Does asbestos siding affect resale value?

Author: Alvera King  |  Last update: Tuesday, June 10, 2025

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.

Can I sell a house with asbestos siding?

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.

Is it bad to buy a house with asbestos siding?

It's perfectly safe to have asbestos siding. The asbestos is confined in a matrix & is no danger in that condition. Asbestos siding was common in the south because of its insulating properties. It could also prevent fires from invading a building....

Can you live in a house with asbestos siding?

No, living in a house with asbestos in the walls is not safe. Asbestos is a known carcinogen, and breathing its fibers can cause major respiratory issues such as lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Should you cover asbestos siding?

Inspection: Have a professional inspect the asbestos siding to determine its condition. If it's intact and not crumbling, it's generally safe to cover it.

Charlotte Home Inspector Explains Asbestos Siding

Does asbestos siding lower home value?

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.

How much does it cost to remove asbestos siding?

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.

How do you deal with asbestos siding?

Remove pieces of siding by pulling nails or cutting nail heads so as to minimize breakage. If necessary, carefully lift siding pieces with pry tool to expose nail heads. 2. If siding should begin to crack or crumble, immediately wet the cracked or broken areas with the pint spray bottle or garden pump sprayer.

What is the life expectancy of asbestos siding?

Long-Lasting – The early versions of asbestos shingles were specifically designed to have long-lasting quality, as such, it can last up to 30 – 50 years in the same lifespan with the most durable and long-lasting materials in the market.

Do you have to disclose asbestos siding?

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.

Can you insure a house with asbestos siding?

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.

How to tell if a house has asbestos siding?

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.

What year did they stop using asbestos in siding?

The use of asbestos in homebuilding was discontinued in the late 1970s or early 1980s, but it is still present in many older homes. If your home was built before then and is up to 100 years old, it could be covered in asbestos siding.

Can you buy a house with asbestos siding?

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.

Can you power wash a house with asbestos siding?

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.

What to do if you bought a house with asbestos?

If asbestos-containing material is more than slightly damaged or if you are going to make changes in your home that might disturb it, repair or removal by a trained and accredited asbestos professional is needed.

Is it worth it to remove asbestos siding?

Removing asbestos siding is the most thorough solution, although it is more expensive and potentially more hazardous if done incorrectly. This option eliminates the asbestos from the property, allowing for a fresh start with new siding materials and a safer environment overall.

Do I have to replace asbestos siding?

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.

Is it bad to touch asbestos siding?

Generally, material in good condition will not release asbestos fibers. THERE IS NO DANGER unless fibers are released and inhaled into the lungs. Check material regularly if you suspect it may contain asbestos. Don't touch it, but look for signs of wear or damage such as tears, abrasions, or water damage.

How much does it cost to side over asbestos siding?

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.

Is it OK to paint asbestos siding?

The risk comes from cutting, drilling, or sanding the siding, which can release harmful fibers into the air. 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.

What is the best tool to remove asbestos siding?

Liquid dishwashing detergent– To be mixed with water to produce the best results when wetting asbestos. Siding removal tools: - A pry bar for lifting nails. A bar equipped with a blade at least two inches wide is best. - A nail puller or nail-head cutter - A knife or scissors to cut polyethylene sheeting.

What to do if house has asbestos siding?

If your siding contains asbestos, is removal the best option? Asbestos is a problem only if fibers are released to the air. Unless cement asbestos-board siding is disturbed, it should not release asbestos fibers. Hence, the safest, easiest, and least-expensive option may be to leave it alone.

Does homeowners insurance cover asbestos?

Asbestos abatement and remediation are not generally covered by home insurance. However, due to the potential health risks, it's important to have knowledgeable professionals inspect an older home before major work is done.

How long does asbestos stay in the air?

One of the most worrying issues with asbestos is that in the event that it does get disturbed, it can be easily released into the air, and remain there for some time. It is thought that disturbed asbestos can stay airborne for as long as 48 to 72 hours before settling.

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