Nailing Hardiplank

anoldman · Jan 03, 2015 12:28 pm

I am planning to clad my old house using Hardiplank but, because of the plethera of old copper pipe , electric conduit downpipes, cables and other exterior fittings, I have decided not to remove the existing asbestos sheeting. Instead I intend to attach the hardiplank over the asbestos as it will be easier to feed the planks in and around the obstacles and protrusions which would still be there even if I had removed the asbestos. My question is will it be possible to use a coil nail gun through the hardiplank and then through the asbestos into the timber? Or, as I fear, will I have to predrill and use a hammer. Any thoughts appreciated

Our Build123 · Jan 03, 2015 8:12 pm

Hi anoldman

The asbestos will be brittle so nailing over the top may cause the existing sheets to crack or break around the nail holes with the coil nailer (dangerous with asbestos), can't really pre drill the boards unless you are fully kitted out in asbestos kit and licensed to work with it.

It's a tuff one mate, but in theory licensed asbestos contractors should really remove the old board leaving you free to install the new cladding.

I'd love to give you some other advice, but when it comes to asbestos you just can't take the risk.

Kind regards, James.

anoldman · Jan 03, 2015 8:29 pm

Thx 123 Will the cracking of the existing sheets affesct the visual effects of the new planking? Wiil a nail gun actually go through the hardiplank the asbestos and into the timber? Working with asbestos dangerous!! Well my handle is reallyoldman!!!!! so I feel that any adverse effects (if masked) are unlikely to shorten my lifespanreally

Spong · Jan 03, 2015 8:37 pm

So it becomes someone else's problem down the track? Don't be lazy. Do it right and remove the asbestos (legally) and re clad it properly. Then proceed to sleep well for your remaining years

anoldman · Jan 03, 2015 8:46 pm

Spong .....all cash donations gratefully received Whole of this Town is decaying asbestos post war homes...I seem to be the only one even tryimg to cover mine

Spong · Jan 03, 2015 8:59 pm

Haha!! I'm hearing ya there mate, I see it all the time and know all about the $$$. Take care either way.
To answer your question, a slightly over pumped coil gun (duo fast) will see your objectives realised no problem but it will take some pressure adjustments to punch the asy/ and likely hardwood frame, but also not push the head too deep on the villa or hardboard. Is colourbond an option?

anoldman · Jan 03, 2015 9:09 pm

Any sheet material would involve so much cutting of plumbing and electrical Spong, and even if I kit up and remove the asbestos I would have to then worry about waterproofing and insulation etc. I might just do it one plank at a time , mount it on the spacing tools I bought online, predrill, then paint then hand nail. I should just outlive the job I think

Stewie D · Jan 03, 2015 9:35 pm

Where do you live and do you have insulation in the walls ?
If you answer " somewhere hot like Cairns " WA, Northern Vic, Western NSW etc and your other answer is no then remove the sheets and do it as the others have said plus you can whack in R2.5 batts and sarking as well before re-sheeting.
Some councils ( like ours ) will let you remove asbestos from your property as long as all the safety precautions are taken.

Stewie

Spong · Jan 03, 2015 9:36 pm

One (or two) tips if you do go ahead apart from kitting up with appropriate PPE. Spray the entire surface with bond crete to re seal the surface and put down a plastic sheet under your work area so you can easily pick up any chips or drill swarf etc without contaminating the soil.
Maybe even think about getting a few small stickers made that you can put on the new wall saying "ACM is present behind this cladding".
Sorry that was three!!

anoldman · Jan 04, 2015 7:28 am

Thx Spong good tips.....Stewie I live in rural wheatbelt WA nearest Bunnings, and access to tradespeople 170 kms. To do as you suggest would entail the use of plumbers and electricians and the travel time alone would be too expensive for the pension to cover not counting the cost of batts and sarking. I have no worries about working with asbestos, I believe the dangers are real but blown out of proportion by people fearing law suits and simple sensible precautions are all that is needed. I think Spong's tip about ACM being present is good