Yes, you can cover asbestos! If your asbestos siding is already undisturbed, then you can cover it to keep it from breaking down and turning into a health hazard.
Just having asbestos siding and roofing on your home does not pose a hazard to your health. Asbestos-containing roofing and siding in good condition are best left alone. Damaged roofing and siding should be carefully repaired. Sometimes asbestos-containing roofing and siding can be covered with new materials.
Asbestos does not always need to be removed before a sale. If the material is in good condition and poses no immediate risk (e.g., it is contained and undisturbed), sellers can disclose its presence without taking further action.
Asbestos containing siding removal comes with a moderate risk of exposure and can be done with a P100 half mask respirator and disposable coveralls. If the siding is wetted down and gently pried up without breaking or damaging, it can be safely disposed of by either wrapping in poly sheeting or into a lined bin.
Contrary to popular opinion, you can side right over the asbestos siding and nail the vinyl as usual right through the asbestos. It will not fall apart and slide in behind the new vinyl. You will use either 1/4 or 3/8 inch foam backer under the vinyl which will act as a leveler and also give a bit of insulation.
The cost to replace asbestos siding depends on the type of siding you want to install, but typically ranges between $3,000 and $20,000. Be sure to speak with a local siding contractor about your specific project plans to get a closer estimate.
So, if you're thinking about painting your asbestos siding, you can! Painting is a non-invasive way to update the look of your home without the risks associated with removal or heavy renovations.
If everything else about the house is perfect, then there's no reason to turn down a house specifically because it has asbestos siding. You'll learn more in a little bit, but asbestos doesn't pose a hazard on its own. As long as the siding is undamaged and undisturbed, the asbestos fibers won't cause you any harm.
The question is, "what insurance companies will cover asbestos siding?" And the answer is that most of the time, asbestos is not covered by insurance premiums. Due to its carcinogenic properties, removing asbestos is quite expensive, and most insurance companies will not include it in their policies.
We recommend you consider replacing your asbestos siding with durable, high-performance James Hardie fiber cement siding, ensuring you have peace of mind that your home is safe and well-protected for up to 50 years. Hardie siding is not only water-resistant and pest-resistant but also low maintenance and beautiful!
It is important to keep in mind that getting a mortgage on a home with asbestos present may take more time and effort than obtaining a loan for a traditional property. However, if you are prepared to put in the extra work, it is possible to find a lender that will provide you with the financing you need.
Asbestos cement siding can also negatively impact the resale value of your home because of the way it looks. Unlike wood, which can be sanded down, repainted, and refinished, asbestos siding cannot. It's difficult to find replacement siding for worn-down areas, and many people consider it inherently unattractive.
Federal law does not require the seller to disclose to a buyer that their home contains asbestos or vermiculite. State or local requirements may require disclosure.
During removal – The law prohibits you from hiring anyone other than a Certified Asbestos Abatement Contractor to perform, or assist with, asbestos removal work in your single-family residence. Resident homeowners may remove asbestos themselves, provided they follow applicable standards.
The strong fibers were combined with substances such as cement and molded together to make asbestos siding. Like other forms of asbestos used, the siding was done away with during the late 1970s, early 1980s. Because the material is so toxic, the only way to determine that you have asbestos siding is to have it tested.
Some roofing and siding shingles are made of asbestos cement. Houses built between 1930 and 1950 may have asbestos as insulation. Asbestos may be present in textured paint and patching compounds used on wall and ceiling joints. Their use was banned in 1977.
The mere presence of asbestos in a home or a building is not hazardous. The danger is that asbestos materials may become damaged over time. Damaged asbestos may release asbestos fibers and become a health hazard. THE BEST THING TO DO WITH ASBESTOS MATERIAL IN GOOD CONDITION IS TO LEAVE IT ALONE!
The average price to remove asbestos siding is around $1,000, with typical costs between $800 and $1,200. The average price to repair asbestos siding is around $4,761, with typical costs between $665 and $8,856. Many projects come as low as $300 while some may reach $22,500.
Yes, you can cover asbestos! If your asbestos siding is already undisturbed, then you can cover it to keep it from breaking down and turning into a health hazard.
Selling a house with asbestos siding can be challenging, but it's possible with the right approach. Transparency and addressing potential buyers' concerns are key. Ensure all legal disclosure requirements are met and consider the pros and cons of removing the asbestos siding versus leaving it in place.
Whether you paint or replace your asbestos siding is mostly a matter of personal preference unless the asbestos is breaking down and causing potential health issues. But since replacing home siding is usually an expensive remodeling job, painting your asbestos siding is a more affordable option.
Yes, as long as the material isn't disturbed, and the asbestos fibers stay contained within the cement, asbestos siding is safe. Asbestos siding can remain in perfect condition for 50–80 years or more.
Can I power-wash my cement asbestos siding? If low pressure is used without abrasives and the siding will not be disturbed, then pressure washing is allowable. If the washing abrades the surface, breaks, or otherwise disturbs the siding, then the project becomes subject to the asbestos regulatory requirements.
Final Thoughts About Asbestos Siding
It's possible to remove the siding entirely or cover it over safely, but it's best to proceed with caution to ensure your home remains a safe space for you and your loved ones.