How much does asbestos siding removal cost?
How much does asbestos siding removal cost?
$7 – $10 cost per square foot
$700 – $1,000 average total cost (100 SF)
$14,000 – $20,000 average whole house cost (2,000 SF)
Cost to remove asbestos siding by size
Asbestos siding removal costs $7 to $10 per square foot or $14,000 to $20,000 for 2,000 square feet of siding, including the disposal. Professionals charge $175 to $250 per hour on average for asbestos abatement. The cost to remove asbestos siding increases if the siding is crumbling or in poor condition.
| Removal area (square feet) | Average total cost |
|---|---|
| 500 | $3,500 – $5,000 |
| 1,000 | $7,000 – $10,000 |
| 1,500 | $10,500 – $15,000 |
| 2,000 | $14,000 – $20,000 |
| 2,500 | $17,500 – $25,000 |
Average asbestos siding removal cost
The following table shows the average cost to remove asbestos siding on a house.
| National Average Cost | $17,000 |
| Minimum Cost | $3,500 |
| Maximum Cost | $25,000 |
| Average Range | $14,000 to $20,000 |
Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Asbestos siding removal cost breakdown
The following factors affect the cost to remove asbestos siding:
Home size – Larger homes with multiple stories take longer to complete than small, single-story houses.
Siding type – Brick and cement asbestos siding is typically easier and cheaper to remove than asbestos in stucco.
Leaving the home – You may need to pay to relocate temporarily during the asbestos removal process.
Testing and inspection – Testing for asbestos costs $250 to $850, including an inspection. Asbestos experts also test the air after removing the asbestos to make sure it's safe for you to return home.
Check with local representatives to see if your home qualifies for asbestos removal funding. Some states offer grants or loans for asbestos abatement.
Labor cost to remove asbestos siding
Asbestos professionals include labor fees in the total removal and disposal cost. Professional asbestos removers charge $175 to $250 per hour and typically remove 25 square feet of siding per hour. This fee includes protective equipment, containment materials, and proper disposal.
Cost to replace asbestos siding
Siding replacement costs $4 to $13 per square foot on average, depending on the material. These prices do not include the asbestos siding removal cost. Homeowners can replace asbestos siding with any of the following common siding materials:
| Material | Cost per square foot installed* | Average total cost* (2,500 SF) |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl siding cost | $4 – $12 | $10,000 – $30,000 |
| Aluminum siding cost | $6 – $10 | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Brick siding cost | $8 – $18 | $20,000 – $45,000 |
| Cedar siding cost | $6 – $16 | $15,000 – $40,000 |
| Engineered wood siding cost | $5 – $15 | $12,500 – $37,500 |
| Fiber cement siding cost | $6 – $15 | $15,000 – $37,500 |
| Log siding cost | $5 – $15 | $12,500 – $37,500 |
| Masonite | $4 – $8 | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Metal /steel siding cost | $6 – $16 | $15,000 – $40,000 |
| Stucco cost | $3 – $9 | $7,500 – $15,000 |
*Not including asbestos siding removal.
Asbestos siding encapsulation
Most states require complete removal of asbestos siding, but some allow encapsulation. Encapsulation costs $2 to $6 per square foot and involves coating the siding in a layer of special paint to prevent asbestos fibers being released into the air. Check local laws and confirm with an expert before painting.
Asbestos siding covering
Adding siding over existing asbestos siding is either illegal or uncommon. Drilling through the material to attach new siding can release asbestos fibers into the air, which is a major health hazard. This technique also prevents homeowners from monitoring the siding and knowing whether the asbestos is deteriorating.
If it's legal to add siding on top of existing asbestos siding in your area, make sure to cover it with insulated foam sheathing first. This will contain the asbestos and help prevent the installers from disturbing the old siding.
Asbestos siding removal FAQs
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a type of mineral fiber that was used in shingles, stucco, and brick in the 20th century to improve the fire resistance of buildings. Asbestos siding is carcinogenic and dangerous when it starts to break down; it can cause serious health problems, including mesothelioma and lung cancer.
How do I know if I have asbestos siding?
You'll know if you have asbestos siding by testing it. This can be done with a small one-inch sample. If your home was built between the 1920s and 1980s, it may have asbestos in the siding, adhesives, plaster, or insulation. Consider hiring an asbestos testing company to test and confirm.
Is asbestos siding removal covered by insurance?
Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover asbestos siding removal. Your policy may cover abatement if the siding is damaged by a covered event. Check your insurance policy to see whether you're covered.
Can I remove asbestos siding myself?
You should not remove asbestos siding yourself. DIY asbestos removal is dangerous because most people do not have the expertise or equipment to protect themselves and others from harmful asbestos fibers.
Does asbestos siding have to be removed?
Most states instruct homeowners to remove asbestos siding instead of covering it or encapsulating. Check local laws and confirm with asbestos siding professionals before having any work done.
Getting estimates from asbestos siding removal companies
Before hiring an asbestos removal company near you, be sure to:
Get 3+ estimates in person to compare.
Select a reputable asbestos removal company that's licensed, bonded, and insured.
Research company reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Evaluate pictures of past removal projects.
Ask for references and contact information.
Confirm that the estimate includes removal and disposal.
Never pay in full before the removal work begins. Follow a payment plan for work completed instead.
Questions to ask
Ask these important questions when hiring an asbestos siding removal company:
How long have you been in business?
How many similar siding removal jobs have you done recently?
Can I see pictures of past work?
Could you give me references with contact information?
Does the estimate include removal and disposal of the old siding?
What other costs might come up during this project?
How long will the removal take?
Will I need to vacate my home during the removal?
What does your warranty cover?