Asbestos Siding Removal and Replacement
Finding certified asbestos siding removal and exterior replacement services near you is the critical first step in modernizing your home's exterior cladding safely. Mid-century asbestos-cement siding shingles (Transite) provide excellent fireproofing and rot resistance but become brittle, weathered, and prone to cracking after decades of outdoor exposure. Partnering with licensed environmental abatement contractors and certified siding installers ensures your home is stripped safely and reclad with modern materials.
Evaluating Siding Replacement Materials: Vinyl Versus Fiber Cement
Once vintage asbestos siding is abated, homeowners must select an exterior cladding system that balances aesthetic charm, durability, maintenance requirements, and overall project cost. The two most popular replacement materials installed on post-abatement homes are modern fiber-cement siding (such as James Hardie) and insulated architectural vinyl siding.
Fiber-cement siding represents the closest modern architectural equivalent to vintage transite shingles. Composed of Portland cement, sand, and cellulose wood fibers, modern fiber cement provides non-combustible fire protection, authentic woodgrain textures, and resistance to pest infiltration. Conversely, insulated vinyl siding offers an economical alternative that eliminates exterior painting, incorporates thermal foam backing to boost energy efficiency, and installs rapidly.
| Replacement Cladding Material | Installed Cost per Square Foot | Fire Rating / Resistance | Maintenance Demands | Expected Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber-Cement Lap Siding (Hardie) | $10.00 to $18.00 / sq ft | Class A Non-Combustible | Repaint every 12 to 15 years | 50+ Years |
| Insulated Premium Vinyl Siding | $7.00 to $12.00 / sq ft | Melts under high heat; combustible | Low (occasional garden hose wash) | 30 to 40 Years |
| Replica Fiber-Cement Shingles | $12.00 to $20.00 / sq ft | Class A Non-Combustible | Matches historic wavy-edge shingles | 50+ Years |
| Engineered Wood Siding (LP) | $9.00 to $15.00 / sq ft | Treated with zinc borate; combustible | Repaint every 10 to 12 years | 30+ Years |
Coordinating Abatement and Siding Installation Contractors
A successful siding replacement project requires careful scheduling between two distinct contracting trades: the licensed hazardous materials abatement company that removes the vintage asbestos shingles, and the exterior finishing contractor who installs the new weather barrier and modern siding. In some metropolitan regions, turnkey environmental remodeling firms manage both phases under a unified contract.
If hiring separate companies, clear coordination is vital to protect the exposed home. Once the abatement crew removes the asbestos shingles down to the bare exterior sheathing, the wooden structure is vulnerable to rain and weather damage. The contract must stipulate that the abatement team immediately covers the exposed exterior walls with heavy-duty weather-resistive house wrap (such as Tyvek) or that the new siding contractor mobilizes within twenty-four to forty-eight hours.
| Project Phase | Contracting Specialist | Core Deliverable | Coordination Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1: Survey & Permitting | Certified Asbestos Inspector | Accredited lab survey & municipal permit | Required before contractor bidding |
| Phase 2: Safe Exterior Stripping | Licensed Abatement Contractor | Wet removal of shingles; ground cleanup | Maintain 100% whole-tile extraction |
| Phase 3: Weather Barrier Wrap | Abatement Crew or Siding Team | Installation of breathable house wrap (Tyvek) | Must occur immediately upon stripping |
| Phase 4: Cladding Installation | Professional Siding Contractor | Hanging new fiber cement or vinyl cladding | Proper flashing around windows and doors |
| Phase 5: Final Inspection | City Building Official | Permit sign-off and closure | Submission of hazardous waste manifests |
How to Plan and Execute an Asbestos Siding Replacement Project
Complete homeowner guide for organizing the removal of asbestos shingles and installing new siding.
Confirm Presence with Lab Testing
Obtain an official PLM laboratory testing report verifying that your exterior shingles contain regulated asbestos and measuring total wall area.
Obtain Competitive Abatement Bids
Solicit itemized proposals from three state-licensed asbestos abatement contractors, ensuring quotes cover scaffolding, labor, permits, and disposal.
Select Replacement Siding System
Choose your new exterior cladding material (fiber-cement lap siding, replica shingles, or insulated vinyl) and select a licensed siding installer.
Execute Coordinated Abatement
Ensure the abatement contractor removes the shingles using continuous wet methods and applies weather-resistive house wrap immediately upon stripping.
Install New Siding and Retain Records
Have your siding contractor install the new cladding and archive all landfill waste manifests and municipal permit sign-offs permanently.
Frequently Asked Questions (8 Questions Answered)
Q1: How do I find certified asbestos siding removal contractors near me?
Check your state's department of environmental protection or licensing board online directory under licensed asbestos abatement contractors.
Q2: Can standard siding contractors remove asbestos siding?
No, conventional siding contractors cannot legally remove asbestos siding unless they hold state hazardous materials abatement licenses.
Q3: What is the best siding replacement for asbestos shingles?
Modern fiber-cement siding (such as James Hardie) is the best replacement, offering matching non-combustible durability and authentic textures.
Q4: How long does it take to remove and replace siding on an average home?
Asbestos removal typically takes two to three days, followed by three to five days for installing new house wrap, trim, and modern siding.
Q5: Can I just side over existing asbestos siding?
Yes, installing vinyl siding over intact asbestos shingles using foam backer board is a widely permitted encapsulation method that saves on removal costs.
Q6: How much does it cost to remove and replace asbestos siding?
Removal typically costs $4,000 to $10,000, while installing new vinyl or fiber-cement siding costs an additional $8,000 to $20,000.
Q7: Does removing asbestos siding increase home value?
Yes, eliminating asbestos eliminates buyer hesitation during home inspections, improves curb appeal, and permanently resolves real estate disclosure issues.
Q8: What happens to the exposed walls during siding removal?
Contractors must install weather-resistive house wrap (like Tyvek) immediately after stripping to protect exposed wall sheathing from rain.
Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways
Replacing vintage asbestos exterior shingles with modern cladding transforms a property's curb appeal, boosts thermal efficiency, and permanently eliminates hazardous environmental concerns. By hiring a licensed abatement firm for the gentle removal of brittle cement panels and coordinating the rapid installation of modern fiber-cement or insulated vinyl, homeowners achieve a seamless transition. Always verify local contractor licenses, demand proof of pollution insurance, and secure landfill disposal manifests.