The walls are covered in asbestos siding that was probably installed during the mid 1950s.
How to remove paint from asbestos siding.
You can power wash any loose paint or simply scrape and remove any.
Use a water blaster for the large pieces and allow the siding to dry thoroughly.
When you say asbestos shingles i presume you mean asbestos siding shingles.
Paint can easily adhere to asbestos siding.
Scraping or brushing off old paint from asbestos siding is necessary before repainting but dangerous because it can release small asbestos fibres the approach of removing the old shingles and replacing them with new siding is an option that many homeowners have pursued though probably not as safely as they should.
Painting siding versus replacing.
It is your decision whether to paint or removal and replace remember it is always more affordable to paint old asbestos siding.
Since asbestos is only dangerous when it is in a friable state you will remove the paint without sanding or scraping.
What may prove to be a very expensive removal and or abatement which needs to disposed of properly and then new siding installed adds to the significant cost of replacement.
Is it safe to remove loose paint in the usual way or do i have to do something different because of the asbestos.
Besides the need to create a good surface for painting asbestos siding there are two other areas of concern.
Remember that it is more affordable to keep the old asbestos siding and simply paint it.
Start by sending a sample of the siding to an epa approved lab for testing to make sure the siding actually contains asbestos.
Cleaning this siding takes some care since asbestos could be released into the air and cause health problems for those present.
These are easily prepared and easy to repaint.
Apply a liquid sander solution by rolling on liberally with a paint roller and using clean rags to rub and smooth the surface.
Affordable you always have a choice whether you want to paint or remove and replace the siding.
Many homes used this type of siding because it was easy to clean and more durable than other substances.