Learning your home has asbestos siding can be alarming, but asbestos shingle siding repair doesn’t have to be dangerous. If your house was built between the 1940s and 1970s, it might have siding made of asbestos fibers mixed with Portland cement. The good news is that asbestos siding in good condition poses no health hazard.
The danger arises only when the siding is damaged, releasing microscopic fibers linked to serious lung diseases. However, removal isn’t always the only or safest option. This guide covers how to identify asbestos siding, when to perform a safe DIY repair, what safety gear you need, and when to call professionals. We’ll also explore alternatives like painting and covering your siding.
Quick Guide to Asbestos Siding Repair:
Key safety rule: Asbestos is only dangerous when it becomes friable (crumbles easily) and releases fibers into the air.
Before starting any asbestos shingle siding repair, it’s crucial to understand the material you’re dealing with. Asbestos-cement siding became a dominant building material during the post-WWII housing boom, from the 1940s through the 1970s. Marketed as a “miracle product,” it was celebrated for being incredibly durable, fire-resistant, insect-proof, and low-maintenance. The powerful combination of Portland cement and asbestos fibers—most commonly chrysotile (white asbestos)—created a siding product that could easily last for decades, far outperforming wood siding of the era.
The problem, now well-understood, lies in the asbestos fibers themselves. When inhaled, these microscopic, needle-like fibers can become permanently lodged in the lungs and other tissues, leading to serious and often fatal diseases. These include asbestosis (a progressive scarring of the lungs), lung cancer, and mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer of the lining of the lungs and abdomen that is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. A frightening aspect of these diseases is their long latency period, often taking 20 to 50 years to develop after exposure. However, it is critical to understand that intact asbestos siding is not dangerous. The fibers are safely encapsulated within the hard cement matrix. The health risk only emerges when the material is disturbed—drilled, cut, sanded, or broken—which allows the fibers to become airborne.
This is the difference between non-friable and friable asbestos. Intact siding is non-friable, meaning the fibers are bound and not easily released. Friable asbestos can be crumbled by hand pressure, posing a significant health hazard.
Since modern, asbestos-free fiber-cement siding was designed to mimic its predecessor, visual identification can be tricky. It requires looking for a combination of clues, but remember that these are only indicators. The only way to be 100% certain is through professional lab testing of a sample.
If you have any doubts, do not proceed with any work. The safest course of action is to hire a certified asbestos inspector to take a small sample for analysis by a polarized light microscopy (PLM) lab. This is a relatively inexpensive and critical step that provides definitive proof, as recommended by this Asbestos Cement Siding Inspection guide.
Intact siding is safe, but you must watch for signs of deterioration that indicate it’s becoming friable and hazardous.
If you see these signs, the risk of fiber release is high. It’s time to assess whether you need a small repair, encapsulation, or professional abatement.
For minor damage, a DIY asbestos shingle siding repair can be a manageable project if you prioritize safety above all else. This approach is about making careful, smart fixes to prevent small problems from getting worse without taking unnecessary risks.
When to DIY vs. Call a Professional
DIY repair is a viable option only for small-scale damage, such as one to three cracked but otherwise intact shingles. The material must be non-friable, meaning it is not crumbling or releasing dust. The goal is to stabilize the area and prevent further damage.
However, you must call a licensed professional for:
Proper preparation is non-negotiable. Cutting corners on safety with asbestos is dangerous. Gather these essential items before you begin.
Work methodically and deliberately. Speed is not the goal; safety is.
Asbestos is a federally regulated hazardous material and cannot be thrown in your regular household trash. Strict local, state, and federal regulations govern its disposal, and failure to comply can result in significant fines and legal liability. Before you even begin your repair, contact your local waste management authority in Winston-Salem NC, King NC, Pilot Mountain NC, or your specific municipality to learn their exact requirements for homeowner-generated asbestos waste. Some jurisdictions have specific drop-off locations, hours, and packaging rules that you must follow precisely.
Follow these hazardous waste protocols:
Proper disposal is a legal and community responsibility that prevents environmental contamination and protects public health.
Often, the safest approach to an asbestos shingle siding repair is to avoid disturbing the material at all. When asbestos siding is in good condition—not crumbling or heavily damaged—covering or painting it is safer and more cost-effective than removal. These methods, known as enclosure (covering) and encapsulation (sealing), lock the asbestos fibers in place.
Yes, you can paint asbestos siding, and it’s an excellent strategy for sealing the surface and preventing minor fiber release from weathering. This method is only safe if your siding is intact and stable, with no significant cracks or crumbling areas.
Proper preparation is key. Never sand, pressure wash, or aggressively scrape asbestos siding, as these actions will release dangerous fibers. To clean the surface, use a soft brush, mild detergent, and a low-pressure garden hose, keeping the siding wet to suppress dust.
Once clean and dry, apply a high-quality bonding masonry primer to ensure proper adhesion to the dense cement surface. Follow this with at least two coats of a premium 100% acrylic exterior paint. For even greater protection, consider using an elastomeric paint, which creates a thicker, more flexible, and waterproof membrane that can bridge small hairline cracks. This encapsulation process not only protects your home from the elements but also gives it a fresh, updated look with the asbestos fibers safely and securely sealed underneath.
Installing new siding directly over the existing asbestos is a popular solution called enclosure. This method is often safer and more economical than removal because it leaves the asbestos completely undisturbed.
Popular materials for this include lightweight vinyl siding and durable fiber-cement siding. Both are excellent siding options that come in various styles. You can explore a comparison of vinyl vs. Hardie board vs. Everlast siding in Winston-Salem to see which is best to help you decide.
The process involves a few key steps. First, any loose or badly damaged asbestos shingles should be repaired or removed safely. Next, furring strips (thin strips of wood or metal) are installed vertically over the asbestos siding. These strips create a level surface for the new siding and a solid nailing base. Finally, the new siding is attached to the furring strips, completely enclosing the old asbestos material. It’s crucial that this installation includes proper flashing and allows for adequate ventilation to prevent moisture from getting trapped between the old and new siding layers, which could lead to mold or rot. This method gives your home a brand-new, modern look while keeping the asbestos safely contained and undisturbed. Remember, however, that you will likely be required to disclose the presence of the underlying asbestos siding to any future buyers.
Recognizing when an asbestos shingle siding repair is beyond a DIY scope is a critical part of homeowner safety. Asbestos abatement professionals are trained, certified, and equipped to handle hazardous materials safely and legally. They operate within a strict legal framework, including EPA NESHAP regulations and OSHA standards, that govern asbestos handling. Always vet contractors thoroughly. Verify they hold a specific state license for asbestos abatement, not just a general contractor’s license. Ask for proof of training for their workers and supervisors. Crucially, confirm they carry asbestos liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage; general liability policies typically exclude asbestos work.
Professional help is not just an option but a necessity in several situations:
Professional asbestos removal is a highly controlled process designed to ensure safety.
First, the team establishes a containment area with heavy plastic sheeting and warning signs. They use negative air pressure systems with HEPA filters to ensure no airborne fibers escape the work zone. All workers wear extensive protective gear, including P100 respirators and full-body coveralls.
The removal itself is done using wet methods, where the siding is kept constantly saturated with amended water to suppress dust. Removed material is immediately double-bagged in labeled, 6-mil plastic bags. After removal, the entire area is carefully cleaned with HEPA vacuums and damp cloths. For larger jobs, air quality monitoring may be performed to verify the area is safe. Finally, the professionals handle all transportation and provide you with disposal manifests. This paperwork is your legal proof that the hazardous waste was transported to an approved facility, releasing you from the “cradle-to-grave” liability associated with hazardous materials. This thorough, regulated process is precisely why professional help is non-negotiable for extensive asbestos shingle siding repair and removal. For all your subsequent siding needs after abatement, Smithrock Roofing is ready to assist.
Homeowners in Winston-Salem, King, and Pilot Mountain often have questions when they find asbestos siding. Here are answers to the most common concerns.
Yes, it is generally safe to live in a house with asbestos siding, provided the siding is in good, stable condition. The health risk comes from inhaling airborne fibers, which only happens when the material is damaged, cut, or sanded. As long as the siding is intact and non-friable (not crumbling), the fibers remain safely locked within the cement. The CDC’s asbestos resource offers more health information. The danger arises when the siding deteriorates, which is the time to consider repair or encapsulation.
The best replacement for a damaged asbestos shingle is a modern fiber-cement siding shingle. These products are asbestos-free and are designed to mimic the appearance and density of the original shingles, making them perfect for an asbestos shingle siding repair. Fiber-cement is extremely durable, fire-resistant, insect-proof, and accepts paint well, allowing for a seamless blend with your existing exterior. You can explore various modern materials on our siding category page.
The cost of dealing with asbestos siding can vary dramatically based on several key factors. A simple DIY repair of a few shingles might only cost $100-$200 for PPE and materials. Professional encapsulation (painting) can range from $2 to $6 per square foot. Enclosure (siding over) typically costs between $5 and $12 per square foot, depending on the new siding material chosen. Full professional removal and abatement is the most expensive option, generally running from $8 to $15 per square foot or more. Factors that influence the final price include the size of the home, the condition (friability) of the siding, local disposal fees, and ease of access to the work area. Always get multiple detailed quotes from licensed abatement contractors.
The primary challenge is preventing the release of asbestos fibers. This single goal dictates every aspect of the repair process and presents several specific problems:
Dealing with asbestos shingle siding repair requires knowledge and caution, not panic. The most important takeaway is that intact, undisturbed asbestos siding is generally not a health risk. The danger lies in damaged, crumbling, or friable material that can release fibers into the air.
You have several options that are often safer and more cost-effective than full removal. Encapsulating the siding with paint or enclosing it with new vinyl or fiber-cement siding are excellent strategies for managing asbestos in place. For minor damage, a careful DIY repair is possible with strict adherence to safety protocols, including proper PPE and wet methods.
However, for extensive damage, friable material, or major renovations, you must hire licensed professionals to ensure safety and legal compliance with regulations like the EPA NESHAP regulations. Assess your siding’s condition honestly and choose the path that best protects your family and your home.
For expert advice and professional assistance with any siding project in Winston-Salem, King, Pilot Mountain, and surrounding areas, trust the team at Smithrock Roofing. Whether you’re managing asbestos concerns or are ready for a fresh look, contact us to discuss the best solution for your next siding project.
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