If it is a problem there are two types of corrections.
Asbestos wood siding shingles.
When you say asbestos shingles i presume you mean asbestos siding shingles.
Lead paint wasn t outlawed until 1978 so it s sure to be present on siding going back to the 1950s.
Both the epa and the vinyl siding institute recommend not disturbing asbestos if at all possible.
The first layer is wood shakes some of which are rotten and termite damaged.
Asbestos cement roofing shingles and siding products are not likely to release asbestos fibers unless sawed dilled or cut.
Latex paint is peeling off and the whole thing looks like crap.
Asbestos shingles were so common during the 20th century that almost any shingles installed between 1920 and 1986 probably include asbestos.
Let the siding dry then prime and paint with the best exterior latex you can find.
The siding was made by combining cement with asbestos which is a naturally occurring mineral that is fibrous in nature and fireproof.
The pieces are about 20 x 10.
Testing your siding for asbestos.
It has been manufactured with textures intended to simulate the look of other cladding materials such as wood grain.
Asbestos cement siding is highly fire resistant and will not burn or melt the way vinyl and wood siding will.
Repair and removal.
Determine when the shingles were installed on your roof.
Unless asbestos siding is disturbed it doesn t pose a significant health hazard and does not need to be removed.
Over that wood layer is asbestos siding.
Installing vinyl siding will require disturbing the asbestos by nailing into it.
The siding may also contain asbestos if it is old with a wood grain texture to resemble cedar.
Covering old asbestos shingles with new siding may seem like an option too but it s not easy to do safely.
Weatherside fiber cement siding is the 1 and only solution for replacing or repairing old asbestos siding shingles.
The use of asbestos siding shingles was a popular one that was used in the us from the early part of the 20th century until the 1970s.
If the asbestos material is in good shape and will not be disturbed do nothing.
If you don t know the age of the shingles inspect them for wear.
Say you have an old 1930s home.
It has two layers of siding on it.
If your siding fits either of these descriptions you should consider having it tested.
It is fairly easy to clean and maintain.
Asbestos shingles are relatively strong but.
It s available in a variety of sizes and shapes to match many of the old siding shingles installed over the last 60 years.
These shingles are generally 12 by 24 inches and the bottom tends to have a wave like pattern though that is not always the case.
If they look old they might have asbestos fibers in them.