Asbestos siding replacement can take different forms, from replacing all older siding on your home to replacing just a few pieces.

Options were very limited in the past by siding makers such as GAF and James Hardie now make a wide range of new shingle siding that matches the wavy and scalloped profiles of many older asbestos siding shingles.

If your older siding is largely in good condition, you may now have the option of keeping it in place and replacing broken and cracked pieces — potentially saving thousands of dollars.

Asbestos Siding Replacement Options

You’ll need to first decide what your goal is, as far as whether you want to remove all older siding and completely replace it or to instead selectively replace individual siding shingles.

Replacing all your asbestos siding will involve a much larger and costlier asbestos abatement effort, unless you opt to remove it yourself.

Laws and regulations vary by state as far as asbestos disposal requirements, so be sure to check to see what the process if for disposing of any asbestos siding that is replaced.

If you plan to replace your older siding with vinyl siding, encapsulating the asbestos siding and installing new vinyl siding on top of it is also a viable option.

Asbestos Siding Replacement Costs

The total cost for removing and replacing asbestos siding for an entire house will vary widely, with factors such as the design of the house (single story or double story), the total square footage of siding, and the type of replacement siding chosen.

If individual siding pieces are being replaced, costs are easier to estimate. GAF WeatherSide fiber cement siding typically sells for about $150/bundle online, with a bundle covering about 33 square feet.

Asbestos siding replacement pieces from James Hardie and other manufacturers are similarly priced, and some online retailers offer free shipping or free pickup at local stores.

Asbestos Siding Safety Concerns

Safety is always an issue when working with asbestos siding, both during removal, replacement, or disposal.

OSHA and the EPA set regulations concerning asbestos and have resources to help guide you through risks and issues.

Many local and state agencies also maintain guidelines and information for homeowners about asbestos, including lists of licensed asbestos removal contractors as well as landfills that accept asbestos material.