Siding over asbestos with Hardie plank

[Heather Carbone]

Can I install hardi plank siding over asbestos siding in Boston?

[Lien Vuong]

The rule of thumb for asbestos and lead pain is not to touch it. Given the archaic nature of the properties in and around Boston, most properties have this and what most people do is to cover it up. Once you touch it or disrupt it in any way you will have to do a formal remediation and that can be very costly. 

If there was vinyl there prior and you took it down to update, simply place it over and you will be fine. No legality issues as far as I know and when you disclose this when you sell you can say HardiePlank as it is what is technically on the exterior of the property. 

Good luck with everything!