Stucco Over Asbestos Siding

Asbestos siding is found on the majority of homes constructed between 1940 and 1980. Despite its strength and fire resistance, asbestos has a poor reputation because of the health risks associated with inhaling it.

You might think about applying stucco to your siding if you recently learned that it is composed of asbestos. However, is this process safe and advised?

That will be the primary subject of our article today. I’ll also give you some tips on how to cover asbestos siding with stucco.

Is it possible to apply stucco over asbestos siding?

Over asbestos siding, stucco can be installed. Both homeowners and contractors use it quite frequently when doing renovations. But it’s not a good idea!

When applying stucco to asbestos siding, a few things can go wrong. Inhaling asbestos fibers can lead to serious health issues.

The adhesion of stucco to asbestos siding is the other problem. As mentioned earlier, the majority of asbestos sidings were put in decades ago.

Adding stucco can hasten the deterioration of the asbestos, which is probably already there.

Due to the fact that stucco is less intrusive and more economical than asbestos siding, most homeowners choose to cover it. You have to understand the risks, though.

I advise hiring a qualified contractor if you need to install stucco over asbestos.

A certified professional can evaluate asbestos siding’s condition and suggest whether stucco application is appropriate.

How can stucco be applied over asbestos siding?

As was already mentioned, it is not advised to apply stucco over asbestos siding. If you disagree, though, here’s a quick tutorial on how to use stucco to hide asbestos siding.

Step 1: Assess the asbestos siding’s state.

You need to check the substrate, just like you would with any stucco installation. Therefore, check the asbestos siding’s condition before applying stucco.

It should be fixed first if it has deteriorated. You should not install stucco if it is totally damaged because it will not work.

Step 2: Clean the asbestos siding.

Asbestos is better cleaned with stucco. Dirt and other impurities can reduce the stucco’s adherence and durability. The asbestos siding should be thoroughly cleaned with a hose.

It’s most likely filthy if it’s been there for a long time. It might need to be scrubbed with a hard-thistle brush and soap. When cleaning, wear a respiratory mask because asbestos fibers can fly into the air.

Step 3: Scuff the asbestos’s surface.

Because asbestos fibers will be released into the atmosphere, this is yet another challenging step. Stucco has something to bite into when the surface is scratched.

To give the asbestos a rough surface, use sandpaper. As an alternative, you can enhance the adhesion between stucco and asbestos by using a bonding agent. Since no fibers will be released into the atmosphere, this procedure is far safer.

Step 4: Apply a scratch coat first.

Start applying the scratch coat as soon as the asbestos siding is prepared for stucco application. The brown coat’s adherence is enhanced by the scratch coat. Usually, it’s not overly thick.

Step 5: Apply the brown and finish coat.

Keep applying the brown coat. This is stucco’s second coat. Next, put on a last coat. The finished coat may be textured or smooth.

Is it necessary to remove asbestos siding prior to installing stucco?

It varies. Having asbestos in your home can be frightening. But if left undisturbed, it shouldn’t be dangerous.

Whether asbestos should be removed before stucco is installed will depend on its current state.

Before applying stucco, asbestos siding that is deteriorating should be removed. You can, however, cover it with stucco or any other type of siding if it is in very good shape.

However, always check the local building codes before beginning such a project. The use of asbestos in construction is prohibited in many cities.

Because of this, it might be illegal in your area to cover asbestos siding with stucco or any other material.

Make sure that all safety precautions are taken when removing asbestos. This entails donning a respirator mask and gloves.

Keep kids and other people away from the area because asbestos particles can travel through the air.

The asbestos must also be disposed of appropriately. You can hire a waste removal company or take them to a nearby landfill.

Can Stucco Stick to Asbestos Siding Better with a Metal Lath?

Of course it can. When stucco is unable to adhere to the substrate sufficiently, metal laths can be helpful.

Here, a metal lath is screwed to the asbestos siding prior to the stucco being installed, rather than scuffing it up or using a bonding agent.

It is crucial to remember that metal lath is challenging to install, even though it can increase the adhesion between stucco and asbestos siding.

Asbestos shatters and cracks when a nail or screw is driven into it, creating gaps. There is a much higher chance of cracking when working with old asbestos.

The first step is to figure out how to securely insert the metal lath into the asbestos. Be sure to wear the proper safety gear when doing such a task.

If you want to put stucco over asbestos, should you hire a contractor?

I am aware that most people would rather do a task themselves than hire someone else to do it because times are hard. But in this instance, it’s a great idea to hire a contractor.

Applying stucco over asbestos siding carries a number of risks. Particles of asbestos can enter your home through the air and contaminate it. There are times when the stucco might not even stick to the asbestos siding.

Giving you professional advice on whether to move forward with the project is the first thing a licensed contractor will do when you work with them. They will also give top priority to all safety precautions.

Additionally, a contractor will adhere to local building codes, which can greatly reduce the amount of trouble you have when interacting with inspectors.

Hiring a professional to install stucco siding could be more expensive than hiring one for asbestos siding. But the peace of mind you’ll get both during and after the project will make the expense worthwhile.

Does adding stucco to asbestos siding lower your home’s value?

It is unpleasant for anyone to be around asbestos. As a result, when you sell your house, its market value will decrease if it has stucco over asbestos siding.

For this reason, you should think about getting asbestos removed if you can afford it. Your home will sell for a significantly higher price on the real estate market if you remove the asbestos siding and install stucco instead.