Professional asbestos siding removal typically costs $7–$10 per sq. ft., including disposal. For a home with 1,500–2,000 sq. ft. of siding, most homeowners pay $10,500–$20,000, and HomeGuide puts the national average near $17,000 (HomeGuide, Fixr and Angi data, as of October 2026).
Updated October 8, 2026. Source: HomeGuide + 3 more. National US estimates.
Cement-asbestos siding was widely used on mid-20th-century homes. When it's intact, it's fairly stable, but it releases fibers when it's cracked, drilled, cut or pried off. Most homeowners pay for abatement when they're re-siding, renovating or the shingles are breaking.
Below you'll find costs per square foot and by home size, a line-item breakdown, and what new siding adds on top. Removal is a job for licensed abatement crews only. For a broader overview of asbestos jobs inside the home, see our asbestos removal cost guide.
Average cost
Asbestos siding removal prices, including disposal, as of October 2026:
| Scenario | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small section or garage (about 500 sq. ft.) | $3,500–$5,000 | HomeGuide lists $3,500 as a typical minimum |
| Average home (1,500–2,000 sq. ft. of siding) | $10,500–$20,000 | National average about $17,000 |
| Large or two-story home (2,500+ sq. ft.), broken shingles | $17,500–$25,000+ | Scaffolding and extra containment for damaged material |
Cost by siding area
| Siding area | Removal cost (at $7–$10 per sq. ft.) |
|---|---|
| 500 sq. ft. | $3,500–$5,000 |
| 1,000 sq. ft. | $7,000–$10,000 |
| 1,500 sq. ft. | $10,500–$15,000 |
| 2,000 sq. ft. | $14,000–$20,000 |
| 2,500 sq. ft. | $17,500–$25,000 |
New siding after removal (installed, not included above)
| Siding material | Cost per sq. ft. | 2,500 sq. ft. home |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $4–$12 | $10,000–$30,000 |
| Fiber cement | $6–$15 | $15,000–$37,500 |
| Engineered wood | $5–$15 | $12,500–$37,500 |
| Aluminum | $6–$10 | $15,000–$25,000 |
| Cedar | $6–$16 | $15,000–$40,000 |
Cost breakdown: materials, labor, permits and extras
Line-item estimate for removing about 1,800 sq. ft. of intact cement-asbestos siding from a one- or two-story home. Ranges are national, as of October 8, 2026.
| Cost item | Typical range | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Abatement labor | $9,000–$13,500 | Crews bill about $175–$250/hour and remove roughly 25 sq. ft. per hour |
| Containment & worker protection | $600–$1,500 | Ground sheeting, respirators, suits, wetting equipment |
| Testing & inspection | $250–$850 | Samples and lab analysis before work begins |
| Disposal & permit | $300–$1,000 | Wrapped, labeled loads to an approved landfill; local permit |
| Clearance & contingency | $350–$2,000 | Post-removal inspection, damaged sheathing, broken pieces |
| Estimated total | $10,500–$19,000 | Before any discounts or rebates |
Labor dominates because crews must remove each shingle whole, by hand, without breaking it.
What affects the price
- Square footage of siding. Siding is priced by area, so a 1,000 sq. ft. job runs about $7,000–$10,000 and a 2,500 sq. ft. job about $17,500–$25,000. Two- and three-story homes need scaffolding and more labor.
- Condition (intact or broken). Intact shingles can be wetted and removed whole. Cracked or crumbling siding releases more fibers, needs more containment and cleanup, and raises the price.
- Containment and worker protection. Crews need respirators, protective suits and ground sheeting to catch debris. HomeGuide notes that the hourly labor rate ($175–$250) usually covers protective equipment and containment materials.
- Testing. Testing and inspection cost about $250–$850. Even if the siding looks like cement-asbestos, a lab test confirms it before you pay for abatement.
- Disposal. Disposal is usually included in the per-square-foot price, but the siding must be wrapped, labeled and hauled to a landfill that accepts asbestos, and local permits may apply.
- Cost of new siding, which is separate. New siding is a separate bill: vinyl runs about $4–$12 per sq. ft. and fiber cement $6–$15, so a full re-side can double the total project cost.
Ways to save
- Ask whether encapsulation or leaving intact siding in place is an option. Encapsulation costs about $2–$6 per sq. ft., though HomeGuide notes most states require full removal in many situations.
- Schedule removal and re-siding together so the house isn't left exposed and you pay for scaffolding once.
- Get an independent test and share the report with at least three licensed abatement contractors so every quote covers the same scope.
- Ask your state or city about grants or low-interest loans for asbestos abatement.
- Compare re-siding materials early: vinyl is usually the lowest-cost replacement and can offset part of the abatement bill.
How to get an accurate quote
Ask at least three licensed asbestos abatement contractors for written, itemized quotes. Give each the same information:
- The lab report confirming asbestos, plus the approximate square footage of siding and the number of stories.
- The condition of the siding (intact, cracked or crumbling) and any trim, soffits or roofing that may also contain asbestos.
- Whether you want the same contractor or a separate siding installer to put on new siding afterward.
- Ask what is included: permits and notifications, containment, disposal, a final inspection, and written confirmation that state and local rules were followed.
FAQ
Can you install new siding over asbestos siding?
Sometimes, but HomeGuide notes covering over asbestos siding is illegal or uncommon in many areas, and nailing through it can release fibers. Check local rules and ask your contractor before planning an overlay.
How do I know if my siding contains asbestos?
You can't tell by looking. Older cement-style shingles are a common suspect, but only a lab test of a sample taken by an accredited inspector confirms it (about $250–$850).
How long does asbestos siding removal take?
At about 25 sq. ft. per worker-hour, a crew can typically clear an average home in several days. Larger or multi-story homes and broken siding take longer.
For the big picture, start with our complete radon mitigation system cost guide.
Related cost guides
Sources
- HomeGuide — How Much Does Asbestos Siding Removal Cost? [2026] (2026 edition). Checked October 8, 2026.
- Angi — How Much Does Asbestos Removal Cost? [2026 Data] (updated Aug 1, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- Fixr — Asbestos Removal Cost (updated Aug 18, 2022). Checked October 8, 2026.
- HomeAdvisor — How Much Does Asbestos Removal Cost? (updated Jun 17, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
Prices are estimates and vary by location and provider. See our methodology and editorial policy. Browse all foundation & water cost guides.