Everything You Need to Know About Asbestos Siding
TL;DR
Asbestos siding was installed on millions of American homes between the 1920s and 1980s. It was durable, affordable, and fireproof — but once asbestos was linked to lung disease, its popularity collapsed. If the siding on your home is intact, it usually isn’t dangerous, but cracked or broken shingles can release asbestos fibers into the air.
Homeowners today have three choices: leave it alone, encapsulate it with new siding, or hire certified professionals to remove it. Removal can cost $8–$15 per square foot, and rules vary by location. In Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, disclosure is required if you sell a home with asbestos siding.
What Is Asbestos Siding?
Asbestos siding, also known as asbestos cement siding or transite siding, is made from a mix of Portland cement and asbestos fibers. The result was a tough, weather-resistant shingle that resisted fire, insects, and rot.
From the 1920s through the late 1970s, asbestos siding was considered a premium product. Builders liked it because it was cheap to install and nearly indestructible. Homeowners liked it because it required little maintenance and could be painted.
Everything changed in the 1970s, when researchers connected asbestos exposure to serious health problems including mesothelioma and lung cancer. The EPA banned most new residential uses of asbestos in 1989, but homes built before then may still have asbestos siding in place today.
Is It Okay to Live in a House with Asbestos Siding?
In most cases, yes. If the siding is undisturbed and in good condition, asbestos fibers remain locked inside the cement and do not pose an immediate risk.
The problem arises when shingles are cracked, crumbling, or disturbed by drilling, sanding, or cutting. That’s when asbestos can become airborne. If inhaled, fibers can lodge in the lungs and cause health issues decades later.
Quick check: If your siding looks intact, painted, and sealed, you probably don’t need to panic. If it’s breaking apart or visibly deteriorating, it’s time to call a professional.
What Does Asbestos Siding Look Like?
Asbestos siding can be hard to identify because it often resembles other cement or fiber cement shingles. Common characteristics include:
Shingles typically 12 inches by 24 inches
Flat panels with a woodgrain, stucco, or smooth texture
A brittle, cement-like feel when touched
In some cases, scalloped or hexagonal patterns
Because it looks similar to modern fiber cement siding, the only way to know for sure is to send a sample to a certified lab. Do not attempt to break off a piece yourself — have a professional collect the sample safely.
Is Asbestos Siding Dangerous?
The word “asbestos” has a scary reputation, but not all asbestos products carry the same risk. Asbestos siding is considered non-friable, meaning the fibers are tightly bound in cement and cannot easily become airborne.
The siding only becomes hazardous if it turns friable — when it breaks, crumbles, or is disturbed during renovations. Cutting, sanding, or pressure-washing can all release fibers.
Bottom line: asbestos siding is not automatically dangerous, but careless handling can turn it into a serious health hazard.
How to Tell If Your Siding Is Asbestos
Some quick indicators:
Installed before 1980
Thick, cement-like shingles instead of thin vinyl or aluminum
Distinctive pressed patterns, especially woodgrain or stucco
But again, looks can be deceiving. The only way to confirm asbestos siding is through lab testing. Local environmental or home inspection companies can collect a sample safely and provide results.
Asbestos Siding Removal and Disposal
Removing asbestos siding is a delicate job. In most townships across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, certified asbestos abatement contractors are required. Delaware rules vary by county, but professional removal is still strongly recommended.
The process involves:
Wetting shingles to minimize dust
Carefully prying them off one by one
Sealing them in heavy-duty contractor bags
Transporting them to a landfill licensed to accept asbestos
Costs: On average, professional removal runs $8–$15 per square foot, plus landfill fees. A full-size home can easily reach five figures.
Local note: New Jersey has some of the strictest rules in the country. Attempting DIY removal there can result in heavy fines.
Is It Worth It to Remove Asbestos Siding?
This comes down to cost vs. peace of mind.
Reasons to remove:
You want the asbestos gone for good
You’re planning a major remodel
You’re concerned about resale value
Reasons not to remove:
High cost (often tens of thousands of dollars)
Asbestos is stable if left alone
Safer and cheaper alternatives exist
For many homeowners, the middle ground is encapsulation — covering the asbestos siding with new vinyl or fiber cement.
Encapsulation vs. Removal: Cost & Benefits
Option | Cost (per sq. ft.) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
Removal | $8–$15+ | Eliminates asbestos forever, clears path for upgrades | Very expensive, disposal required, highly regulated |
Encapsulation | $4–$8 | Safe, cost-effective, boosts curb appeal, easier resale | Asbestos remains underneath, future removal may still be needed |
Encapsulation is the most common choice in PA, NJ, and DE because it avoids the cost and red tape of full removal.
Asbestos Siding Replacement Options
When encapsulating or fully replacing, homeowners typically choose:
Vinyl siding → Affordable, lightweight, and low-maintenance.
Fiber cement siding (like James Hardie) → Durable, fire-resistant, and visually appealing.
Engineered wood siding → Provides a natural look with strong warranties.
All three are safer and easier to maintain than asbestos siding, and they can significantly increase your home’s curb appeal.
Asbestos Siding vs. Vinyl Siding
Let’s compare the old with the new:
Asbestos Siding
Extremely durable and fire-resistant
Good insulator
Hard to repair or modify
Raises concerns with buyers
Vinyl Siding
Cost-effective and widely available
Easy to install and maintain
Comes in dozens of colors and styles
No health risks
For homeowners focused on resale or modern looks, vinyl almost always comes out ahead.
Can You Repair or Paint Asbestos Siding?
Yes. Asbestos siding can be repaired or painted, but it must be done carefully.
Repair: Small cracks can be patched, or you may find salvaged shingles to replace broken ones.
Paint: Painting asbestos siding is safe and effective. In fact, a good coat of paint can seal fibers and extend the siding’s life by 10–15 years.
⚠️ Important: Do not sand or power wash asbestos siding, as this can release fibers. Instead, clean with gentle chemical solutions before painting.
Does Asbestos Siding Affect Home Resale Value?
Yes. While you can legally sell a home with asbestos siding in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, you must disclose it to buyers. Many buyers are hesitant, and some lenders require additional inspections.
Encapsulation is often the best resale strategy. Installing vinyl or fiber cement over asbestos improves curb appeal, satisfies most buyers, and avoids the high cost of full removal. However, a full replacement is probably better long term.
Local Regulations in PA, NJ, and DE
Asbestos laws vary by jurisdiction:
Pennsylvania → Encapsulation is allowed in many townships. Removal usually requires certified contractors.
New Jersey → Strict regulations; DIY removal is often prohibited, with fines up to thousands of dollars.
Delaware → Mixed rules depending on county. Some require permits, others do not, but professional handling is still recommended.
Always check with your local building department before starting any work.
FAQs
Q: Can contractors refuse to work on homes with asbestos siding?
Yes. Some may not drill or attach to it. Always confirm before hiring.
Q: How much does asbestos siding removal cost in PA/NJ/DE?
Most projects run between $8 and $15 per square foot, plus landfill fees.
Q: What is asbestos siding called?
It’s also known as asbestos cement siding or transite siding.
Q: Can new gutters or windows be installed over asbestos siding?
Yes, but many installers won’t drill through it. Encapsulation may be required first.
Q: Is asbestos siding still sold?
No. It was phased out in the 1980s and banned for residential use.
Final Thoughts
Asbestos siding is a relic of a different era. It was once considered a miracle material, but today it raises safety, maintenance, and resale questions. The good news is that homeowners have options — from leaving it intact, to covering it with new siding, to full removal.
Worried about asbestos siding on your home?
At Paragon Exterior, we help homeowners across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware upgrade to safe, modern siding. Whether you choose removal or encapsulation, we’ll guide you every step of the way and connect you with certified asbestos professionals. Learn more about our siding installation here.
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