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Power washing asbestos siding can be hazardous and isn't recommended. The power washer's high pressure can disturb the siding and release harmful asbestos fibers into the air. Rather than attempting to DIY it, hire a professional trained in asbestos handling to tackle any exterior cleaning.

You can cover asbestos siding with another type of siding, such as vinyl, however, this may not be the best option. Covering the asbestos siding may disturb it, releasing fibers into the air. The covered siding can also be disturbed at a later date, such as by a new homeowner who is unaware of its presence.

If you decide to cover the siding, be sure to work with a professional and follow any local building codes and requirements. It may be the case that removing the asbestos siding is the better option, rather than covering it over. 

Since the EPA partially banned asbestos in 1989, it is no longer used to manufacture new siding in the United States; production had largely ceased by the early 1980s. Many other countries, such as Canada, Iceland, and Denmark, also have bans on asbestos. However, asbestos siding is still present in many homes built before the late 1980s. The only definitive way to know if your siding contains asbestos is to have it professionally lab-tested.

Asbestos has many beneficial properties, including fire resistance, strength, and chemical resistance. It is also an excellent insulator, which is why it was used in pipe insulation and other building materials for decades. For all its benefits, asbestos is dangerous for human health, which is why it was eventually banned from use in certain products.