Asbestos Siding: Paint or Vinyl?

Question

Hi All,

Question about asbestos siding. I just purchased a property in NH with asbestos siding. What's my best bet, painting over it or going over it with vinyl siding. What are the comparisons for cost and how long will each last?

Craig Parsons · Answer

In my opinion you are best to paint it. The thing with asbestos is you do not want to disturb it. Drilling/nailing/screwing to or through the asbestos will definitely disturb it at best and break off chunks at worst.  A good paint will last a long time all depending on the environment it is in.

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

Painting over (encapsulating) the old siding will look a lot better. I have never seen a vinyl siding that doesn't look like...well vinyl siding. But it will last longer. Maybe. I just talked with a Behr Rep and their new Dynasty line of exterior paint is expected to last 20 years, and that's in the desert..

Craig Parsons · Answer

I hope you get a pro discount!  You will not be disappointed with the performance though. The only issue I have with Dynasty is it has a lower per square foot coverage than the others, but I guess if you want something to last a long time its all about having a good "Mill Thickness" anyhow.  Good luck with the project.

Alecia Loveless · Answer

@Travis Dumont My best knowledge says vinyl is final and once you go over it with vinyl you never have to worry about it again.

I am in the process of trying to put a property under contract with asbestos siding at this exact moment, the offer is in and am waiting on a response. I have discussed this with my contractor and he says that to go over it with vinyl is the best thing (the sellers have just painted it but it is crumbling in several areas) and that he has to wear a full respirator setup like he would for lead based paint abatement or other hazardous materials but just screwing into it doesn’t disturb it so much that it is too much of a problem.

It is also my understanding that several types of loan products including the VA loan and I forget the other one will not qualify if there is any sign of crumbling with the asbestos siding so you may be limiting yourself on the selling side of things if you do not go over it with vinyl. Please consult with a mortgage expert about that requirement before making a decision as this is not advice, I am not an expert.

This property I am trying to buy is also in New Hampshire.

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

I know, right? 20 years in the desert is a long damn time. But with my many years of experience with Behr, mostly the Marquee line, they are pretty dang  amazing. I am painting my eaves right now with the Dynasty paint, $72 a gallon, I will let you know how it goes in 20 years.... ;-)

Asbestos Siding: Paint or Vinyl?

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