The amount of asbestos found in a home can significantly affect its value. Properties with extensive amounts of asbestos-containing materials may be viewed as more hazardous investments, due to the potential health risks associated with asbestos exposure.
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.
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....
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Covering asbestos siding takes roughly half the time as removing the original siding, but it might not be the best idea. For the majority of homeowners, it is better—and safer—to pay a pro to remove and replace the asbestos siding. After you receive the all-clear, then put up new siding.
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!
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.
-Compare the newer siding to older siding areas and look for evidence that indicates age. - Asbestos was particularly prevalent in siding that resembles shingles or was made to look like wood grain. - If your siding has these characteristics, then asbestos could be present.
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.
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.
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.
If asbestos is discovered in crucial areas like insulation or roofing, the perceived risk may be heightened, leading to a decrease in the property's overall value. Reducing the impact of asbestos on the value of a property requires dealing with the issue through remediation or removal.
Asbestos siding becomes quite brittle as it ages, meaning it'll crack or break off with just a little pressure. Fiber cement siding tends to maintain flexibility as it ages, as long as it's a high-quality product. Lower-cost fiber cement siding boards may become brittle as they age, though.
Safe: WeatherSide™ Fiber-Cement Siding contains NO asbestos.
Asbestos Siding Encapsulation Costs
Per square foot: The typical range falls between $2 and $6 per square foot. Total project cost: For a typical 1,500-square-foot house, expect to pay around $3,000 to $9,000.
Your only legal options in having asbestos removed from your home are to hire a certified asbestos abatement contractor or do the work yourself. The law prohibits you from hiring anyone other than a certified asbestos abatement contractor to perform asbestos removal work.