Asbestos Siding: Repair or Replace?

Asbestos siding can pose an interesting problem for homeowners as some siding that is 50+ years old is still in perfect condition.

Most homeowners (and potential homebuyers) would much rather there be no asbestos siding or other materials in the home but removing it can actually be more dangerous than leaving it be.

GAF and James Hardie make several different lines of asbestos replacement shingles that match the profile and look of older siding.

Painting asbestos siding is also a very legitimate option, especially if it's still in good shape as it takes paint well and a fresh coat of paint can really spruce up old, tired-looking siding.

Asbestos is still a boogeyman of sorts in the eyes of many but some homeowners and potential home buyers now realize that it doesn't pose a threat as long as asbestos material is intact and undisturbed.   

Can I Remove Asbestos Myself?

One of the most common questions about asbestos removal is whether or not a homeowner can tackle the job themselves or if a contractor must be hired.

Like a lot of questions in life, there's no one answer that will apply to every situation.

Generally speaking, safely removing asbestos is beyond the capability of 95% of homeowners except in very limited circumstances.

Asbestos siding can often be removed safely by a homeowner due to its location outdoor and the relative ease with which it can be removed without breaking and disturbing asbestos fibers.

Most other asbestos jobs involve breaking up and disturbing material, which means that specialized equipment must be in place to collect and remove any asbestos fibers in the air.