that I’ve seen anywhere, nor would I recommend those, though some people nail roofing shingles onto building walls (they’re likely to fail). Modern Fiber cement shingles (not the old asbestos-fiber-cement shingles) look a lot like Marina’s product below, and are very durable.

Can you replace asbestos shingles?

The shingles are still sold by some building-supply dealers and can sometimes be bought a few at a time. However, the shingles are often available only in white, so if the existing shingles are colored, the replacement might have to be painted to match.

Are asbestos shingles still used?

Sturdy and fireproof, asbestos shingles soared in popularity beginning in the early 1900s until health risks associated with material became widely publicized, resulting in a nationwide ban of the product in 1989.

How do you repair cracked fiber cement siding?

Hardie board siding usually cracks due to poor installation. The original installer might have accidentally installed a nail too close to the edge of the siding, causing a crack. You can easily fix it by cleaning it and then using caulk to patch the gap.

Is Hardie board the same as fiber cement?

The James Hardie brand produces high-quality fiber cement siding products, often called Hardie Board or HardiePlank. These terms are often interchanged with fiber cement. However, these brand name James Hardie products typically cost more than lower grade siding.

Will fiber cement siding rot?

Fiber cement siding, which was invented by manufacturer James Hardie®, is made from a mix of wood pulp and cement. This siding is very water resistant, and since rot is mostly caused by moisture, fiber cement siding is resistant to rot.

Can you put Hardie board over asbestos shingles?

As long as the asbestos does not break apart and you are not breathing in the fibers, you should have no health or safety problems with your old siding.

How do you cover asbestos shingles?

Exposure to and breathing asbestos fibers can result in lung problems and cancer. Applying a layer of sheathing or sheets of foam insulation over the asbestos, then covering it with vinyl siding is a common practice; but be sure to check your local building codes first to see if it is allowed in your area.

Does all asphalt siding have asbestos?

Some asphalt-impregnated (paper-based) siding materials contain asbestos. It is indeed possible that the asphalt-impregnated felt backer supporting that siding contained asbestos. You’ll minimize the potential dust hazard by avoiding grinding, sawing, chopping the material.