How to Clean Asbestos Siding for Painting
Asbestos siding is no longer used on homes, due to potential health risks. If you have an older home, the siding could contain asbestos. You can render the asbestos harmless by sealing it with the appropriate type of paint. You must clean the siding, prior to application, or you will have problems with adhesion that will ultimately lead to chipping and peeling. Improper cleaning methods could release dangerous asbestos particles into the air. You should employ a particular strategy and take safety precautions to eliminate potential risks.
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Things You'll Need
- Respirator
- Hedge trimmers
- Pressure washer
- Acrylic latex primer
- Acrylic latex paint
Instructions
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Wear a respirator to eliminate the risk of asbestos inhalation.
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Trim away vegetation, growing on or near the asbestos siding, as it could interfere with your ability to paint.
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Clean the asbestos siding, using a pressure washer, equipped with a low-pressure tip. Wait 2 to 4 hours for the siding to dry.
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Tips & Warnings
A pressure washer is appropriate for cleaning asbestos siding, as the water prevents the fibers from becoming airborne, rendering them harmless.
Use an acrylic latex primer and paint to seal asbestos siding.
Many professional painters assert that it is not necessary to wear a respirator when working with asbestos siding, as long as the proper procedures are used. If you choose to bypass this protective wear, be sure to follow the above cleaning instructions to the letter.
Do not scrub or sand asbestos siding, as this will allow the fibers to become airborne.
Don't use plain latex paint on asbestos siding, as it does not possess adequate elasticity and may crack as temperatures fluctuate.
