How do you deal with asbestos siding?

Author: Cleve Konopelski  |  Last update: Thursday, September 25, 2025

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

Should you remove asbestos siding?

Asbestos siding is not harmful if left alone. It becomes a problem when you remove it, any pieces that break become ``fryable'', releasing particles into the air. Removing it yourself will save some money, but depending on where you are, there are some pretty strict laws regarding how it's handled and disposed of.

Is it safe to live in a house with 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.

What to do with old asbestos siding?

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.

Can I put siding over asbestos siding?

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.

What to Know When Replacing Asbestos Siding (Handling and Removal)

Is it legal to 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.

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.

Should 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 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.

Is it legal to cover asbestos siding?

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.

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.

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.

How long will asbestos siding last?

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.

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.

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.

Is it better to paint or replace asbestos siding?

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.

Is it hard to sell a house with asbestos siding?

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.

How to get rid of asbestos siding?

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.

Can you get a loan on a house with asbestos siding?

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.

Can I live in a house with asbestos?

If you think there may be asbestos in your home, don't panic. Asbestos-containing materials that aren't damaged or disturbed are not likely to pose a health risk. Usually the best thing is to leave asbestos-containing material alone if it is in good condition.

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 to tell if old siding has asbestos?

-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.

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.

Is there a replacement for asbestos siding?

WeatherSide fiber cement siding is the one and only solution for replacing or repairing old asbestos siding shingles. It is available in a variety of sizes and shapes to match many of the old siding shingles installed over the last 60-years.

How do you cover old asbestos siding?

You are not really supposed to seal asbestos with paint, but in theory it could work—the caveat being that this is extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. The only real way to seal asbestos is with the professional application of an encapsulating material like epoxy.

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