How To Replace Asbestos Siding Tiles

[@jameshaydel4203]

They sell a specialty nail for these shingles. Usually where the tiles are sold. It's a ring shank nail. Your also supposed to put an approx 2" wide strip of roofing felt vertically at each end of each tile to shed water. This keeps water from getting behind the tiles. These strips are usually available precut where the tiles are sold. As a side note, the modern non asbestos tiles are much more brittle than the originals, so hammer with caution. Thank you for the excellent video and encouragement you provide to the youtube world, just been dealing with these tiles for 40 years on my house and had to add my 2 cents. The metal inside/outside corner trim original to this style of siding has been impossible for me to find. A local sheetmetal shop was able to fabricate a two piece corner that approximates the original. They could not match the radius on the originals.

[@Crossword131]

There's no flashing that could be used instead?

[@jameshaydel4203]

No flashing necessary, just use the felt strips where the tiles butt up against each other. Your entire house should be wrapped in tarpaper as was customery when these houses were built. Just received a box of tiles and nails from home depot that I'm going to use to close a bathroom window to install a shower. If i remember right it was $115 for 20 tiles.

[@trentmeidinger6160]

James, this is helpful - thank you. Given the tiles are brittle, do you drill a pilot hole for the ring shank nails?

[@edt5276]

Rim shanked nails are excellent at holding, which means they are a nightmare to get out. Especially getting out from brittle, toxic tiles.

[@junaydchowdhury3369]

Appreciate you posting this. Eveyone is so vague with showing how to do Asbestos siding replacement and this was easy and helpful. Thank you!

[@dlucks174]

Nice demonstration but why did you fix the perfect tile and leave the broken one right next to it

[@kathleenkelley5778]

been a while since this great video was done - so heres hoping youre still answering!! We have to replace few broken tiles in 1950 old home , but in putting in new window we found some rotted wood too. We're realizing that they did too good a job nailing in tiles , as the tops of them we also fastened, so each tile is nailed top and bottom , then the next tile was put in over the top- going up. Each tile has to be removed from the top to get the next one down in. Any recommendation in how to get these nails out without going to roof line of the house? thanks so much- wanting to save these tiles but right now not sure how!

[@fortheearth]

Thank you for this excellent demonstration! You rule!

[@jasongoodwin3991]

Appreciate the post! I have to replace the wood that the tile gets nailed to. Can I cut the rotted wood and replace it with newer wood in the areas that I am replacing tile? What is that wood backing called?

[@BlueCollarDIY]

Hi Jason. Unfortunately, I'm not sure I can help you that much. You should be able to replace the wood in areas where you're replacing the tile. As for the wood backing, I have no idea in your case, I'd have to see it. I've seen these asbestos tiles nailed to everything from plywood to 1x12 battens.

[@LA-rc7cw]

I appreciate this video. I have a home with this siding, it's paint is starting to peal. I was concerned dealing with even that. I feel a lot better about it now. Thank you

[@BlueCollarDIY]

You're welcome L A. I'm glad you found my video on asbestos siding helpful!

[@scottnewcomer1477]

Every state has diffrent requirements

[@houptee]

Fill a old spray bottle with dish soap and water and spray the edges and up under the siding on house and they slip in and out much easier.

[@BlueCollarDIY]

Thanks houptee for that tip on removing and replacing asbestos siding tiles. I'll have to keep that in mind the next time I do a repair.

[@pollymex7000]

I need to trim back installed and painted over asbestos shingles on the outside of my house. What tools and conditions can I use to cut back the asbestos shingles?

[@BlueCollarDIY]

Hi Polly, I would only the asbestos tiles as a last resort. How much do you need to cut back? If it's just a little bit, knippers may be what you need. If you cut it, you'll be putting those fibers into the air. Anytime I absolutely had to cut these tile, I used a full respirator with tyvek coveralls plus I wetted down the area I was cutting with dish soap water spray to minimize the dust. I also used a shop vac at the cut to try and suck up as much dust while cutting. Cutting asbestos siding tiles isn't something you do without preparation!

[@samanthahull2493]

THANK YOU! I didn't know they had exact replacement tiles and this will be awesome when I start improving the look of my home. Do you have any advice on what to do if when the tile is removed, there is no Tyvek/sealer? Keep taking them off until you can install it??

[@BlueCollarDIY]

Usually in older homes, there will be some black tar paper. I can't think of a time when I replaced asbestos shingles that there wasn't some kind of paper behind them. It would do no good to just put tyvek up behind one asbestos tile if the others didn't have it behind them. You'd end up having to remove and replace the whole wall!

[@WalterKnox]

i love the look of these old ties, they last absolutely forever unless hit pretty hard by something. i hate vinyl siding, so boring stuff like almost everything now is. i especially love the look of the old wavy kind.

[@BlueCollarDIY]

I agree. I hate vinyl as well. These old asbestos tiles will outlive you, me and many others.

[@WalterKnox]

@@BlueCollarDIY yep. i am 18, they are on my house. they have been there since 1950, only 2 or 3 have been replaced and that was caused my someone messing them up. i will never replace them. one time somebody came by trying to sell me vinyl siding, noting rusted nails, flaking paint and chipped tiles. they say vinyl siding is maintenance free... in 20 years it will deteriorate and the asbestos will be fine. i doubt they realized how much they were going to trigger me, but they did.

[@jgg204]

We have a 102 yr old house with the original asbestos tiles. Perfect condition. Incredible.

[@WalterKnox]

@@jgg204 yep. they certainly don't make anything like that anymore. I get that asbestos is bad for you if working with it, but if it is already there and in good shape then it is great. Wood will eventually decay and vinyl just crumbles in the first 20 years. it is always the stuff that will kill us that is the best stuff to have.

[@nobonesaboutit7639]

@@WalterKnox i just removed all my asbestos shingles on a historic colonial. Covering the beautiful cedar claps was a sin, but thats what they did back in the 50s and 60s 🤷‍♂️

[@angelf9800]

Question The ones you get from Home Depot already come with holes to put the nails in or do you have to pre drill some holes

[@BlueCollarDIY]

The replacement tiles I bought from Home Depot already had holes in them.

[@1_South_Business_Services]

Wow the house were doing has the exact same type of tiles! Do they just call them asbestos tiles at Home Depot?

[@cisme009]

I need to replace some shingles near my garage door, and will have to make some cuts. What tool is best? I have circular saw, chop saw, or oscillating tool. And what blade would be best?

[@BlueCollarDIY]

Personally, I would use an oscillating tool. Just remember, you need a full respirator and tyvek coveralls to protect you from the fibers. I would also keep the area you are cutting wetted with soap/water combination. This will help keep the fibers from becoming airborne. Having someone hold a shop vac near the blade while you cut, that will also help you cut asbestos siding tiles.

[@cisme009]

@@BlueCollarDIY Thanks, appreciate the advice. Got some tiles down near the ground that seem to be disintegrating- think the years of rain, snow and salt have done them in. I have a stack of shingles the previous owner left, so at least the repair won't cost me any money.

[@BlueCollarDIY]

@@cisme009 Free is always good. Those replacement asbestos tiles can be expensive. Just be sure to take precautions against breathing the dust or getting it on you or your clothes!

[@sislertx]

What do u do between these and the ground?????

[@ashleemillard962]

What would you suggest if there is dry rot underneath the siding? I want to replace windows, add insulation, and paint or replace siding. This is the type of siding I have. Would it be better to replace over top, paint, or remove and replace? I live in California.

[@BlueCollarDIY]

Me personally, I would never cover up dry rot. I'd remove what I had to and replace it. As for your asbestos shingles (if this is the type you have) check your local building codes to see if they will allow you to replace them. If not, you may have to go with the fiber cement replacement shingles from CertainTeed or another manufacturer.

[@MrWoodsense]

Thanks for the instruction! I have quite a few shingles I need to replace.

[@saramenda9473]

What sound it be painted with??

[@BlueCollarDIY]

Whenever I paint asbestos siding tiles, I always use a good exterior primer (if it hasn't been painted before) then a good exterior grade paint. 2 coats!

[@caryn9561]

I might be buying an old house with asbestos siding should i take it all off ?

[@BlueCollarDIY]

I wouldn't unless it was damaged. You can paint these asbestos tile also.

[@caryn9561]

@@BlueCollarDIY Thanks

[@BlueCollarDIY]

@@caryn9561 You are welcome.

[@caryn9561]

@@BlueCollarDIY Also is it dangerous to put new windows in the house?with this siding?

[@BlueCollarDIY]

@@caryn9561 According to the EPA, the only time asbestos tiles can be dangerous is when they are crushed. Any remodeling projects you can do with a home with traditional siding can usually be done with asbestos tile.

[@kyliehillyer9897]

Do you need to seal between them (on the sides) ? If so, what with?

[@jameshaydel4203]

No caulking or anything. There is a strip of roofing felt about 2" wide placed vertically between each shingle. This sheds water and prevents water from getting behind the shingles

[@johnbelvin5216]

Some of my shingle butt ends had gaps that paint wouldn't fill, so I did caulk them.

[@trentmeidinger6160]

Thank you for taking the time to post your video. It is very helpful. Two questions: 1. What if the new siding tile does not have pre-drilled holes? 2. On older homes like this, what's do you typically find as a substrate behind the tar paper? I have a couple of leftover tiles from decades ago the previous owner thankfully left for me. My house was built in 1939. Thank you.

[@jackfanning7952]

If you have to drill holes in siding, put shaving cream on the spot you need to drill to contain the asbestos particles generated by the drill bit.

[@arbenpali5124]

Camera falling at the end was a nice touch 😝

[@BlueCollarDIY]

And to think, I didn't even plan it that way! :)

[@freddymac128]

Whats the best way to go about making a few holes to install ductless units?

[@Azzinum1]

Hole saw with diamond grit

[@kingturgan1]

What kind of nails do you use? And I assume you pre drill holes for the nails correct?

[@BlueCollarDIY]

I use stainless steel nails. Most asbestos replacement tile already come with pre drilled holes. But you can drill asbestos replacement tile if you wish. Just make sure you use a masonry bit.

[@cristinasalah87]

Can you make a video on how to drill into these tiles? I’ve been wanted to drill a trellis up my garage side but I’m so afraid I’ll crack the tile that I’ve been using command strips and string to hold up my plant temporarily ha! Need a more permanent fix.

[@BlueCollarDIY]

I've had success in the past with small masonry bits. But I've also cracked just a few. The trick is to go slow! At least if you crack one, now you know how to replace asbestos tile siding! lol

[@Bigdaddyshaker]

Hole saws work well just go extra slow

[@themightysusbus8695]

The house me and my husband are moving into (his childhood home), has asbestos siding and a lot of them are broken and need replaced with a lot more of the house not covered by them at all.

[@snapperkc9317]

My Grandmothers House was sided with these, lasted forever! I missed what was wrong with the piece you removed, can you let me know? Nice Job.

[@BlueCollarDIY]

There was nothing wrong with it. I just used it as an example. The ones I did replace were in a place where I couldn't film.

[@snapperkc9317]

Blue Collar DIY , Thanks for the explaining and the video. I used to drive screws into this type of siding but nothing close to the sq footage you had mentioned, good information!

[@caryn9561]

What are your thoughts on what to do about a sagging floor that seems to be an add on in the kitchen?How can i fix this?

[@BlueCollarDIY]

Sagging floors are usually caused by damaged or deteriorated floor joists or beams. You usually have to remove the floor or access the crawlspace to get to the beams and/or joists.

[@sislertx]

Ring sha k but what size nail..where do u get them...also the 2" wide.felt....

[@glazierEd]

I eat that stuff with mustard Donny. It’s best with fried onions. Another great video. Things slowing down here in New Jersey. People don’t want me in their house for some reason. Go figure.

[@michaela.abbott222]

glazierEd 😳🤔🤣 Me either🤣🤣🤣 ‘Home Enhancement Professional’ Texas here...

[@BlueCollarDIY]

Yep, same here.

[@vintagemxer9165]

Porch roof was replaced and there is a 1" gap between the roof and the siding now. What to do? And it's ugly - the gap.

[@marcycherrez9829]

what nails can i use in asbestos

[@farealwitit7947]

gr8 vid! would recommend putting some caulking in the loose nail hold 4 better holding!

[@steveashley6634]

Hi I am in the UK the UK rules for asbestos for maintenance and refurbishments works you have to have a asbestos Survey carried out by an asbestos surveyor to determine whether you have asbestos or not before you can start the works nightmare

[@BlueCollarDIY]

Yeah, asbestos is one of those buzz words that cause knee jerk reactions in a lot of people, especially if they don't understand it. I'm glad our EPA has come out with simple guidelines for replacing asbestos siding tiles on old homes.

[@PJBeee]

Many thanks for this! Much appreciated.

[@BlueCollarDIY]

Thanks PJ for stopping by and commenting. I appreciate it. I'm glad you found this guide on how to replace asbestos siding tiles helpful!

[@jack9335]

Good job buddy 👍

[@ComicOzzieSU]

Unfortunately, not every piece on the house is going to be a full piece. What's the best way to cut these bad boys when you need to replace a piece that short because it's next to a window, door or corner of the house?

[@jameshaydel4203]

Cut the cement modern replacements on a table saw or with a skill saw (if you have the skill lol) using a masonary blade. The asbestos originals were cut using what looked like a large paper cutter type shear. I wouldn't hesitate cutting a couple of the asbestos ones with the saw. Of course wear a good mask. The people who get asbestosis work around asbestos material daily and usually for decades.

[@johnbelvin5216]

You can straight cut top to bottom by using a straight edge and scoring shingle 3 or 4 times with a sharp utility knife, the support bigger part of shingle underneath near score and snap off the shorter piece.

[@TheMendo123]

What if the wood underneath it is rotten from interior water damage?

[@BlueCollarDIY]

If your wall structure is rotted, then you're going to have to address that first. That means removing a lot of asbestos tile and repairing the rotted sections.

[@h8ncars]

Liquid nails on the strips.let it cure for 12hrs then hammer them back in.

[@michaelharrison235]

HOW ABOUT IF YOU REPLACE 160SF A DAY

[@sleahcim4723]

In the Wizard of OZ movie. in the snowing scene, they used asbestos fibers; light, fluffy, and dusty.

[@BlueCollarDIY]

Wow, I did not know that! I'm surprised everyone involved didn't sue the company when they learned of the health hazards of asbestos.

[@King-2077]

@@BlueCollarDIY asbestos is dangerous but from what I have read mostly people who worked with it and were exposed to it on a daily basis got sick.

[@BlueCollarDIY]

@@King-2077 Back when I did environmental work, I had to study up on asbestos. While I would agree to a point with your statement, there were cases where wives came down with mesothelioma just from contact with their husband's work clothes on a daily basis.

[@felix.8891]

Thank you very informative.👍

[@DonTruman]

"KZbin safety experts" lol. Have read many of their comments on other videos. It's tough to get good info on the danger, but all common sense says it's a matter of scale. You aren't going to die from minimal exposure, same as you aren't going to die from smoking one pack of cigarettes. It comes from breathing a lot of airborne fibers. If serious harm were caused from getting a breath of one broken tile then immediate removal of all siding from every house would be recommended or even ordered by law. I'm going to be very careful not to break them, and be careful when drilling or cutting them (and will probably wear a mask when doing so) but won't stress out over it as if I were handling a toxic poison.

[@anamalle8722]

Hi. I'm looking for someone in St. Petersburg FL to do this in my house, do you know anyone?

[@jimmyperkinsCHS1984]

Great job

[@BlueCollarDIY]

Thanks Jimmy!

[@joelKilez3124]

Thanks for info 💪

[@BlueCollarDIY]

You're welcome Joel. I'm glad you found this video on how to replace asbestos siding helpful!

[@applewhiteroad]

Sprinkling over your eggs lol

[@BlueCollarDIY]

LOL

[@tommyestrada97]

Get the water hose water down before you take it

[@sislertx]

THE ONES I.ORDERED DON'T HAVE HOLES..OMG.WHST DO I DO!!!

[@cayetanorocha7439]

Thanks bud

[@ppavicepres5380]

You forgot to mention how to pre-drill holes on the siding 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@kennywolford2271]

Shouldn't you be wearing a mask?