While there are many different opinions on how to remove asbestos, it is generally agreed upon that because the asbestos snaps off cleanly, you don’t need to hire an abatement team. However, this may not be a project you want to tackle on your own. Learn the pros and cons of removing the asbestos yourself vs. hiring a professional.
Asbestos Disposal (Not Removal) Is the Problem
Your city and county may have different rules, but usually, there are no requirements pertaining to the removal of asbestos from your home. Regulators only care about the proper disposal of the asbestos. Most dumpster companies don’t allow asbestos in regular dumpsters. If you are going to rent a special dumpster just for asbestos, make sure that the hauler is being completely honest with you, and not just telling you that it’s an asbestos-friendly dumpster. If they get caught at the landfill improperly disposing of asbestos, the liability may reach back to you. Unfortunately, one indication that the asbestos dumpster may be legal is that it will cost several times more than a regular dumpster.
They’re Not a Likely Concern for Resale
The East Coast is filled with houses sided in asbestos-cement shingles. If you do somehow end up with those shingles remaining on your house, it’s unlikely that they will affect your sale. These shingles are a fact of life in that area and for houses built or remodeled in the early- and mid-20th century.
Removing Shingles Can Be Safe
Asbestos-cement shingles can be removed safely—without costly teams of abatement professionals. When you remove those shingles, they will either come off when you pull out the nails, require you to snap them off, or require you to cut them. Rarely, if ever, will they need to be cut, and cutting is the one activity that creates hazardous dust. Many state agencies even publish guidelines to help homeowners safely remove these shingles. Do due diligence in your research before you attempt to do this project on your own so you are fully prepared.
Adding a Third Layer Is Difficult (Perhaps Impossible)
You likely have a strong desire to remove those current layers and start afresh, and it may be your only option, anyway. Even if you wanted to add on a third layer on top of the asbestos siding and older wood shakes, this may not be possible. At the very least, you would raise the total thickness of your siding so far out that it reaches door and window casings, which is not very attractive. It might even extend beyond the casing, which would cancel out the casing’s moisture-diverting abilities. When deciding what to do with your house’s siding, make sure you have a good and functional idea before you commit to avoiding shingle removal.
Expert Recommendation
One good option is to separate siding removal/disposal and siding installation by hiring different companies. This way, you can assemble your own team of workers to demo the present siding and negotiate a more favorable price, though you’ll be in charge of providing tools and overseeing safety measures.
