
Siding will protect your home from infestations and weather damage, but for older homes, asbestos siding may cause more problems than protection. Asbestos siding used to be common before the material was banned in 1989 after it was discovered to be harmful to your health. If you have an older home and want to replace the siding, you will need to determine if you have asbestos siding before removing it. Let’s take a look at the characteristics of asbestos siding and how it can be removed effectively.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has flexible fibers. It is a mix of natural silicates that are resistant to heat, electricity, and corrosion, which is why it was used to insulate homes and prevent fires. This insulation material was thought to be helpful in preventing home damage from the natural elements, protecting against pests, and improving insulation, but was later determined to cause a higher risk of lung disease and respiratory issues.
What Does Asbestos Siding Look Like?
There is not one mold for asbestos siding, but there are some characteristics that can help you spot this material. It is important to know if you have asbestos siding, ceilings, shingles, or other insulation because when it is moved or disturbed, the particles can float into the air.
Siding that utilizes asbestos will feel denser than other siding materials. If the panels feel dense or have a pressed-in wavy pattern, it is most likely asbestos siding. It may be hard to identify asbestos siding, so if you have any doubts, consult with a real estate agent or home inspector.
Chalky Texture
Asbestos-containing material will often have a smooth but chalky surface, especially if it has been in the home for a long time. This chalky surface is specific to siding because the material will be compact in the siding piece. For shingles or other insulation, it may have a grainy texture when touched.
Age Of Your Home And Siding
While asbestos siding does have some defining characteristics, it is not always possible to determine it by looks alone. Older homes built between 1920 and the 1960s will most likely have asbestos siding, unless a previous owner has had it replaced. If you are unsure about the age of your home or if your siding contains asbestos, schedule a professional home inspection.
Professional Asbestos Removal

Because of the major health concerns of breathing in asbestos, removing it from a home should be handled by a skilled team. Once the particles are disturbed or moved, they can remain undetected in the air for days or weeks. Professional removal and replacement will help contain the asbestos particles and keep them from attaching to other surfaces in your home.
Many asbestos-containing materials can be covered over without health concerns. You can often place new material over top to save you the money needed to remove it. If it needs to be removed in order to make room for a new material, you will need asbestos abatement. This can cost thousands of dollars to effectively remove and prevent further issues in your home. While it may be expensive to remove, the long-term health effects of breathing in asbestos will be more costly. Hiring a professional team that has health-rated equipment will keep your family and home safe.
Can Asbestos Siding Be Painted?
Yes, asbestos siding looks like many other types of siding can have a surface that can be painted. If the siding is not chipped, flaking, or cracked, you can change the color of the siding panels. Avoid scraping the siding as this could cause asbestos to come to the surface. While painting, wear a mask and protective clothing to lower the risk of breathing in harmful materials. Since asbestos siding is often durable, painting over it can save you money rather than replacing it.
Siding Installation From Unlimited Siding
While our team does not handle asbestos removal, we can help replace your siding once the material is removed. Unlimited Siding offers multiple siding types to help improve the curb appeal of your Utah home. If you are looking to provide better protection for your home or change the aesthetic, our siding options can help. We offer vinyl siding, LP Smartside, and board & batten siding. We want to improve your home at affordable prices and long long-lasting materials. Contact us to get a quote or schedule your siding installation today!