If you own or are looking to buy a home in East Tennessee built before the 1980s, the exterior could have asbestos siding. That might sound alarming, but understanding the full picture helps you make smart, safe decisions.
Asbestos cement siding was one of the most popular siding materials used on homes from the 1920s through the late 1970s. It was durable, fire-resistant, and affordable. Hundreds of thousands of homes across the country were built with asbestos cement siding, and many in Knoxville, Chattanooga, the Tri-Cities, and everywhere in between still have it today.
The good news is that asbestos siding in good condition is generally safe and not considered an immediate health risk. The danger comes when the material is damaged, broken, or disturbed during renovations or removal.
This guide covers what asbestos siding looks like, the health risks, how common it is in East Tennessee, and what to do if you find it.
Asbestos cement siding is an exterior cladding made by mixing asbestos fibers with Portland cement. The result was a rigid, shingle-style building material that resisted fire, rot, insects, and weather damage.
It was manufactured in a variety of textures, including products designed to mimic wood grain patterns.
The Johns Manville company helped popularize asbestos cement as early as 1905, and by the 1940s, asbestos siding shingles were among the go-to materials in residential building construction.
Production slowed in the 1970s as health concerns grew, and the Environmental Protection Agency effectively banned most asbestos materials by 1989.
Because asbestos cement siding is so durable, many homes built during those decades still have it. If a house has never had a siding replacement and was built between roughly 1920 and 1980, it very likely could contain asbestos.
How to Identify Asbestos Siding
You cannot confirm asbestos siding just by looking at it. Professional testing is the only way to know for certain. But there are visual clues that can help you identify asbestos siding and decide whether testing is warranted.
Asbestos siding shingles are typically about 12 by 24 inches with a chalky, cement-like texture. Many feature a pressed wood grain pattern on the surface. The bottom edge often has a subtle wavy or scalloped profile, and you’ll usually see two or three nail holes along the bottom of each shingle.
The material is rigid, heavier than vinyl siding, and very brittle. It can crack or chip easily when struck, which is part of what makes it dangerous when disturbed.
Other signs include multiple thick layers of paint covering the siding, which is a clue that the material has been there for decades. If the cement siding looks original to a house built before 1980, it’s worth investigating.
To confirm whether your siding materials contain asbestos, you can hire a licensed asbestos inspection professional to take a sample, or you can carefully collect a small piece from an already damaged area for lab testing.
If you go the DIY route, wet the area first to keep fibers from becoming airborne, wear a respirator, and avoid breaking, sanding, or grinding the material.
Health Risks of Asbestos Siding
Asbestos becomes a health risk when its fibers become airborne and are inhaled. This happens when asbestos cement siding is cut, drilled into, broken, sanded, or improperly removed. Intact asbestos siding that is in good condition and left undisturbed is generally safe because the asbestos fibers are locked within the cement matrix.
However, asbestos siding is brittle. Cracking from age, storm damage, a stray impact, or pressure washing can release asbestos fibers into the air. Unlike friable asbestos materials like pipe insulation that crumble easily, asbestos cement siding is considered non-friable when intact. But once broken or deteriorating, it can release dangerous fibers just the same.
The health conditions caused by prolonged asbestos exposure are serious:
Asbestosis, a chronic scarring of lung tissue
Mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer of the lung or abdominal lining
Lung cancer, with risk increasing further for smokers
Symptoms of these diseases often don’t appear until 20 to 40 years after initial asbestos exposure, which is part of what makes them so dangerous. For homeowners, the biggest risk comes during renovations, demolition, or any work that disturbs the siding.
How Common Is Asbestos Siding in East Tennessee?
Very common in the region’s older housing stock. East Tennessee has homes of every era, from historic properties in downtown Knoxville and Johnson City to post-war neighborhoods in Maryville, Oak Ridge, Morristown, and Cleveland. Many of these homes were built during the peak decades when asbestos cement siding was standard.
Communities like Kingsport, Bristol, and Elizabethton have large concentrations of mid-century homes. Areas around Chattanooga, Cookeville, Crossville, and Greeneville also have neighborhoods where original asbestos shingles from the 1940s through 1970s are still in place.
It’s also worth noting that asbestos wasn’t limited to siding. Many of these same homes may contain asbestos in other building materials like floor tiles, pipe insulation, attic insulation, asbestos roofing shingles, lead paint, and textured ceiling compounds. If one asbestos-containing material is present, others may be as well.
What Happens During a Home Inspection?
A standard home inspection is a visual, non-invasive evaluation. Inspectors do not test for asbestos and won’t take samples. However, an experienced inspector can note when the exterior appears consistent with asbestos cement siding based on the house’s age, the siding material’s appearance, and its physical characteristics.
If the inspection report mentions that the siding may contain asbestos, the typical recommendation is to have it tested by a licensed asbestos professional before any exterior work is done. This professional inspection and testing step is especially important before renovations, siding replacement, or addressing storm damage.
For buyers, this information helps you budget for testing, potential coverage, or removal. For sellers, being upfront about known asbestos materials builds trust and reduces surprises.
Your Options If You Have Asbestos Siding
If testing confirms that your house has asbestos cement siding, you have three main paths.
Leave it in place. If the asbestos siding is in good condition with no cracks, chips, or deterioration, leaving it alone is the safest and most cost-effective choice. This aligns with federal guidance from the Environmental Protection Agency. Intact asbestos cement siding does not release fibers. Monitor it periodically and avoid drilling, sanding, or pressure washing the surface to prevent deterioration.
Cover it with new siding. Covering asbestos siding with new siding is often safer and cheaper than removal. Vinyl siding, aluminum, and fiber cement siding can all be installed directly over existing asbestos shingles as long as the underlying material is stable.
This approach avoids disturbing dangerous fibers while giving the house a fresh exterior. According to Angi, overing asbestos siding typically costs between $5 and $12 per square foot, making it the most popular option for homeowners who want a new look without the risk of removal.
Have it professionally removed. If the asbestos siding is broken, deteriorating, or you want it completely gone, professional removal is the way to go. Licensed abatement contractors follow strict protocols, including containment, air monitoring, HEPA respirators, disposable coveralls, and proper disposal at authorized hazardous waste facilities.
Asbestos waste must be double-bagged and cannot go in regular trash. Removal costs typically range from $8 to $20 per square foot, making it the most expensive option. DIY removal is strongly discouraged due to the serious health conditions that can result from asbestos exposure.
Option
Cost Estimate
Best For
Leave in place
$0 (monitoring only)
Siding in good condition
Covering asbestos siding
$5 – $12 per sq ft
Fresh exterior, lower risk
Professional removal
$8 – $20 per sq ft
Broken or deteriorating siding
Other Questions Homeowners Often Ask
What are the signs of termite damage on older homes?
Mud tubes along the foundation, soft or hollow-sounding wood, and small piles of frass near baseboards are all indicators. Homes with aging siding materials sometimes make it harder to spot these signs from the exterior, which is one reason a dedicated termite inspection is recommended alongside a general home inspection.
Why is a sewer scope inspection important on older properties?
Homes built before the 1980s often have drain lines made of clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg pipe, all of which deteriorate over time. A sewer scope inspection uses a small camera to check for cracks, root intrusion, and blockages underground. It’s one of the most valuable add-on services for any older home purchase in East Tennessee.
What does a home inspector check on the exterior of a house?
Inspectors evaluate the siding, foundation, grading, drainage, windows, doors, trim, paint condition, and visible roofing materials. They also look for signs of moisture intrusion, structural movement, and deferred maintenance. The exterior evaluation is one of the most telling parts of a home inspection on older homes.
Should I worry about the electrical panel in an older home? Certain panels found in mid-century homes, like Federal Pacific panels, have known safety concerns and are frequently flagged during inspections. Outdated wiring, double-tapped breakers, and insufficient capacity are also common in older East Tennessee homes.
How does radon testing work during a home inspection?
Radon is a naturally occurring gas that seeps through soil into homes through cracks in the foundation. Long-term exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Testing is non-invasive and can be done alongside a standard home inspection. Parts of East Tennessee have elevated radon levels that make testing especially worthwhile.
Are well inspections necessary when buying a rural property?
If a property relies on a private well, a well inspection evaluates the pump, pressure tank, water flow, and water quality. Many homes outside Knoxville, Chattanooga, and the Tri-Cities use well water, and the condition of the system directly affects both safety and daily function.
When to Call a Professional
If you suspect your house has asbestos siding, the most important step is to avoid disturbing it. Don’t sand it, drill into it, break it, or pressure wash it. If the siding is in good condition, it’s generally safe to leave alone. If it’s damaged or you’re planning renovations, bring in a licensed asbestos professional for testing before any work begins.
For a complete picture of a home’s condition, a professional home inspection covers the exterior, structure, plumbing, electrical, roofing, and more. Bentley Home Inspection has served East Tennessee families since 1997, with over 49,000 inspections completed. Our certified inspectors know the region’s homes inside and out. If you have questions or want to schedule an inspection, give us a call or book online.
Conclusion
Asbestos siding is a reality for many homes across East Tennessee, but it doesn’t have to be a source of fear. Whether you’re buying a 1950s bungalow in Maryville, maintaining a family home in Loudon, or selling a property in Sevierville, knowing what’s on your walls puts you in control.
The key is to leave it alone if it’s in good condition, test before you touch, and bring in the right professionals when the time comes. Bentley Home Inspection has served East Tennessee families since 1997, with over 49,000 inspections completed.
Our certified inspectors know the region’s homes inside and out. If you have questions or want to schedule an inspection, give us a call or book online.
