What is asbestos siding?
From the 1920s into the 1970s, siding shingles made of cement mixed with asbestos fibers were sold as a fireproof, rot-proof, insect-proof alternative to wood. It was cheap and durable, and it’s still on many houses across Middle Tennessee, from older East Nashville and Inglewood homes to farmhouses and mid-century ranches around Murfreesboro and rural Rutherford County.
Signs you might have it:
- Rigid, heavy shingles, often about 12 by 24 inches.
- A wavy or scalloped bottom edge, or a dimpled or wood-grain surface texture.
- Exposed nail heads near the bottom of each shingle.
- Brittle edges that chip or crack rather than bend.
- Similar shingles on the roof, or as panels around a chimney or under eaves.
Leave it, cover it or remove it?
Leave and paint
Intact asbestos siding in good condition can be left in place. Gentle cleaning and painting can make it look good for years. Replace or patch broken shingles carefully, using a licensed pro for any cutting.
Cover it
New vinyl or fiber-cement siding can often be installed right over the old shingles. It’s usually cheaper than removal and gives you a fresh exterior. Ask your siding contractor how they’ll avoid breaking the old shingles and how they’ll handle fastening.
Remove it
Removal is often the best choice when shingles are badly cracked or broken, when you need to repair the wall sheathing underneath, or for additions, major renovations or demolition. Licensed abatement crews:
- Lay down plastic sheeting around the house to catch debris and protect soil and plants.
- Wet the siding to keep any dust down.
- Pull nails or cut them, and lift each shingle off whole rather than smashing it.
- Wrap and seal the shingles, then haul them to a landfill permitted for asbestos waste.
- Clean up the ground and surrounding area carefully.
Asbestos siding removal cost
Removal is often priced per square foot of wall or per “square” (100 sq ft). In Middle Tennessee, licensed removal commonly runs about $5–$12 per square foot of siding, depending on the number of stories, access, and condition. A small one-story house might be in the $5,000–$12,000 range before new siding goes on. Get exact numbers from a quote. Our cost guide explains what affects price.
Avoid: power-washing at high pressure, sanding, drilling for new fixtures, or ripping siding off with a pry bar. Broken cement-asbestos shingles can release fibers into your yard, onto your neighbor’s property and back into your home.
Roofing and other exterior asbestos
The same cement-asbestos material was used for roof shingles, some corrugated panels on barns and sheds, soffit boards, and window putty or caulk. Older roofing felts and tar can also contain asbestos. If you’re re-roofing or demolishing an outbuilding, have suspect materials tested first.
Siding testing and removal near you
We connect homeowners with licensed pros in Murfreesboro, Smyrna, La Vergne, Nashville, Franklin and Brentwood. Call (615) 000-0000 or request a quote with the form.