If you have an older home, you may have heard about the term asbestos siding. Maybe during an inspection, or from a contractor, or maybe you spotted some mysterious shingles yourself. The real question is: what is asbestos siding, and is this still a matter of concern? Let’s find out!
What Is Asbestos Siding?
Asbestos siding is also known as asbestos-cement siding, which is a building material made from a mix of Portland cement and asbestos fibers. It was used in the early 1900s during construction and was known for its fire-resistant and weatherproof properties, and was considered a durable and affordable building material.
Back then, builders molded it into shingles or panels that looked like wood, stone, or even stucco. To a mid-century homeowner, it was practically maintenance-free siding at a budget price.
When Was Asbestos Siding Banned?
By the late 1970s, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other agencies began restricting asbestos products after studies confirmed its link to cancer and lung disease.
Most asbestos siding stopped being manufactured after 1973, and by 1989, the EPA had banned many asbestos-containing building materials due to public health protection.
Does Asbestos Siding Pose Health Risks?
Asbestos itself is the problem, not the siding’s look or function. As long as asbestos siding is intact, it doesn’t pose much of a risk. The danger comes when it’s cut, drilled, cracked, or broken.
That’s when tiny asbestos fibers can become airborne. If inhaled, those fibers can lodge deep in the lungs and cause serious health issues decades later, including:
- Asbestosis
- Lung cancer
- Mesothelioma
How to Identify Asbestos Siding?
Apparently, asbestos siding often looks like cement shingles or panels. Common signs to identify whether the siding contains asbestos or not include:
- Flat or slightly wavy shingles with a wood-grain or textured surface
- Brittle or chalky feel around the edges
- Nail holes along the bottom of panels
- Homes built before the 1980s that still have original siding
The most important thing is you can’t confirm asbestos siding just by looking, plus asbestos does not have any smell like mold. The only reliable way is hiring an Asbestos inspection team so that they can confirm it by lab testing. If you suspect your siding contains asbestos, don’t take samples yourself; hire a licensed inspector.
Pros and Cons of Asbestos Siding
It was once popular because:
- Fire-resistant and weatherproof
- Insect- and rot-resistant
- Affordable and low-maintenance
- Long-lasting
Now, it has become a headache due to:
- Brittle and prone to cracking with age
- Dangerous if disturbed
- Impossible to buy replacement pieces
- Costly to remove safely
What If You Have Asbestos Siding?
Don’t panic if your home contains asbestos siding, and don’t rip it all out. Here are the main approaches:
Leave It As It Is
Leave the siding alone if it is intact and sealed because it is usually safe. Many asbestos inspection teams recommend leaving it undisturbed.
Encapsulate or Cover It
You can paint it with a heavy latex-based paint to seal fibers or install new siding like vinyl or fiber cement right over it. This avoids disturbing the asbestos.
Professional Removal
If the siding is damaged, crumbling, or you are planning renovations, removal may be the best route. You can hire professional asbestos abatement contractors who follow strict regulations. The cost of removing asbestos siding is around $13,000 to $25,000, depending on the home size.
Replacement with Safe Materials
Today’s options include fiber cement siding, which is asbestos-free but offers a similar look, or choose vinyl, engineered wood, or metal siding. These materials deliver durability and peace of mind without the health risks.
Impact Of Asbestos Siding on Home Value
Asbestos siding can affect a home’s resale value, but not always in the way people expect. If the siding is intact and well-maintained, many buyers and inspectors consider it safe to leave it in place, and it may not hurt the sale.
The real issue arises when siding is damaged or when buyers worry about future renovation costs and asbestos removal, which can be expensive.
Some buyers see it as a red flag and may negotiate a lower price, while others are fine if the siding has been properly encapsulated or covered with new materials like vinyl or fiber cement.
Final Words
Asbestos siding is one of those home features that sparks concern, and for good reason. It was once praised for being durable, affordable, and fire-resistant, but we now know the health risks related to asbestos exposure.
However, if your siding is intact and undisturbed, it usually isn’t a danger. The best approach is to find the good options to get rid of it or hire a professional team to remove it if you want renovations. I hope you have now developed a good understanding.