You can’t confirm asbestos by looking. Many mid-century shingles look alike, and some similar-looking products contain none. A lab test settles it, and it’s the first step before any repair, re-siding, or even a new hole for a vent or a satellite dish.
1How to recognize it
- Rigid shingles. Hard, brittle panels, often about the size of a large shingle, laid in overlapping rows.
- Texture. Many have a wood-grain or striated surface pressed in.
- Nail holes near the bottom edge. Shingles were face-nailed, so you can often see nail heads.
- Age. Common on houses built in the middle decades of the last century. A newer house is less likely to have it, but only a test is certain.
2What to do
- Leave it undisturbedDon’t sand, scrape, cut, drill, break or power-wash it. Don’t nail or screw anything through it.
- Look for damage from the groundNote cracked, broken or missing pieces. Broken pieces are more likely to release fibers.
- Have it testedUse a licensed asbestos inspector or an accredited lab. Taking a sample can release fibers, so ask how to do it safely or let the inspector take it.
- Tell every contractorBefore any siding, window, roofing or painting work, share the test result and ask how they’ll work around it.
3Your options
| Option | When it fits | Who does it |
|---|---|---|
| Leave it and keep it painted | The siding is intact and the paint is sound | Gentle cleaning and painting with no sanding, scraping or pressure washing |
| Replace broken pieces | A few shingles are cracked or missing | A contractor trained to work with asbestos-cement |
| Cover or remove | You’re re-siding the house | A licensed abatement contractor for removal; check local rules first |
Removing asbestos-cement siding can release fibers that you, your family and your neighbors breathe. Removal and disposal are regulated, and the rules vary by state and locality. Leave removal to a licensed abatement contractor.
If the house was built before 1978, the paint on the siding may contain lead. Any paid work that disturbs that paint should be done by a lead-safe certified firm.
4What drives the cost
Testing is a modest, one-time cost and worth paying for. Abatement costs depend on wall area, access, local disposal rules and whether the house is occupied during the work. Leaving intact siding in place costs nothing.
5Questions
Is it dangerous to live in a house with asbestos-cement siding?
Not while it’s intact and painted. The risk comes from breaking, cutting, sanding or drilling it.
Can I paint it?
Painting intact siding helps keep it sealed. Clean it gently, and don’t sand, scrape or pressure-wash it first.
Do I have to remove it before selling?
Generally no, but disclosure rules vary. Check with your agent or local authority.
Can a contractor install vinyl over it?
Sometimes, but nailing through it disturbs the material. Have it tested first and ask how the contractor will handle it under local rules.
Written by Jaylan Jones. I Like To Exterior Services earns a referral fee when a call connects to a contractor. See our business-model disclosure.
