Request a Quote
Homes are meant to provide safety and comfort throughout your day-to-day life. It can be scary to imagine that there might be dangerous materials lurking about your living space. Asbestos was a common material used in the construction of houses and buildings for many decades, and it's often discovered during renovations, demolitions, or any form of deconstructing.
The name "asbestos" originated from the Greek meaning "inextinguishable." Asbestos was a real wonder when discovered—it was an inexpensive material that was fire-retardant and acted as a thermal and acoustic insulator. It was commonly used before the 1980s throughout the construction industry. Homes built within the last 40 years are less likely to contain asbestos materials, but that doesn't mean it has been eradicated from the world. Today, people still have many run-ins with asbestos.
While asbestos can appear in many household materials, here are the five most common areas where homeowners encounter it:
Insulation is one of the most prevalent areas where you might encounter asbestos. It's most commonly found in:
Because insulation is safely hidden behind walls, the asbestos found here may not pose an immediate problem. However, it becomes dangerous if you need to repair walls, replace sheetrock, or enhance your home's insulation. Once disturbed, it can release tiny particles into the air that infiltrate your lungs and can even be carried on your clothes to other parts of the home.
One of the leading places homeowners find asbestos is on roofing shingles. Fortunately, since these are on the exterior of your home, you won't need to take as many precautions while waiting for removal. However, this does not mean you should attempt DIY removal—asbestos can cling to clothes and be carried to others who aren't part of the demolition process.
Siding is another common area where asbestos was frequently used. If your home was built before 1980, it's worth having it tested. Much like roofing, professional removal is necessary to keep everyone safe from exposure.
Vinyl floor tiles and the backing on sheet vinyl flooring are common hiding spots for asbestos. It's impossible to tell simply by looking whether your flooring contains asbestos—the only way to know for sure is professional testing.
Rule of thumb: If your vinyl flooring has been in place since 1980 or before, the tiles or backing will likely contain asbestos.
Textured ceilings—particularly popcorn ceilings—are notorious for containing asbestos. Other areas include:
If your home is older than 1980 and has had textured paint or patching compound up for quite some time, have it tested before removal. Homes painted before the 1970s could have as much as 10% asbestos in the paint. When paint or patching compound begins to chip, it's a sign you need to address it sooner rather than later.
Beyond the top five, asbestos can also be found in cement and plaster, house siding, floor and ceiling tiles, furnace and heating systems, some forms of linoleum, glue and adhesives, window caulking, roofing materials, HVAC duct insulation, and some forms of paint. From insulation and interior surfaces to heating and piping, asbestos is far-reaching in older buildings.
Due to decades of documentation, there is factual evidence about what asbestos can do to your health. Asbestos fibers are easily inhaled into the lungs, causing fibrotic lung disease (asbestosis), lung cancer, mesothelioma, changes in the lining of the chest cavity (pleura), and enlargement of the heart. You're more likely to experience these health risks if exposed to higher concentrations or for prolonged periods.
Asbestos exposure happens when materials are disturbed through renovation or maintenance projects, aging and degradation of the home, fire, destruction from natural disasters, or flooding and water damage. The most common exposure areas include attics, crawl spaces, roofs, floors, walls, and ceilings.
First, don't disturb it. Periodically check for tears, abrasions, or water damage, but never touch damaged areas—you don't want to become exposed to the fibers. Next, get professional testing. Have your home inspected by an industrial hygiene firm that can safely and properly check for asbestos. Finally, hire professionals for removal. Removing asbestos safely is not a DIY project. It requires professionals with proper safety equipment who can manage and discard materials properly to prevent fibers from spreading through your home or clinging to clothing.
The safety and health of your home are paramount, and you shouldn't have to face the threat of asbestos alone. If you think you might be dealing with asbestos, contact a professional asbestos removal service to test, remove, and safely discard asbestos-related materials—giving you greater peace of mind.
About the Author: Bulldog Demolition & Asbestos Removal
