There’s a delicate line between safe and unsafe
Homes built before the 1980s may have asbestos siding.
Intact asbestos siding poses no immediate health risks.
Removing asbestos siding costs between $5 and $15 per square foot.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
It's okay to live in a house with asbestos siding as long as it's intact. Asbestos siding in good condition poses minimal risk since the fibers remain bound. If the siding is damaged, or deteriorating, or if renovations are planned that may disturb it, the risk of exposure increases significantly. Consult a professional asbestos inspector to assess the situation and provide recommendations.
Power washing asbestos siding can be hazardous and isn't recommended. The power washer's high pressure can disturb the siding and release harmful asbestos fibers into the air. Rather than attempting to DIY it, hire a professional trained in asbestos handling to tackle any exterior cleaning.
