When to Remove Asbestos Siding & When to Leave It

Understanding Asbestos Siding in Central & South Jersey

Asbestos siding can be found on the outsides of homes across Central and South Jersey, especially those built between the 1930s and the 1970s. Known for its durability and fire resistance, asbestos cement shingles became a popular exterior building material in places like Hamilton and West Windsor. Many homes still have their original asbestos siding, which often holds up through decades of Jersey weather.

Importantly, asbestos siding is considered “non-friable.” This means the asbestos fibers are sealed within the cement, so they are not easily released unless the panels are aggressively broken or sanded. For local homeowners, this non-friable quality helps limit the health risks that are often associated with asbestos.

Aging can compromise the waterproofing and overall stability of asbestos siding, causing unease for many residents living in these homes. Still, in many cases, asbestos remains an effective exterior far longer than wood or aluminum. Siding & Windows Wizards is here to help you better understand it and provide more options.

Deciding to Remove Asbestos Siding

When the following situations arise, it may be time to remove asbestos siding from a home:

• Visible Damage: Cracks, chips, broken shingles, or siding that is bowing or pulling away from the wall.

• Water Issues: Signs of leaks, mold, or wall damage underneath the siding.

• Maintenance Headaches: When frequent painting or patching becomes costly and time-consuming.

• Health Concerns: Homeowners who want complete peace of mind about potential exposure.

When faced with these issues, removing asbestos siding may be the safest solution. In New Jersey, state and township codes set clear rules for removal. Homeowners can legally remove a portion of the siding themselves, but professional removal is strongly advised due to safety and disposal requirements.

The removal process follows several key steps:

1. Inspection: Professional inspectors check the siding’s condition, especially around windows, doors, and eaves, where damage is most common.

2. Permits & Prep: State and local permits are required. Work zones are sealed, and safety gear is used to reduce the risk of fiber exposure.

3. Proper Removal: Siding is removed in whole panels, never sawed or crushed, to keep asbestos fibers contained.

4. Disposal: Hamilton and West Windsor require asbestos siding to be double-bagged and transported to authorized disposal sites. Never dispose of asbestos siding with regular trash.

In all cases, the initial step in asbestos siding removal is an inspection and review of local code.

When It’s Safe to Leave Asbestos Siding

Many homes in Central and South Jersey have asbestos siding that remains sound and watertight after years of exposure to the elements. In many situations, it is often wise to leave asbestos siding in place.

The siding can often remain if:

• Panels are fully intact, with no signs of water intrusion.

• The exterior surface repels moisture, and the paint is not peeling.

One practical solution many homeowners opt for is to cover asbestos siding with vinyl. Modern vinyl siding can be installed over asbestos shingles. This will improve home insulation, optimize energy efficiency, and reduce removal costs by reducing the number of disposal steps. Vinyl overlays also help keep the original asbestos panels sealed and undisturbed behind the new exterior.

Maintenance is simpler, too. Vinyl siding resists rot and does not require painting, so the ongoing chores that come with older asbestos, wood, or aluminum siding are eliminated.

Before choosing to leave asbestos siding in place, review township rules and confirm the siding is in good shape. Regular professional inspections can help catch any hidden issues beneath the surface.

Why Local Experience Matters

Local knowledge makes a difference with asbestos siding projects. Siding & Windows Wizards has worked on homes across Hamilton, West Windsor, Trenton, and throughout Central and South Jersey for over 15 years. From stately older homes in Princeton to split-levels in Mount Laurel and the Philadelphia suburbs, crews know the local building codes, climate challenges, and housing stock inside and out.

Thorough project assessments rely on regional experience. Every siding project starts with a careful evaluation based on familiarity with local homes, which is critical to recommending the safest and most cost-effective solution for covering, replacing, or removing asbestos siding. Teams also have experience blending siding overlays with window replacements and exterior updates while protecting both the home and your investment.

Covering Asbestos Siding with Vinyl: What New Jersey Homeowners Should Know

Here’s the process for covering asbestos siding with vinyl:

• Inspection: Expert crews examine the existing siding for damage or moisture issues.

• Surface Preparation: Installers repair minor damage, then attach furring strips as needed to create an even base.

• Install Insulation: Rigid insulation panels may be added to improve energy performance.

• Vinyl Overlay: High-quality vinyl siding, such as Alside or Prodigy, is installed over the prepared surface.

Compliance with township codes is required at every step. For example, Hamilton and West Windsor allow covering asbestos siding with vinyl, provided the original material is intact. Always ask your installer to check your local code before work begins.

Overlaying asbestos siding with vinyl provides substantial savings in cost and time, compared to full removal and disposal. Projects often take less time, produce less mess, and improve both energy efficiency and curb appeal.

Costs will vary depending on project size, but in most cases, covering asbestos siding with vinyl siding is more cost-effective than complete removal. Homeowners can explore vinyl siding installation options and insulation levels to best match their needs.

Warranty, Credentials & Local Trust

Homeowners throughout Central and South Jersey benefit from Siding & Windows Wizards’ commitment to million-dollar quality. A 10-year labor warranty protects your project, and the vinyl siding options offered come with product warranties for long-term peace of mind.

The company’s expert installation crews follow local township codes and have earned consistent 5-star reviews from satisfied customers throughout the region. Many customer testimonials highlight the team’s expertise with asbestos siding NJ projects, as well as their professionalism and clear process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Asbestos Siding in New Jersey

Can I legally remove asbestos siding myself in NJ?

Homeowners can remove limited amounts (often only a few panels) on their own but must follow state and township regulations for safe removal and disposal. Most choose a licensed contractor due to the safety risks and disposal rules.

Can you sell a house with asbestos siding in Central NJ?

Yes. Asbestos siding is not a dealbreaker in most sales. Its presence must be disclosed if known, especially if covered by new siding.

What if old siding is under new vinyl? Do I have to disclose?

Disclosure of asbestos materials, even when covered, is required during property sales in New Jersey.

Does West Windsor require removal, or can I cover?

West Windsor allows intact asbestos siding to be covered with vinyl, provided the structure is sound and the material is undisturbed. Always check the latest municipal policies or confirm with your contractor.

Explore Siding Options & Get a Free Estimate

Replacing or covering asbestos siding in Central or South Jersey does not need to be cumbersome or stressful. If you are considering vinyl siding installation or want to learn if removal makes sense, the team at Siding & Windows Wizards is ready to help. Request a free quote today.