How Much Does Asbestos Siding Removal or Encapsulation Cost?
Asbestos siding is commonly found on homes built between the 1920s and 1960s. It was widely used because it is durable, fire-resistant, and long-lasting. While asbestos siding is no longer installed today, many homeowners still live in houses where it exists. The cost associated with asbestos siding depends on whether it is left in place, encapsulated, or professionally removed. Below is a breakdown of what those options typically cost.
What this article covers
This article focuses on:
Asbestos cement siding
A 1,000 square foot home footprint
Typical residential conditions
Professional handling where required
It does not include interior asbestos materials, DIY removal, or emergency remediation scenarios.
Important context about asbestos siding
Asbestos siding is generally considered low risk when intact and undisturbed. Problems arise when siding is cracked, drilled, sanded, or broken, which can release fibers into the air.
Because of this, many homeowners choose management or encapsulation instead of full removal.
What asbestos siding would cost if it were still used today
Asbestos siding is no longer manufactured or installed due to health regulations, but it can be helpful to understand why it was widely used in the past. If asbestos siding were still legal and produced today, its cost would likely fall in the mid-range of common siding materials.
Based on historical pricing, material composition, and comparable modern cement-based products, asbestos siding would likely cost approximately:
$4–$6 per square foot for materials
For a home with 1,800 square feet of exterior wall area, that would equal:
$7,200–$10,800 in material cost
Installation costs would likely be similar to fiber cement siding due to weight and handling requirements:
$6–$8 per square foot for installation
$10,800–$14,400 in labor
Estimated total (hypothetical)
If asbestos siding were still allowed today:
Total installed cost: $18,000–$25,000
Why asbestos siding was popular historically
Asbestos siding gained widespread use because it offered:
Fire resistance
Resistance to rot and insects
Long lifespan
Lower maintenance than wood siding
At the time, it was viewed as a durable and cost-effective alternative to traditional wood siding.
Why it is no longer used
Despite its performance benefits, asbestos siding is no longer produced because:
Health risks occur when fibers are disturbed
Safer alternative materials now exist
Regulations prohibit its manufacture and installation
Modern materials like fiber cement and engineered wood now occupy the same price and performance category without the associated risks.
How siding square footage is calculated
As with other siding articles, costs are based on exterior wall square footage, not interior floor space.
For consistency, this article assumes:
A 1,000 sq ft single-story home
Average wall height
Minimal architectural complexity
This typically results in approximately:
1,800 square feet of siding coverage
All cost examples below use this figure.
Option 1: Leaving asbestos siding in place
If asbestos siding is intact and in good condition, it can often be left alone.
Typical cost
$0 for the siding itself
Possible inspection cost: $300–$600 if testing or documentation is needed
What to know
Leaving asbestos siding undisturbed is often the lowest-cost option, but it limits future renovation work and may affect resale in some markets.
Option 2: Encapsulating asbestos siding
Encapsulation involves sealing or covering asbestos siding so fibers cannot be released. This is commonly done by installing new siding over the existing asbestos siding.
Typical encapsulation cost
New siding installation (vinyl or similar): $10–$14 per sq ft
For 1,800 sq ft: $18,000–$25,200
What to know
Encapsulation avoids removal and disposal costs and is often faster. However, asbestos remains in place, which may still affect future renovations.
Option 3: Professional asbestos siding removal
Removal involves licensed contractors, containment procedures, and approved disposal.
Typical removal cost
$5–$10 per square foot
For 1,800 sq ft:
$9,000–$18,000 for removal only
This does not include the cost of installing new siding afterward.
Total cost with removal and replacement
If asbestos siding is removed and replaced with new siding, total cost includes:
Removal: $9,000–$18,000
New siding installation: $12,000–$25,000+ (depending on material)
Total combined cost
$21,000–$43,000+
Final cost depends heavily on siding choice and regional labor rates.
What affects asbestos siding cost
Total cost can vary based on:
Condition of the existing siding
Local regulations and permitting
Accessibility and home height
Disposal requirements
Choice between encapsulation or removal
Some regions require stricter handling procedures, which increases cost.
What this does not include
The costs above do not include:
Interior asbestos remediation
Emergency damage or storm cleanup
Structural repairs under siding
Environmental testing beyond basic inspection
These situations can significantly increase total cost.
The bottom line
Asbestos siding does not automatically require removal. For many homes, leaving it intact or encapsulating it is the most practical and cost-effective approach. When removal is necessary, costs can be substantial due to labor, safety procedures, and disposal requirements. Understanding the difference between management, encapsulation, and removal helps homeowners make informed decisions.
For a broader overview of siding options and how their costs compare, see Types of House Siding and What They Cost.