Remove Asbestos Siding
Asbestos-cement siding shingles—frequently referred to by the historical trade name Transite—were among the most popular exterior claddings installed on North American residential homes and agricultural buildings from the 1930s through the 1970s. Valued by mid-century builders for their fire resistance, pest immunity, and structural rigidity, these shingles consist of a dense composite containing ten to thirty percent chrysotile asbestos embedded within Portland cement. While transite siding is classified as non-friable when intact, undertaking structural removal releases hazardous airborne fibers whenever shingles are cracked, drilled, sawed, or broken. Safely planning how to remove asbestos siding requires understanding regulatory mandates, proper non-destructive dismantling techniques, personal protective equipment, and environmentally responsible disposal protocols.
Understanding Transite Siding Properties and Exposure Hazards
Transite exterior siding shingles are readily identifiable by their dense, cement-like texture, pressed faux-wood grain or striated surface patterns, wavy or straight bottom edges, and visible securing nails along their bottom margins. Because the asbestos fibers are locked within a Portland cement matrix, intact siding affixed to an exterior wall poses virtually no airborne health hazard to building occupants. However, when homeowners or untrained contractors attempt removal using crowbars, hammer strikes, power saws, or pneumatic nail pullers, the brittle shingles shatter, releasing sharp mineral dust into the surrounding breathing zone.
Regulatory agencies such as OSHA and the EPA classify intact asbestos siding as Category II non-friable material. This classification changes instantly to friable regulated asbestos-containing material (RACM) if the siding is subjected to crushing, grinding, mechanical abrasion, or violent demolition. When fibers are pulverized into breathable dust, wind currents disperse them across residential yards, contaminating landscaping, open window frames, and neighboring properties. Safe removal hinges upon extracting each individual shingle whole and uncompromised.
Examine the technical characteristics, fiber compositions, and risk classifications of exterior transite siding:
| Material Attribute | Physical Specification | Asbestos Formulation | Handling Hazard Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transite Shingle Matrix | Dense, brittle Portland cement composition, 1/4 inch thick | 15% - 30% Chrysotile (occasionally Crocidolite) | Non-friable when sound; brittle and prone to fracture on impact |
| Surface Finish | Embossed faux-wood grain, striated, or smooth painted face | Coated with non-asbestos latex or lead-based exterior paint | Surface weathering may release minor fiber chalking over decades |
| Fastener Fastening | Exposed galvanized ring-shank nails along bottom edge | Steel or copper non-asbestos fasteners | Prying nails directly against face causes shingle fracture |
| Regulatory Category | EPA NESHAP Category II Non-Friable ACM | Regulated under federal, state, and local solid waste codes | Becomes regulated friable material if shattered or mechanically sawn |
Removal vs. Siding Over: Evaluating Encapsulation Alternatives
Before embarking on an arduous, costly exterior siding removal project, property owners should carefully evaluate whether complete removal is necessary or if siding over is a superior alternative. Siding over—often termed encapsulation—is an EPA-accepted and building-code-compliant strategy. In this process, contractors install rigid foam insulation board directly over the existing transite shingles and secure new vinyl, fiber-cement, or engineered wood cladding on top. This approach completely encapsulates the asbestos, adds superior thermal insulation (R-value) to the building envelope, avoids hazardous waste disposal fees, and eliminates labor-intensive abatement.
However, complete removal becomes unavoidable under specific architectural conditions. If extensive sections of transite shingles are already broken, missing, or compromised by rot in the underlying wood sheathing, adding new siding over an unstable base is structurally unfeasible. Furthermore, complete removal is required if the building is undergoing full structural demolition, exterior wall reconfiguration, or window and door rough opening resizing. When removal is chosen, precise dismantling methodology must be deployed.
Compare exterior siding encapsulation against complete professional or regulated removal:
| Project Parameter | Encapsulation (Siding Over) | Complete Controlled Removal | Critical Decision Metric |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structural Preparation | Install 1/2 to 1 inch fanfold foam insulation board directly over shingles | Strip all shingles, felt paper, and nails down to bare wood sheathing | Underlying sheathing condition and wall flatness |
| Airborne Fiber Risk | Extremely low; no shingles are broken or pried off walls | Moderate; requires continuous wet methods and drop cloth containment | Proximity to neighbors, open windows, and pedestrian walkways |
| Waste Disposal Burden | Zero hazardous waste generated; materials remain safely entombed | Significant; all shingles must be wrapped and transported to licensed landfill | Availability and tipping fees of regional asbestos-approved landfills |
| Average Project Cost | $7 to $12 per square foot installed (including new siding) | $4 to $9 per square foot for removal ONLY (excluding new siding) | Budgetary constraints and long-term resale considerations |
Systematic Removal Methodology, PPE, and Waste Handling
Executing the physical removal of asbestos siding requires methodical patience and strict adherence to wet methods. The work area perimeter must be demarcated with caution tape, and wide six-mil polyethylene drop cloths must be laid on the ground extending at least ten feet out from the foundation to catch any incidental debris. Workers must equip themselves with NIOSH-certified half-face elastomeric respirators equipped with P100 HEPA filters, disposable Tyvek coveralls, safety glasses, and puncture-resistant work gloves. All power saws, grinders, pressure washers, and dry brushes are strictly prohibited on the job site.
To detach each shingle without cracking it, workers spray the shingle generously with water amended with liquid surfactant to suppress dust. Rather than prying against the brittle face of the shingle with a crowbar, technicians slide a specialty nail puller, shingle ripper, or end-cutting nippers beneath the overlapping shingle to cleanly snip or extract the nail shank. Each loosened shingle is lowered carefully to the ground—never thrown, dropped, or tossed into a dumpster. Shingles are stacked directly onto heavy-duty six-mil poly sheeting, wrapped airtight, sealed with duct tape, and labeled with OSHA hazardous material warning placards prior to transport.
Analyze essential safety controls, prohibited practices, and required equipment for siding removal:
| Operational Phase | Mandatory Best Practice | Strictly Prohibited Action | Required Safety Equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground & Foundation Prep | Lay 6-mil poly drop cloths extending 10 feet from wall | Allowing debris to fall onto bare soil, lawn, or shrubbery | 6-mil polyethylene sheeting, heavy-duty duct tape, ground stakes |
| Fastener Extraction | Cut nail shanks with shingle rippers or end-cutting nippers | Prying or wedging prybars against the center of brittle shingles | Specialty shingle ripper tool, locking pliers, nail cutters |
| Dust Suppression | Continuous misting with garden sprayer and amended water | Dry scraping, power sanding, wire brushing, pressure washing | Pump garden sprayer, non-sudsing surfactant / dish soap mix |
| Packaging & Disposal | Double-wrap intact bundles in 6-mil poly; OSHA warning labels | Throwing shingles into open-top roll-off dumpsters | Labeled 6-mil disposal bags, regulatory transport manifest |
How to Remove Asbestos Siding Safely and Compliantly
Follow these five operational steps to dismantle, package, and dispose of exterior transite siding without creating airborne hazards.
Establish Perimeter Containment and PPE Protocols
Seal all adjacent home windows, drape six-mil plastic drop cloths along the foundation, and don P100 respirators and Tyvek suits.
Apply Continuous Wetting with Amended Water
Thoroughly mist siding shingles with a garden sprayer filled with water and surfactant to prevent microscopic fiber aerosolization.
Extract Fasteners Using Non-Destructive Techniques
Slide a shingle ripper under overlapping courses to sever nail shanks, gently releasing each intact shingle without fracture.
Package Shingles in Labeled Airtight Poly Bundles
Stack shingles directly onto heavy-duty plastic sheets, double-wrap each bundle in six-mil poly, and seal with industrial duct tape.
Transport Waste to a Certified Asbestos Landfill
Deliver sealed bundles accompanied by formal waste shipment manifests to an EPA-approved solid waste disposal facility.
Frequently Asked Questions (8 Questions Answered)
Q1: Can a homeowner legally remove asbestos siding themselves?
In many states, single-family homeowners are legally permitted to remove asbestos siding from their primary residence, though municipal notifications, permit rules, and hazardous waste disposal laws still apply.
Q2: Is it better to remove asbestos siding or side over it?
Siding over (encapsulation) with foam backerboard and new vinyl or fiber-cement siding is generally safer, faster, and significantly more cost-effective than complete removal if the existing siding is intact.
Q3: How much does it cost to have asbestos siding professionally removed?
Professional siding abatement typically ranges from $4 to $9 per square foot of wall area, meaning an average 1,500-square-foot home costs between $5,000 and $12,000 for removal and disposal.
Q4: Can you pressure wash asbestos siding to prepare it for painting?
No, never pressure wash asbestos siding. High-pressure water streams pulverize the cement matrix, blasting millions of friable fibers into the surrounding air, soil, and neighboring properties.
Q5: What respirator is required when removing asbestos siding?
Workers must wear a NIOSH-approved respirator equipped with P100 particulate filters (such as a half-mask elastomeric or powered air-purifying respirator). Standard N95 dust masks are insufficient.
Q6: How can you tell if exterior siding shingles contain asbestos?
Siding shingles installed before 1978 measuring roughly 12 by 24 inches with a hard, brittle cement-like texture and embossed grain almost always contain asbestos, verifiable via PLM lab analysis.
Q7: Where do you dispose of removed asbestos siding?
Asbestos siding cannot be discarded in curbside trash or standard construction dumpsters; it must be delivered to a licensed landfill authorized to accept non-friable asbestos with formal manifests.
Q8: Will broken transite shingles contaminate my yard soil?
If shattered dry, fragments can contaminate surrounding soil. If breakage occurs, mist the debris immediately, hand-pick larger pieces, and HEPA vacuum surface soil while wearing protective gear.
Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways
In conclusion, understanding remove asbestos siding provides essential clarity, practical strategies, and actionable advice. By incorporating these foundational insights, adhering to verified safety guidelines, and following structured best practices, you ensure reliable, long-term outcomes while preventing common mistakes. Stay informed, consult certified professionals when needed, and maintain consistent quality care.