How Much Does It Cost To Remove Asbestos Siding and Shingles?

Asbestos Siding Removal Costs Factors

Several factors, including size and the type of asbestos, can influence the cost of removing asbestos siding.

Size

The size of the area with asbestos often impacts the cost to remove it. Smaller spaces such as small attics or crawl spaces can be more difficult to reach, making conditions more hazardous and increasing the cost of removal.

Large surface areas also require more time and materials, increasing removal costs. For example, removing asbestos from siding can cost up to $150 per square foot, compared to $5 to $20 per square foot for removing asbestos inside a house.

Type of Asbestos

Chrysotile accounts for 95% of the asbestos used in buildings in the US. The type of fibers you find shouldn't affect the removal cost, especially since you only have a 5% chance of encountering anything other than chrysotile.

• Chrysotile: This belongs to the Serpentine family and has white, curly fibers.

• Amosite: This belongs to the Amphibole family and has brown needle-shaped fibers.

• Crocidolite: This also belongs to the Amphibole family and has blue needle-shaped fibers.

Siding Material

The type of material you have determines the removal cost. If your home's siding predates 1989, the chances are higher that it contains asbestos.

• Brick: There's not much to worry about. Asbestos cement mortar binds bricks, but it's solid and has a small chance of releasing fibers into the air.

• Cement: Whether it's in the form of shingles or lap, it's more likely to release fibers if it's cut, broken, or falls apart from normal wear and tear.

Any material on homes built after 1989 is highly unlikely to contain the toxic substance, and if it does, it only can contain 1% of it, according to international regulations. You can choose vinyl, fiber cement, brick, wood, and composite materials without fear of installing hazardous components.

Siding Encapsulation Cost

Encapsulation, a popular form of repair, averages $2 to $6 per square foot.A professional will carefully paint your siding with a latex masonry primer and high-quality latex paint. Encapsulation will prevent fibers from releasing. For 1,500 square feet, it can cost between $3,000 to $9,000.

If your inspection indicates that encapsulation is a safe option, it can cost 15% to 25% less than full removal.

Cost to Dispose Siding

The total removal price includes disposal. Local and federal regulations dictate that an approved facility must dispose of asbestos, and each state has its own fees for asbestos removal. An asbestos disposal permit usually costs $50 to $100, and disposal rates range from $10 to $50 per cubic yard. Only pros should handle this job. It is illegal to include contaminants in your weekly trash pickup.

Collecting the waste requires the right safety gear. Pros will wear protective eyewear, masks, suits, footwear, and gloves to avoid contact with particles. They use a special HEPA vacuum to eliminate dangerous particles from the air as small as 0.5 microns. They then bag materials, label them appropriately, and transfer them safely to a designated landfill to prevent local water contamination.

Labor Costs

The total cost to remove asbestos includes the hourly labor from at least two abatement professionals. Qualified contractors charge anywhere from $75 to $200 per person per hour. Since it takes about one hour to remove 25 square feet, the average removal costs about $600 to $1,600 for 100 square feet.

Siding Replacement Costs

The average cost to remove, dispose and replace 1,500 square feet of asbestos siding is between $11,000 and $24,000. Removal alone costs $1,000 to $10,000 depending on the scope of the project. Then, installing new material is $30 per hour plus the price of siding.

Your asbestos siding replacement cost will depend on the replacement material you choose. For example, the average cost to install wood siding is $12,500 while the cost to install fiber cement siding is less, at about $11,500. The average cost to install vinyl siding is about $10,000, depending on the size of the area.

If your siding tests positive, contact an asbestos abatement professional. They can help you determine what actions to take and whether to encapsulate or replace.

Cost to Add Siding Over Asbestos

Adding siding over existing asbestos is illegal in many municipalities. Even if it is legal in your area, it is highly risky. Most siding installation requires drilling through the existing substrate, which could disturb asbestos fibers and create health risks. Covering asbestos can also make it harder to monitor in the future.

If you do wish to cover asbestos with siding, it first needs to be covered in foam insulation sheathing using adhesives. New siding can then be attached to the sheathing. You can install a few different types of siding over asbestos.

• Vinyl siding costs $5–$20 per sq. ft. This is the safest material, since it clicks and locks to itself without nails. However, it isn’t breathable and can lead to mold beneath asbestos.

• Wood siding costs $5–$40 per sq. ft. It can be installed over foam sheathing, but nails need to be shorter than 2 inches thick to avoid penetrating the asbestos below.

• Stucco siding costs $8–15 per sq. ft. It is best to use synthetic stucco with a foam sheath base. Like vinyl, stucco is prone to moisture problems such as mold and mildew.

Cost to Remove Asbestos Shingles

The cost to remove asbestos cement shingles is around $200 per hour. These shingles were popular in the early to mid-20th century for their durability, lightness, and fireproof nature. Today, fiber cement has taken its place as a safe alternative to mimic the beauty of natural wood shingles.

When removing asbestos shingles, your contractor will have to carefully pry each shingle off piece by piece instead of removing full panels to avoid causing an unnecessary health risk. This can either work in your favor if you have a small area of shingles or can become an extensive project for homes covered in the hazardous material.

Asbestos Shingle Removal Cost

The cost to remove asbestos shingle siding is $200 per hour or $8 per square foot. On the other hand, it costs between $20 to $120 per square foot to remove roofing shingles. This price has a wide variation because steep roofs cost more to work on than flat roofs.

Adding Siding over Asbestos Shingles

The cost of adding siding over asbestos shingles ranges from $6,900 to $23,150. The total price includes the installation of a vapor barrier, insulation board, and the replacement siding over it.

Here are average costs per square foot of some popular types of siding material:

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

Doing asbestos removal as a DIY is possible, but can leave you in legal trouble if you don't adhere to your municipality’s specific demolition and removal requirements. Also, unless you have the tools and gear to do the job safely, you can accidentally inhale the fibers and risk your own health. Most DIY kits provide only minimal protection.

Labor is not the most significant factor when it comes to asbestos removal costs, so doing the job yourself will not save you a significant amount of money. Purchasing all of the necessary DIY equipment alone adds up to the cost of at least four hours of professional labor. DIY material prices are broken down below.

Overall, you can save some money by encapsulating or covering instead of opting for a full removal and replacement. No matter what you do, find a certified and trustworthy professional who will be able to navigate the legal requirements for the job. You’ll also want to first pay the cost to test for asbestos to be sure you know what you’re dealing with.

FAQs

Can asbestos siding effect my resale value?

Asbestos siding can negatively affect your home’s resale value, but it won’t in all cases. Some potential buyers may be turned off by the outdated look of asbestos siding due to the difficulty of replacing it, while others may fear health problems despite the low actual risk. Other consumers will find asbestos siding’s durability and ability to hold paint appealing.

Is it safe to cover asbestos siding?

It is safe to cover asbestos siding, but great care must be taken to do so. Drilling directly into asbestos to install new siding will disturb the material and cause a health risk. To safely cover asbestos siding, a layer of foam sheathing insulation must be applied first. Any new siding should be attached to the sheathing rather than the asbestos beneath.