Asbestos Siding on Potential Property?

Question

Hello, BP!

I found a property that I am considering for a BRRR and have started to research the property more in-depth.  The 2 bed, 1 bath (918 sqft) SFR property was build in 1936. Gas heat/baseboard. Window AC units. Ranch with a basement and maybe an attic. Roof is composition shingle which may need to be replaced. And there is asbestos Siding - Urgh.

How much of an issue is the asbestos? Can it just be painted over or covered up? Will it be expensive to do? What about liability? This will be my first property and I don't want to get in to a nightmare situation.

Property was last sold in 2000 for $18K.

Russell Brazil · Answer

I use to have a property with asbestos siding. Zero issues with it. It actually stopped my house from burning down when the house n3xt door had a fire. If it had been wood or vinyl siding it would have caught fire too

Kyle Nelson · Answer

asbestos is one of the best building materials ever, do not disturb it and you are fine. Many people think asbestos will jump right out and get you, but it's not like that and generally is safe as long as you're not breathing airborne fibers. Asbestos is naturally occurring and is still used in products like brake pads.

Mike Dymski · Answer

My first primary residence had asbestos siding and I still own it as a rental.  Been on the house for likely 60+ years and will be on there for another 60.  I had it painted once.  It looks great and is period correct for the neighborhood.

Account Closed · Answer

Awesome! Thank you! I may swing by the property later this week to see what kind of shape the siding is in.  I'll take pics if I see any areas of any concern.  I'll also see if I can meet up with a couple of property management companies at the same time.

Kyle Nelson · Answer

The actual danger is minimal from doing something like drilling a hole. Many thousands of workers handled those products for decades without detrimental effects. That being said, better safe than sorry. Always wear a respirator and and dampen a work area with a spray bottle of water if you do choose to disturb such products.

Marcia Maynard · Answer

We have a rental house with asbestos siding. It is a great insulator and lasts a long time. Like others said, encapsulate it with a good quality paint job.

One precaution, make sure no one drills into it who doesn't know what they are doing. We had a tenant install a hose bib on the house exterior and in doing so, drilled through the asbestos siding and they broke a section. It was hard to repair.

Even worse, we had one tenant who ordered cable service without notifying us and allowed the cable company installer on the property without our permission (its in the rental agreement that we must give written permission for any telecommunication installations on our property). Well the doofus installer drilled through the asbestos siding to install a line into an upstairs bedroom. The house had already been wired with cable into each room, from the inside, through the attic and basement. He cut the cable that was already in place, from of the previous service provider, and wrapped his cable around the outside of the house, drilling where he saw fit!

Russell Brooks · Answer

Cost wise you are looking at $2.00 to $2.50 a square foot.  It will take them 2-3 hours to strip a house that size and then you can put new siding.  Otherwise like others have said if it is in good condition, fresh paint and let it be.  Great stuff.

Desirae Putzier · Answer

If you do not want to remove the siding you can hire an abatement company to put siding over it. (Any company putting siding over it will be disturbing the asbestos due to nailing, screwing, ect.) You can also have an abatement company encapsulate it but painting is not an encapsulate and does not have any positive effect at all. You would have to encapsulate it then paint it. The encapsulate would be the least expensive option. If the siding is in good condition you do not need to do anything. You will only see liability if it is deteriorating. I own an asbestos abatement company and if the siding is in good shape and you do not want any extra expenses leave it be. Asbestos siding lasts forever so if there are not any issues with the condition just leave it.

David D Painter · Answer

I don't shy from it.  It holds up extremely well and holds paint forever if you paint it.  That being said, repairs can be costly and my insurance company excludes it from hail or wind damage.

Asbestos Siding on Potential Property?

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