Installation Instructions
CertainTeed Vinyl Siding Installation Guide
142
Siding over Asbestos
Vinyl siding retrofit over asbestos
This is a recommendation from the Vinyl Siding Institute after 
discussions with Federal EPA officials. Because local regulations 
supersede federal regulations, local EPA officials should be 
contacted in the area where the work is being done.
The most desirable practice is not to disturb the existing siding on 
the home. Apply sheathing over the existing asbestos siding, and 
then apply vinyl siding over the top of the sheathing. The sheathing 
will serve to flatten the wall and also retain any breakage of the 
cement asbestos siding. Nails should be long enough to penetrate 
through the sheathing and existing asbestos siding and into the 
wall studs.
If there is a need to level or flatten a wall, apply furring strips over 
the sheathing.
In the case where the homeowner wants the existing cement 
asbestos siding removed completely, removal should be done 
by a professionally trained asbestos removal crew.
Please note that some jurisdictions require all asbestos removal 
to be performed by a trained asbestos removal crew.
Historic Restoration
Vinyl Siding Institute recommended guidelines
If a building is in an historic area or has been designated an 
historic building, be certain that approval for the use of vinyl siding 
has been obtained from the local historic society. This applies to 
building additions as well.
Before proceeding to re-side an historic building, the building 
should be examined for moisture, insect infestation, structural 
defects and other problems which may be present. These 
problems should be addressed and the building pronounced 
“healthy” before re-siding with any material.
Do not damage or remove the original siding. If at all possible, do 
not alter the original structure so that the application of vinyl siding 
is reversible (i.e. the original would remain intact and some time in 
the future, if desired, the vinyl siding could be removed). Exception: 
“In cases where a non-historic artificial siding has been applied to a 
building, the removal of such a siding before the application of vinyl 
siding would, in most cases, be acceptable.” (Preservation Briefs, 
Number 8 - U.S. Dept. of the Interior—1984)










