Asbestos Siding Replacement

Average Cost:

$3,000 - $20,000

Asbestos siding replacement involves removal of old siding, then replacing asbestos siding with new siding. The average cost to remove and dispose absestos siding starts at $1,000 to $3,000. 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.

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Updated: Nov 15, 2024 · Written By: Emily Bloch · Reviewed By: Kat Gayol

Table of Contents

What is Asbestos?
Average Cost of Asbestos Siding Replacement
What Makes Asbestos Siding Hazardous?
How Do I Find Out If I Have Asbestos Siding?
Asbestos Siding Replacement

If you’re considering buying an older home, check if it has asbestos siding first. Asbestos siding was popular in North America from the 1920s to the 1980s due to its affordability, durability, fire resistance, and good paint absorption. However, in 1989, the Environmental Protection Agency banned asbestos in building products because of serious health risks like mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other respiratory diseases. Asbestos only becomes a health risk when its fibers are airborne, which usually happens if the siding is sawed or broken. Intact asbestos siding is not a health risk if left undisturbed, but if your home has it, you might consider a replacement project.

Dealing with asbestos siding is challenging. Removing it is costly and can increase health risks as fibers are released during removal. If you decide to remove the siding, you must also ensure safe disposal, which is expensive. You could keep the siding, but you’ll need a professional to safely cover it with vinyl or another material for asbestos abatement. In any case, asbestos siding should not be ignored for health reasons.

What is Asbestos?

The Environmental Protection Agency explains that asbestos is a mineral fiber found in rock and soil. These fibers are microscopic, yet they are extremely durable and fire-resistant. As a result, the strength and heat resistance of asbestos made it the material of choice in a variety of products, particularly in construction.

Average Cost of Asbestos Siding Replacement

The cost of replacing asbestos siding varies depending on the project’s scope and the materials chosen. Removing and disposing of old asbestos siding typically costs between $1,000 and $3,000, depending on your home’s size and the job’s complexity.

The cost to replace the siding depends on the type of material you select. Vinyl siding offers a budget-friendly option, while more premium materials, such as fiber cement siding from brands like GAF or James Hardie, can increase the price. On average, replacing asbestos siding ranges from $3,000 to $20,000.

For a more accurate estimate, consult a local siding contractor. They can evaluate your home and provide a detailed quote based on your needs and the materials you choose.[

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What Makes Asbestos Siding Hazardous?

Asbestos is a known human carcinogen, and it now faces strict regulation. Exposure to this toxic mineral directly links to several lung and respiratory health conditions. You can encounter asbestos fibers during demolition, home maintenance, or remodeling. These activities release the fibers into the air, where they become easy to inhale. Once inhaled, the microscopic fibers cling to the respiratory system, including the lungs and inner tissues. The rigid nature of asbestos fibers causes them to become lodged in soft tissue, making it difficult for the body to expel or break them down. Therefore, no level of asbestos exposure is safe.

How Do I Find Out If I Have Asbestos Siding?

An older home doesn’t always have asbestos siding. In fact, many manufacturers made similar-looking cement siding without asbestos during its peak popularity. Therefore, it’s important to have your home professionally evaluated to confirm. Additionally, some states offer free testing, while others charge up to $20. However, be cautious of testing services that claim to identify asbestos by sight alone. Only a laboratory test can reliably confirm its presence.

You can collect a sample for testing yourself. Simply follow these safety guidelines from the Environmental Protection Agency:

Shut off heating or cooling units and close all doors and windows to prevent drafts that could spread asbestos fibers into the air.
Wet the material you plan to sample using a mister or spray bottle. This keeps fibers from becoming airborne.
Use a utility knife or a similar tool to cut a sample from the material. Ensure you cut through the full depth of the material.
For siding, find a piece that is at least one square inch in size and is cracked, chipped, or broken off.
Place the sample in a high-quality Ziploc bag. Seal it tightly and wipe it with a damp rag or paper towel to prevent contamination.
Label the bag clearly and take it to a nearby testing facility for analysis.

Asbestos Siding Replacement

If you have asbestos siding, you have two main options. The most affordable are: 1) applying new vinyl siding over the asbestos to safely seal it, or 2) replacing damaged pieces with matching panels from GAF or James Hardie. This approach can save thousands of dollars, and these manufacturers offer panels that match older wavy and scalloped styles.

If you prefer to remove all asbestos, you’ll need full abatement. Costs depend on the siding’s total square footage and the chosen replacement material. You’ll also pay for safe asbestos disposal, which varies by state. Check with your local municipality for disposal guidelines, licensed removal contractors, and approved landfills.

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