DIY & Home Improvement

Unfortunately, as we all now know, disturbing it releases asbestos particles and it was the butt-ugliest stuff ever devised. Covering it up is the most cost effective but kicks the can down the road, environmentally speaking, since some other poor slob down the road will have to get rid of it when he knocks your place down to build a McMansion.

The cheapest thing to do with it is paint over it, it takes paint very well. It also poses no health risk as long as it's unbroken, unsawn, undrilled and undisturbed, it's brittle stuff. It's probably the most environmentally friendly thing to do, as well, since it seals the surface away from any possible weathering. You can put up other siding on top of it with a layer of insulation foam between them to contain any fibers from disturbed tiles. Check local codes about this, some areas don't allow residing, only removal.

You've got a hell of a lot of company out there, the stuff was invented in the 20s and only made illegal in the 80s.