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Discover the cost to replace asbestos siding, including key cost factors, and tips to help homeowners budget for safe and effective siding replacement.
Is Asbestos Siding Dangerous? What to Know to Keep Your Home Safe
There’s a delicate line between safe and unsafe
Get quotes from asbestos removal specialists near you
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Get quotes from asbestos removal specialists near you
No obligation · 100% free
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Power washing asbestos siding releases harmful fibers into the air, so the high pressure from a power washer can disturb your siding and create serious health risks.
Expect to pay $700 to $5,700 for professional asbestos siding removal, with average costs around $3,200, so addressing damaged siding early helps you avoid higher expenses.
Intact asbestos siding poses minimal risk to your home, but damaged or deteriorating siding increases exposure and needs professional evaluation to keep your family safe.
Hiring a local asbestos testing professional provides reliable answers through proper sample collection and lab analysis, helping you plan safe removal or encapsulation with confidence.
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You may be concerned about living in a house with asbestos siding. Asbestos is a hazardous fiber that can cause serious lung illness, including certain types of cancers. But is asbestos siding dangerous to be around? The short answer is no, as long as it’s not disturbed. Learn everything you need to know about asbestos siding to ensure your home and environment's safety.
What Is Asbestos Siding?
Asbestos siding is made from a mixture of cement and asbestos fibers and was widely used from the 1930s to the 1970s. Known for its durability, fire resistance, and insulation properties, asbestos siding became popular as an affordable, low-maintenance option in home construction. The material was frequently applied to homes before asbestos's health hazards became widely known.
By the 1980s, asbestos siding fell out of favor as studies linked asbestos fibers to serious respiratory diseases, including mesothelioma. Although asbestos siding is no longer produced, it remains in many older homes. Managing it safely is key, as undisturbed asbestos siding poses minimal risk, while damaged or removed siding requires professional handling due to strict regulations and safety protocols.
Health Risks Associated With Asbestos
Asbestos exposure presents significant health risks when fibers are inhaled and accumulate in the lungs. The most common disease associated with asbestos is asbestosis, a chronic lung condition characterized by inflammation and scarring of lung tissue. This scarring can lead to shortness of breath, persistent cough, and chest pain.
Prolonged asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for lung cancer, particularly among individuals who smoke, as the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure greatly increases the likelihood of developing the disease.
Another serious health risk linked to asbestos is mesothelioma, a rare but aggressive cancer that primarily affects the lining of the lungs or abdomen. Mesothelioma can take decades to manifest and is known to remain undiagnosed until advanced stages.
Angi Tip
Leave asbestos removal to the professionals. Long periods of exposure to a high volume of disturbed asbestos can have harmful effects on your health, including serious diseases like asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.
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How to Identify Asbestos Siding
Photo: James Ebanks / iStock / Getty Images
The most reliable way to confirm the presence of asbestos in your siding is through professional testing. Hire a certified local asbestos inspector to collect samples and send them to a lab for analysis. Avoid DIY testing because improper handling can increase the risk of exposure. If asbestos is detected, a pro can recommend the safest course of action.
Is Siding Commonly Tested for Asbestos?
According to data from Angi customers, 7.4% of people get asbestos testing for their siding. Similarly, 31.1% of homeowners have had their ceilings tested for asbestos, and 16.8% have had insulation throughout their home tested. It’s important to test for asbestos throughout your home to prevent serious respiratory problems, so call an asbestos removal company for professional testing ASAP.
When Is Asbestos Siding Considered Most Dangerous?
Asbestos siding is most dangerous when it's damaged or disturbed, as it can release harmful asbestos fibers into the air. Drilling, cutting, sanding, or even heavy impact can break the siding and release fibers. Severe weather or age can cause the siding to crack, chip, or degrade, further increasing exposure. Even high-pressure power washing can release asbestos fibers.
Asbestos siding can become hazardous during renovations or repairs if proper safety measures aren't followed. If you plan to remodel or upgrade and suspect you have asbestos siding, consult a professional to evaluate the risks. If the siding is in poor condition or the renovation work could disturb it, abatement professionals will ensure safe handling.
The Cost of Removing Asbestos Siding
The cost to remove asbestos siding ranges between $700 and $5,700, with an average price of $3,200, but it will vary greatly depending on the size of the home. Removal costs between $5 and $15 per square foot, so the larger your home, the higher the price. Hiring an asbestos removal professional near you is highly recommended rather than going the DIY route, as there are too many risks involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Asbestos removal services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
5.0★ avg. • 2 total reviews
- Gerilyn L.
One of my old tall evergreen trees was suddenly leaning toward the busy street in front of my house. I submitted a request for an emergency tree inspection, and Alejandro, owner of Cajete Tree Service, contacted me immediately and arrived to look at it just 20 minutes later. We agreed the...
Cajete Tree Service LLC - Sue B.
Terrible experience. Walls/trim/floors/cabinets/doors all have drip marks, overspray, etc. Tiling at the fireplace had to be redone by another vendor due to incorrect and shoddy install by Profect. Contractor had his children in our house while he was on site without prior authorization or...
Profect painting & exteriors - Paul F.
Lyle did a great job removing asbestos shingles from our front porch roof. They worked together with our roofer to make sure that the new roof was able to be installed on the same day that Lyle removed the asbestos shingles.
Lyle Environmental - Kendrick V.
Involved an extensive bathroom remodel, including removing tub & installing walk in shower, new drywall, custome tile work to ceiling, plumbing, etc. Overall, job was done on time and on budget. Nick & his team were very professional and had high attention to detail. Quality was great. Highly...
Stamos Flooring and Remodeling LLC - John E.
A team of 2 spent 5 hours, cleaning top to bottom (removed all light fixture and cleaned.... impressive!!!)
Luzia's Cleaning - Troy S.
Great Job!!! Martin called me after I requested a estimate on Home Advisor. He was very professional and actually went the same day and looked at the tree I needed removed gave us a estimate and I felt it was very aggressive so I did not even call for any other bids. I asked him how soon he...
Reyes Tree Service LLC - Home Facebook - David S.
Mike and his crew did a great job working through a very challenging task. The job required a full demolition of our ceiling, removing the blown in insulation and removing all the material from the site daily. It involved multiple inspections from the city and many challenges to get the...
Rising Height Unlimited - Brenda H.
Removed various items (furniture, lamps, other junk) from my home. They were on time, personable, professional, etc. I can't say enough positive things about this company. <br />
- Locke M.
The task proved more difficult than anticipated. When they arrived the first day, they had no tools with them at all, and had to make a run to purchase appropriate tools. It was quickly determined that the paper had to be steamed off, and neither the workers, nor the company itself, had...
ABS Interiors of Mid-Ohio LLC - Alesia B.
We needed them to do extra work to remove existing wallpaper, and provide full primer and painting/trim work around existing furniture etc, during a move-in period. They did everything top-notch with minimal mess. They were always extremely on time, and very professional. They also cleaned...
The homeowners guide to asbestos removal services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Discover the cost to remove asbestos siding, including average prices, key cost factors, and tips to help homeowners plan a safe and budget-friendly project.
Asbestos removal costs vary based on where it’s located, the size of the job, and if there is any underlying damage. Learn what has the biggest effect on the cost.
Covering homes in asbestos siding was common before its health risks were revealed, but what is asbestos siding? Find out what it is and what to do if you have it.
Is asbestos siding ineligible for coverage? Learn about asbestos, how to identify its traits, and if it is covered by homeowners insurance.
There are ways to cover asbestos siding that make it safer, but it is always going to be safest to have a professional company perform the required tests and remove it.