Summary:
- Older Denver homes may have asbestos siding, which is hazardous if fibers are inhaled.
- Professional inspection is key, but house age (pre-1980) and a fibrous cement look can be clues.
- Asbestos removal is heavily regulated; hire licensed professionals to ensure safety and compliance.
- Fiber cement, vinyl, and stucco are popular choices with varying costs and aesthetics.
- Size, materials, labor, and disposal impact the overall expense. Get quotes from reputable contractors.
If you own an older home in Denver, there’s a good chance it could have asbestos siding. It was a popular choice for much of the 20th century because of its durability and fire resistance.
But today, we know asbestos can be a serious health hazard if its fibers get released into the air and are inhaled. This becomes a real concern when it comes to home renovations or asbestos siding replacement.
That’s why it’s so important to know the right steps for identifying, removing, and replacing asbestos siding. This guide gives Denver homeowners the essential information needed to handle the process safely and responsibly.
Identifying Asbestos Siding
Before you start planning to replace your asbestos siding, it’s important to confirm if your siding actually contains asbestos. A professional inspection is the only way to be absolutely sure, but here are a few signs that might indicate your home has asbestos siding:
- Age of your home: If your house was built before 1980, especially between the 1920s and 1970s, it’s more likely to have asbestos siding.
- Appearance: Asbestos siding usually has a fibrous cement look. It might come in different styles and materials like actinolite or amosite.
- Durability: This type of siding is known for being tough. If your siding feels unusually hard and doesn’t scratch or break easily, it could be asbestos.
- Location: Check around windows, doors, and corners. These areas are more likely to have damage that could reveal the underlying fibers if asbestos is present.
Important Note: Never try to remove or sample the siding yourself. Disturbing asbestos fibers can be extremely hazardous. If you think your siding might contain asbestos, reach out to a qualified asbestos inspector or abatement professional in Denver for proper testing and assessment.
Asbestos Siding Removal Regulations in Denver
Asbestos siding removal and replacement is not a simple DIY project. Due to the health risks, it’s heavily regulated in Denver and throughout Colorado. Here’s what you need to know to make sure you’re complying with the law:
Colorado Regulations
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has strict rules for asbestos removal. These guidelines cover everything from notifying authorities and getting permits to the proper way to remove, handle, and dispose of asbestos materials.
EPA Regulations
Besides the state rules, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has national standards for handling asbestos that you need to follow. This is especially important for bigger projects or those in public areas.
Licensed Professionals
It’s important to hire a state-licensed and EPA-certified asbestos abatement contractor. These professionals have the training, equipment, and know-how to safely handle asbestos and follow all the regulations.
They’ll also make sure the asbestos waste is properly disposed of at approved facilities.
On top of that, they can help you with the necessary permits and notifications for the CDPHE.
Not following asbestos regulations can lead to hefty fines and legal issues. By hiring a qualified contractor and knowing the legal requirements, you can make sure your asbestos siding replacement is done safely and responsibly.
Choosing a Replacement for Asbestos Siding
Once the asbestos siding is safely removed, it’s time to pick a new material to give your Denver home a fresh, modern look.
Here are some popular and durable options to consider for replacing your asbestos siding:
Fiber Cement Siding
This is a top choice for many homeowners since it has a similar look and feel to asbestos siding but without the health risks.
Made from a mix of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, fiber cement is tough, low-maintenance, and resistant to fire, bugs, and rot. Brands like James Hardie offer a wide range of styles and colors to fit different home designs.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is an affordable and popular option, thanks to its easy installation and the wide variety of colors and styles available. It’s low-maintenance and resistant to moisture and bugs. However, it’s not as durable as fiber cement and can fade or crack in extreme temperatures.
Stucco
Stucco is a durable and versatile option that gives your home a unique look. It’s a cement-based plaster applied to exterior walls, and it’s fire-resistant. You can texture or color it to get different styles, but it might crack if it’s not installed or maintained properly.
When picking a replacement for asbestos siding, think about your budget, the look you want, how much maintenance you’re willing to do, and the style of your Denver home.
If you’re not sure which option is best, GS Exterior Experts can help assess your needs and recommend the best choices for your property.
The Cost to Replace Asbestos Siding in Denver
The cost of replacing asbestos siding in Denver can vary significantly depending on several factors:
- Size of your home: This is the biggest factor. Larger homes with more square footage will need more materials and labor, which drives up the overall cost.
- Type of replacement siding: The price of siding materials varies widely. For example, fiber cement is usually more expensive than vinyl.
- Asbestos removal and disposal: Proper asbestos removal is a specialized service that adds to the cost. This includes expenses for containment, labor, transportation, and disposal at approved facilities.
- Labor costs in Denver: Labor costs can fluctuate based on how complex the project is, the experience of the contractor, and current market rates in Denver.
- Accessibility: If your home has challenging architectural features or limited access, it might increase labor costs.
Rough Estimate
While it’s difficult to provide an exact figure without a site inspection, the cost to replace asbestos siding typically ranges from $708 – $5,839 or more. This includes both the asbestos removal and the installation of new siding.
For a more accurate estimate on replacing your asbestos siding, it’s a good idea to get quotes from a few trusted asbestos abatement and siding contractors in Denver. At GS Exterior Experts, we provide free estimates to help you get started.
Asbestos Siding Solutions
Don’t let the process of asbestos siding replacement stress you out. At GS Exterior Experts, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Learn more about why GS Exterior Experts is the right choice for your siding installation.
We’ll help you pick the perfect siding to enhance your home’s beauty, value, and safety for years to come.
