Painting Asbestos Siding

The portland cement binds asbestos fibers into a hard mass.

Painting asbestos siding.

Besides the need to create a good surface for painting asbestos siding there are two other areas of concern. Begin by analyzing a paint sample for lead content. Paint for asbestos cement siding works by creating a permanent polymer based barrier between the asbestos and the elements. Painting cement asbestos siding or non asbestos fiber cement siding is in part a cosmetic decision.

Unfortunately asbestos never remains truly untouched because of nature. Preparation before coating is the key to a successful paint job. Our method of choice to first apply zinsser peel stop triple thick primer which is a water based acrylic binding primer designed to penetrate and stop previous coatings from peeling. We have rarely seen this material in a worn friable condition but should that occur one might paint the surface also to stop fiber shedding and to preserve the material.

Lead paint wasn t outlawed until 1978 so it s sure to be present on siding going back to the 1950s. You can roll it or brush it on but make sure you get under the small lip at the bottom of each asbestos siding shingle. The first is the possible and almost certain presence of lead based paint on the siding and the second is the asbestos in the siding itself. Both the epa and the vinyl siding institute recommend not disturbing asbestos if at all possible.

A brief history of asbestos cement siding. Painting asbestos siding is often a much better alternative than trying to remove it. The danger of asbestos lies in the particles that escape and can be inhaled. Painting asbestos siding once we have cleaned and prepared the surface then there is really no difference when it comes to painting.

Asbestos cement was first developed in 1905 by the johns manville company who became one of the premier manufacturers of cement asbestos materials. Let the siding dry then prime and paint with the best exterior latex you can find. Installing vinyl siding will require disturbing the asbestos by nailing into it. It s not difficult at all to paint asbestos siding as one of its benefits is that paint easily adheres to it and it is very durable and can last for decades without chipping or cracking.

When you are done cleaning paint the siding with a suitable primer. Begin painting the siding with your choice of brushes and rollers making sure to check often for runs. One concern when repainting this type of siding is the small gaps between the shingles. Untouched asbestos is just as safe as any other siding or insulation.

Covering old asbestos shingles with new siding may seem like an option too but it s not easy to do safely. Asbestos cement is a mixture of portland cement reinforced with asbestos fibers.