Let asbestos siding replacement provide your home with the safe and effective aesthetic upgrade it deserves. This appeal process emphasizes the use of contemporary materials to enhance curbside aesthetic.
It makes for a healthier living environment. By choosing new, high-quality siding materials, you can greatly enhance your property’s curb appeal and energy efficiency.
To embrace this change is to invest in aesthetics and safety. By choosing replacement wisely, homeowners have the opportunity to experience peace of mind and long-term rewards—both financially and in their quality of life.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is unique among known minerals, characterized by its exceptional strength and extraordinary heat resistance. This naturally-occurring mineral is made up of long, thin fibrous crystals that are bendable, heat-resistant, conductive, and corrosive.
These fibers can break loose and become airborne and, when inhaled, they can cause serious health hazards. Asbestos was once a very highly regarded substance in many industries, particularly in construction and manufacturing, for its beneficial properties.
Definition of Asbestos
Asbestos is the term for a group of six silicate minerals with long fibers that have been separated. These fibers are highly resistant to heat, fire, and chemical destruction, which made them vital in countless industrial uses.
While asbestos does have some practical uses, health organizations including the EPA and WHO classify asbestos as a carcinogen. This designation comes from its undeniable connection to deadly diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Asbestos siding has easily breakable fibers that may be grayish-white in color. These fibers are combined with Portland cement to increase the material’s strength.
Common Uses of Asbestos
Throughout history, asbestos has been incorporated into thousands of different products. In the construction industry, it was widely used in building materials, insulation, and automotive parts.
Its usefulness for a variety of building materials, especially long-lasting roofing, flooring, and siding products, made it a popular material. Chrysotile, the most common type of asbestos, makes up about 90% of the asbestos found in siding materials.
Asbestos was widely used in many products, including cement, tiles, sealants, paints, and insulation products. The cement-asbestos products, invented in 1905 by the Johns-Manville company, highlight its historic legacy.
Given the widespread use of asbestos in the past, many countries have enacted bans or restrictions to mitigate its health hazards.
Health Risks of Asbestos
The hazards asbestos holds to human health are real and deadly. Inhaling its fibers can cause deadly respiratory diseases, such as lung cancer and asbestosis.
These diseases are characterized by a long latency period, sometimes taking several decades to appear, which makes early detection and treatment difficult. Asbestos-related diseases highlight the importance of proper asbestos material management and removal practices.
Even limited exposure can result in serious, lasting health consequences. While once widely used, the potential for serious health consequences prompted a need for stricter regulations and safety measures.
What is Asbestos Siding?
Asbestos siding is another form of exterior cladding, made from a mixture of cement and asbestos fibers. This combination creates a strong yet flexible material that is fireproof, water resistant, and incredibly durable. Asbestos siding’s main purpose is to protect buildings from the elements.
In addition, it gives you the best fire resistance possible. Homeowners and builders loved this material not just for its durability and easy maintenance, but for its beautiful aesthetic range. Asbestos siding was especially great at imitating wood and other traditional materials.
This beautiful finish heightened the curb appeal of thousands of homes – from classic Colonials to modern ranches.
Composition of Asbestos Siding
The main ingredients that make up asbestos siding are Portland cement mixed with asbestos fibers, creating a rigid and hardy structure. This blend creates a lightweight option compared to heavier conventional siding materials, making it easier to install and maneuver around the jobsite.
Its composition was specifically designed to deliver a long-lasting performance, resisting natural wear and tear, and maintaining its structural integrity over time. Properly cared for, asbestos siding can last over a hundred years.
That durability makes it a common material in older homes. This durability is also reflected in the many homes from the mid-20th century that still feature this type of siding.
History of Asbestos Siding
First introduced in the early 20th century, asbestos siding rapidly grew into one of the most popular building materials of its time. Its popularity is due to its exceptional fire-resistant qualities. Homeowners love asbestos siding for its low maintenance requirements, making it a long-lasting and economical choice.
Asbestos siding was heavily used in the construction industry from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s. Its use started to decline after the public learned about the serious health hazards posed by exposure to asbestos. By 1980, its use had all but ceased.
You’ll be hard-pressed to not find it in any older home, especially houses built in the 1950s and ’60s.
Identifying Asbestos Siding
The process of identifying asbestos siding requires a few steps, beginning with a visual inspection. As a rule of thumb, keep an eye out for its unique texture and color, which usually comes in the form of 12-inch by 24-inch shingles or shakes.
Each panel typically has two or three nail holes visible at the bottom, a telltale sign of how it was installed. Looking for manufacturer labels or stamps can further help identify if asbestos is likely to be present.
If you have any doubts, having a professional test your siding is a smart move. Homes constructed after 1973 usually have very little asbestos siding. This is largely because of changes in regulations that were mandated throughout the 1970s and 80s.
Risks of Asbestos Siding
If you own an older home, it’s important to know the risks behind asbestos siding. Asbestos is a term for a group of six naturally occurring silicate minerals. From the 1920s through the 1960s, builders used it extensively in residential construction due to its remarkable durability and heat resistance.
When this siding is cracked or crumbling, for instance, microscopic asbestos fibers can quickly be released into the air. This creates a dangerous health hazard to anyone in the vicinity. Homes constructed prior to the 1980s are especially at risk of containing asbestos siding.
When these fibers are exposed to the air, their inhalation can cause significantly higher risks of lung disease. As The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently raised the alarm, the risk of developing these dangerous lung conditions is increased 10% or more with exposure to these deadly fibers.
During renovations or repairs this risk increases significantly if proper precautions are not taken to prevent asbestos exposure. Move and work with asbestos materials without taking safety precautions and you will dislodge fibers in an instant. It’s during this process that the dangerous fibers can become airborne.
It is always best to hire qualified professionals with extensive experience in safely dealing with asbestos. Removal costs vary widely, averaging $800-$1,200. If you’ll require repairs done before removal, you’ll be looking at an average of $4,761 in repairs.
For large projects that would need the involvement of several professionals, expenses can far surpass $22,500.
Health Hazards
Health risks of asbestos exposure are serious and can be fatal. One of the most dangerous diseases associated with it is mesothelioma. Even slight exposure to asbestos poses a risk that adds up over time, drastically affecting your health.
Proper protective measures should be taken when working with or around asbestos-containing materials. This means using specialized equipment and following rigorous safety protocols to avoid inhaling fibers.
These dangers can be avoided — for example, by wearing protective gear and working in well-ventilated spaces. All major health institutions agree that such precautionary measures are necessary to protect workers and residents alike.
Environmental Concerns
In addition to health risks, asbestos disposal creates environmental challenges. When asbestos materials are improperly disposed, they may cause contamination that threatens the surrounding ecosystem and nearby communities.
Regulations regarding asbestos waste management are strict, with regulations mandating the following of specific procedures to ensure safe disposal. These regulations are designed to reduce the environmental harm and avoid contaminating the environment in the first place.
It is not only important to address asbestos-containing materials properly, but it is a serious environmental injustice to neglect their presence. For instance, sealing and labeling waste prior to transport ensures that it is safely contained throughout the process.
Protecting the environment is smart public health practice. Municipal leaders are often in the best position to understand local context and comply with the law.
Handling Asbestos Siding Safely
1. Importance of Proper Handling
Asbestos siding was widely used on homes constructed in the 1950s and ’60s. Today, that same material still presents serious safety hazards. If these materials are disturbed, damaged, or not disposed of properly, asbestos fibers can be released into the air, which is extremely hazardous to human health.
This risk underscores the critical importance of personal protective equipment (PPE). Protect yourselves by arming with Tyvek suits, respirator masks, and eye protection! These items are critical to address to avoid inhalation and exposure, protecting your workers and any property inhabitants.
The legal ramifications of improper asbestos handling are just as serious. Regulations require strict compliance to protect public health. Failure to follow can lead to legal sanctions and huge monetary damages. When proper worker safety precautions are taken, workers are not only safe, but the environment around them is protected from contamination.
This commitment is not only a legal responsibility, but an ethical promise to protect the health and safety of everyone involved.
2. Avoid DIY Removal
For this reason, it is very dangerous to try and remove asbestos siding as a DIY project. The intricacy and risk involved with asbestos removal require professional expertise and gear. When you hire professional removal services, you can rest assured that all safety regulations and standards of practice are being followed completely.
These professionals learn to navigate the complicated containment and disposal processes. The average DIY’er or homeowner is not equipped to do this properly.
The cost of professional removal, which can run between $10,000 and $20,000, may feel prohibitive. Such an investment is paltry. It absolutely dwarfs the high costs involved with developing health complications or encountering legal troubles from reckless asbestos mishandling.
Engaging an asbestos removal company before replacing your siding can add $300 to $400 per square foot to your project costs. Or, you can have your siding contractor handle the removal instead. That’s a small price to pay for peace of mind and safety.
3. Safe Removal Procedures
Whether you decide to remove your asbestos siding or have it left in place, safe removal procedures are paramount. Here are essential steps to ensure safety:
- Before any work begins, assess the site and materials to understand the extent of asbestos presence.
- Crews must wear proper PPE, including Tyvek suits, respirator masks, and eye protection, to safeguard against exposure.
- Containment Measures: Implement containment strategies to prevent fiber dispersion.
- Adhere strictly to local disposal and abatement regulations to ensure compliance.
- Engage a licensed, EPA-certified asbestos abatement company to handle the removal, ensuring all safety protocols are followed.
Asbestos siding is very long-lasting, with a life expectancy of some 70 years. You need to be cautious when handling it because it’s dangerous. Although it is still used in many applications today, no one is denying that safety must be the first concern when handling these types of materials.
Replacement Options for Asbestos Siding
When dealing with asbestos siding, two main paths lie ahead: replacement or encapsulation. Each option offers its own distinct advantages, and understanding the average cost of these siding options can help you make an informed choice that best suits your needs and circumstances.
Replacement vs. Encapsulation
Replacement means the full removal of the existing asbestos siding and installation of new materials. This choice is frequently the preferred one because of the long-term cost savings. By removing asbestos siding, you remove the chance of fiber release, which can cause serious health issues.
Plus, replacement siding materials are usually much more energy-efficient and aesthetically appealing, instantly improving your home’s curb appeal and energy efficiency. Common choices for replacement siding include vinyl, fiber cement, or engineered wood, each offering a range of colors and textures to match your home’s style.
Encapsulation is the process of sealing the existing asbestos siding to prevent the release of fibers. This process is more convenient, less disruptive, and sometimes more cost-effective in the long run. By using a high-quality sealant, you’re sealing in the asbestos fibers and preventing them from becoming airborne and causing health problems.
If your siding is stable, encapsulation may be the best option. It provides a more immediate and less intrusive remedy.
| Option | Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement | Complete removal of asbestos, long-term safety, improved energy efficiency, enhanced curb appeal | Higher initial costs, more labor-intensive, potential for environmental impact during removal |
| Encapsulation | Cost-effective, less disruptive, quick to implement | Does not remove asbestos, potential for future fiber release if sealant fails, does not improve energy efficiency or aesthetics |
Choosing Replacement Shingles
Choosing the right replacement shingles can significantly impact the overall cost of your replacement siding project. Vinyl siding is a common replacement option, largely due to its inexpensive nature and ease of maintenance. It is available in a multitude of colors and finishes, making it a truly customizable choice for homeowners today.
Fiber cement siding, such as James Hardie products, offers exceptional durability and resistance to fire and pests, though it tends to be more expensive and challenging to work with. LP SmartSide, an alternative engineered wood, can easily achieve the look of natural wood while providing superior moisture and pest resistance. This balance between aesthetics and performance is crucial when selecting siding options.
When considering replacement siding materials, take into account the climate in your area and your home’s architectural style. For coastal communities, inexpensive vinyl siding is an even better choice, as it will not be damaged by salty air. Conversely, fiber cement is ideal for areas at risk for wildfires, making it a preferred siding material in those regions.
Regardless of the material you choose, ensure it complies with local building codes and delivers the durability and performance you desire in the long run. Consulting with a local siding contractor can also help you navigate these choices effectively.
Cost Factors for Asbestos Siding Replacement
If you’re in the market for asbestos siding replacement, understanding the average cost factors is crucial, as these expenses can significantly impact your project’s total budget. Knowing what to expect can help you plan effectively.
Labor and Material Costs
The labor and material costs should be taken into consideration. Replacement also entails removal of asbestos siding, a hazardous and meticulous task that demands highly-skilled labor.
The cost of removing asbestos siding ranges from $600 to $1,600 per 100 square feet. Further, every hour of removal time adds approximately $25/sf. This process usually requires two or more abatement specialists working at the same time, which doubles the hourly labor cost.
For instance, if a contractor is billing $200 per hour, this can add up fast, particularly for bigger jobs. Once the removal is done, the process of installing new siding materials starts. This phase factors in the cost of the new siding itself, which can greatly vary depending on the type selected.
The cost of labor to install new siding is typically $30 an hour, plus the cost of materials. Work only with a qualified, expert contractor. Their experience ensures that the work will be completed in a safe and timely manner.
By encapsulating asbestos siding instead of removing it, you’ll avoid the cost of new material. Secondly, this option tends to be less expensive than removal and replacement.
Encapsulation entails placing an impermeable barrier over the existing asbestos siding. Usually, this process runs around $2 to $6 a square foot. Though this doesn’t remove the asbestos, it ensures that it won’t be released into the air, lessening the risk to public health.
Additional Expenses
In addition to the major costs of labor and materials, there are a few other costs you should expect. Replacement cost Removing, disposing of, and replacing just 1,500 square feet of asbestos siding can be very expensive, from $11,000 to $24,000.
Just the removal process alone can cost you anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000. These figures really underscore the huge financial investment involved in a project of this scale.
The process of safely disposing of asbestos materials adds cost. This important step is a big victory for environmental justice. For context, the average removal of asbestos shingle siding, for instance, is around $8 per square foot or around $200 per hour.
It’s just as critical to know what kind of asbestos you are working with. Whether they’re on a residential or commercial property, there’s a 5% likelihood that materials being removed under this exemption contain asbestos types other than chrysotile.
This minor variability can make a big difference in costs, especially if some sort of specialized handling will be necessary.
Tips to Lower Replacement Costs
To remove asbestos siding successfully, start by getting multiple quotes from local contractors. This simple action will go a long way to ensure you make the right decision. This method will give you the confidence of knowing what the market rates are and the level of effort needed for the work. Understanding the average cost of removal is crucial as it varies significantly based on the contractor’s experience and the complexity of the project.
Contractors will usually give different cost estimates depending on their level of experience, the difficulty of the work, and the products they suggest. Another contractor might suggest a full removal and replacement of the siding using fiber cement siding. This choice is both more robust and more pedestrian-friendly, making it a popular option among homeowners today.
On the other hand, the same contractor could recommend encapsulation as a cheaper option. With encapsulation, the asbestos siding is sealed so that others cannot be exposed. This option can be a much cheaper solution, only costing $2-$6/sq ft.
Replacing all your siding with new, mid-range materials costs from $11,679 to $21,250. The total cost will vary based on what materials you select. This disparity underscores the importance of seeking multiple estimates. By doing so, you ensure that you’re purchasing the most effective option that meets your budget and safety needs, especially when considering asbestos siding costs.
One of the best ways to control the costs associated with replacement is to schedule that replacement work during off-peak seasons. Contractors usually have less demand during certain times of the year, leading to lower prices. The winter months can be a great time for getting deep discounts on exterior asbestos removal projects.
Normally, demand for exterior home renovations drops during this season. Schedule your project during the off-peak times to minimize costs! You can save on labor costs, which typically run from $62 to $112 per hour for asbestos remediation.
Depending on the size of your home, the remediation costs can add up quickly. If you are willing to have the work done during an off-peak time, you might save a significant sum. That can be a big deal, since the average total remediation costs can be anywhere from $988 to $3,596.
Repairing the asbestos siding can be a good solution if removing the asbestos siding completely feels overwhelming or cost prohibitive. Repairing asbestos siding usually runs around $4,761. Your actual costs might range from $665 to as high as $8,856, depending on how much damage is done and how you decide to make repairs.
If the existing siding is largely sound, this can be a very effective method. It’s ideal for use where only small repairs are required. Repairing it doesn’t eliminate the asbestos. Before you jump in, it’s extremely important to think about safety and all the potential costs you could incur down the road.
Conclusion
Replacing asbestos siding should be well thought out. Together we’ll discover safer replacements that enhance your home’s appearance and security. Options such as fiber cement or vinyl allow for a sleek, contemporary appearance. Overall price tag will depend on many factors, but with careful considerations you can stay within your means. For less expensive projects, think about taking on some tasks by yourself to save costs. As with any DIY project, be sure to consult your local building codes and bring in professionals for the most dangerous components.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a mineral that was commonly used in construction materials, including asbestos cement siding, due to its durability and fireproof qualities. Exposure occurs mainly when asbestos particles are released into the air and inhaled.
What is asbestos siding?
Asbestos siding, once valued for its strength and insulation, is now recognized as a health risk due to the carcinogenic materials it contains, leading to the need for professional asbestos removal and replacement siding options.
Why is asbestos siding risky?
The danger with asbestos cement siding arises from damaged panels, which can release carcinogenic materials into the air. Exposure to inhaled asbestos fibers is known to cause a number of diseases, including lung cancer, making professional asbestos removal essential.
How can I safely handle asbestos siding?
Asbestos siding removal is not a DIY project and should only be handled by a licensed abatement contractor. Expert professionals are trained in the use of specialized equipment and procedures necessary to safely remove and dispose of asbestos materials, ensuring the overall cost remains manageable.
What are the replacement options for asbestos siding?
Replacement options widely available today include vinyl, fiber cement and wood siding. Each comes with tremendous aesthetic appeal and improved safety, minus the health risks of asbestos.
What factors affect the cost of asbestos siding replacement?
Cost estimates for siding removals depend on the square footage of the area, local disposal fees, and the type of replacement siding options selected. Retrofitting with certified professionals can significantly impact the overall cost.
How can I lower asbestos siding replacement costs?
Save on your replacement project by receiving competing estimates from local siding contractors who are pre-screened pros. Consider lower-cost alternatives like fiber cement siding and plan projects for off-peak seasons to achieve your goals.
