If your home has old siding and was built before the 1980s, there’s a good chance it contains asbestos — a durable but hazardous material that was once prized for its fire resistance. Homeowners today face a tough choice: remove the asbestos siding entirely or cover it up.
Removing asbestos siding costs anywhere from $450 to over $6,000, depending on your home’s size, local disposal fees, and whether you hire a pro. Covering it with new siding typically runs $4,000 to $20,000 for a 2,500-square-foot home, but it’s less invasive and often safer in the short term.
The best option depends on your budget, your long-term plans for the home, and how much risk you’re comfortable taking on. In this guide, we’ll walk through the pros and cons of both approaches—including health risks, cost breakdowns, and expert tips — so you can make the safest, most practical decision for your home.
What Is Asbestos Siding?
Asbestos siding is made from a mix of cement and asbestos fibers. It was widely used from the 1920s to the 1970s because it held up well against fire, pests, and rot. But while it was durable, it’s now known to be a health hazard — especially when the siding gets damaged or disturbed, which releases harmful asbestos dust.
Health Risks Associated With Asbestos
As long as asbestos siding stays intact and undisturbed, it doesn’t pose much risk. The danger starts when you cut, drill, break, or otherwise damage the material. Once airborne, asbestos fibers can cause serious health issues if you inhale them — like lung scarring, mesothelioma, and other forms of cancer.
If you’re doing any work on a home with asbestos siding, it’s critical to handle it properly — or bring in a pro who can. Even small mistakes can lead to exposure.
Visual Cues That Indicate Asbestos Siding
You can’t confirm asbestos just by looking, but there are a few red flags that can tip you off:
- The siding was installed before 1980.
- It has a shingle or clapboard shape, often with a grainy or chalky texture.
- It cracks or breaks easily when stressed.
The only way to be sure is to send a sample to an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved lab for testing. Do that before starting any renovation or removal work.
Removing Asbestos Siding
If you want to eliminate asbestos from your home for good, removal is the most complete solution — but also the most expensive and potentially hazardous. Done right, it gets rid of the risk entirely and lets you replace it with safe, modern siding. Done wrong, it can release dangerous fibers and create a health nightmare.
Professional Asbestos Removal
Hiring a certified asbestos contractor is the safest route and, in many cases, the only legal option. These pros follow strict procedures to prevent contamination. They:
- Seal off the work area
- Use specialized tools to remove the siding without breaking it
- Keep everything wet to prevent dust
- Dispose of the material at a licensed facility
When the job’s done, you’ll get documentation showing that removal was completed safely and legally — which is important if you ever sell the home. While costs vary, most homeowners spend between $450 and $6,000, depending on house size, siding condition, and local disposal fees.
DIY Asbestos Removal
Some states let homeowners remove asbestos themselves — but just because it’s legal doesn’t mean it’s safe. One slip-up can put your health at risk, so DIY should be your absolute last resort.
If you’re set on doing it yourself, follow every safety step to the letter:
- Get permits and check your local regulations first.
- Use full protective gear: a HEPA respirator (look for the purple filters), disposable coveralls, gloves, goggles, and rubber boots.
- Cover the ground with thick plastic sheeting to catch debris.
- Keep everything wet to minimize dust.
- Work slowly and avoid breaking the panels.
- Seal and label all waste in heavy-duty plastic before disposal.
Lastly, make sure you’re allowed to dump asbestos waste at your local landfill — it must go to an approved facility.
Covering Over Asbestos Siding
If removal feels too risky or expensive, covering your asbestos siding is a solid alternative. It’s often safer, less expensive, and still allows you to upgrade your home’s appearance. This approach seals in the asbestos rather than disturbing it — minimizing the risk of fiber release.
Expect to pay $4,000 to $20,000 to cover asbestos siding on a 2,500-square-foot home, depending on the material you choose and the complexity of the job.
What Are the Benefits of Covering Asbestos Siding?
Covering asbestos siding offers multiple benefits.
It reduces the risk of asbestos fibers being released into the air, making it a safer option than leaving it exposed, and it’s also more affordable than complete removal. When covering asbestos siding, you can also usually take advantage of the opportunity to upgrade your home’s insulation, increasing energy efficiency while also mitigating a health risk.
Covering the siding allows you to refresh your home’s exterior look, providing an update without the hassle of hiring a team of contractors.
Methods for Covering Asbestos Siding
The method you choose to cover asbestos siding depends on factors like budget, style, and the condition of your current siding.
Installing vinyl siding is a popular option, offering durability, easy maintenance, and an updated look. Another method is applying foam insulation to keep the asbestos particles in place, so the new siding installation doesn’t disturb them and boosts the energy efficiency of your home. Fiber cement siding is another choice, offering a traditional appearance with added durability and fire resistance. Each method provides unique benefits, helping protect your home and improve its aesthetics.
Considerations When Covering Asbestos Siding
Before starting, check off these key prep steps:
- Inspect for damage: If the original siding is falling apart, covering may not be possible.
- Check local codes: Some areas have strict rules about working over asbestos.
- Get structural advice: Adding new siding increases weight — have a pro confirm your walls can handle it.
- Fix moisture issues: Trapping moisture under new siding can lead to mold and rot.
Choose a contractor who’s worked with asbestos siding before. It’s not your average install job, and you want someone who knows how to work safely.
Preparing for Asbestos Siding Work
Proper preparation is essential for safety and success in removing or covering asbestos siding.
Testing for Asbestos
Whether you’re removing or covering asbestos siding, preparing correctly is vital for both safety and a successful outcome.
Start by testing for asbestos to confirm its presence. This process involves collecting a sample of the siding and sending it to an EPA-approved lab. Once the results are back, you’ll know whether you’re dealing with asbestos, helping you plan your next steps accordingly.
Safety Precautions
While working with asbestos always comes with risks, you can take some steps to reduce the hazards you face when working around your home.
Essential precautions include wearing protective gear like gloves, goggles, and respirators and setting up containment areas to prevent asbestos fibers from spreading. Wet methods help minimize dust and fiber release during handling. Afterward, you must properly dispose of contaminated materials in accordance with local regulations. The work area and tools also need thorough cleaning to remove any remaining asbestos particles.
Obtaining Necessary Permits
Before starting work on asbestos siding, check with local authorities for required permits, as many areas have specific regulations. Failure to follow these rules can lead to fines or legal issues.
To navigate this process smoothly, consult with local authorities or a professional to understand the permits and legal steps for compliance. Planning with the proper documentation avoids potential legal problems and keeps your project on track.
Cost Considerations
Dealing with asbestos siding isn’t cheap, but the price depends heavily on which route you take and how complex the job is.
Professional asbestos siding removal typically costs between $450 and $6,000. Smaller homes or partial removals fall on the low end, while full exterior jobs on larger homes — with difficult access or extensive prep — can push costs higher. Disposal fees, permit costs, and local regulations also affect the total price. On average, homeowners spend around $2,200 for removal, according to national estimates.
If you decide to cover over the asbestos siding instead, expect to pay anywhere from $4,000 to $20,000 for a 2,500-square-foot home. The final cost depends on the siding material you choose, the complexity of the installation, and whether additional insulation or repairs are needed before installation. Vinyl is generally the most affordable option, while fiber cement tends to cost more due to its weight and labor requirements.
It’s a good idea to get multiple quotes from licensed contractors before making a decision. Estimates can vary widely, and comparing bids helps you understand the market rate for your area and spot any red flags.
Final Thoughts About Asbestos Siding
If your home has asbestos siding, you’re not alone — and you’re not out of options. While the material is dangerous when disturbed, it can be managed safely with the right approach.
Removing the siding is the cleanest long-term solution, especially if you’re planning a full exterior renovation or selling your home soon. It eliminates the hazard entirely, but it comes with higher upfront costs and greater risk if not handled correctly. On the other hand, covering it up is often safer and less invasive. It can be a good choice when the siding is still in good shape. You can modernize your home’s exterior and even boost energy efficiency with proper insulation.
Whichever option you choose, the key is planning carefully and putting safety first. Get your siding tested, check local regulations, and don’t cut corners — especially when it comes to handling a material like asbestos. When in doubt, consult an experienced pro to help you make the right call for your home and your health.
Costs in this article are sourced from contractor estimates used by Angi.
