The short answer
Where Asbestos Was Used
Asbestos was a common building material in homes from the early 1900s through the late 1970s. Builders valued it for its heat resistance and durability, so you might find it in attic insulation, wallboard joint compound, and textured ceilings. It also appears in vinyl floor tiles, roofing shingles, and the cement pipes that carry water to your home.
The key thing to remember is that intact asbestos is not an immediate hazard. The danger comes from friable asbestos, which crumbles easily and releases fibers into the air. If you plan to renovate, drill, or sand any older surfaces, assume asbestos might be present and take precautions.
- Attic and wall insulation
- Vinyl floor tiles and backing
- Ceiling tiles and textured paint
- Pipe insulation and boiler wrap
- Roofing and siding materials
- Joint compound and drywall mud
Health Risks of Asbestos
Breathing in asbestos fibers over many years can cause lung disease, including a condition called mesothelioma. The risk is highest for people who worked directly with the material, but even household exposure can be a concern. Symptoms often take decades to appear, so you might not notice a problem until long after exposure.
If you feel unwell or worry about past exposure, see a doctor for a medical opinion. Do not attempt to clean up suspected asbestos yourself. Vacuuming or sweeping can spread fibers into the air you breathe, making the situation worse.
How to Test for Asbestos
You cannot tell if a material contains asbestos just by looking at it. The only way to know for sure is to have a sample tested by a laboratory that specializes in asbestos analysis. In many areas, you can hire a qualified asbestos professional to take samples safely and send them to a lab for testing.
Testing costs vary, but you might pay a few hundred dollars for a basic inspection. The final price depends on how many samples you need and the size of your property. Always ask the professional about their process before you agree to anything.
- Do not touch or disturb suspect materials
- Keep the area damp to reduce fiber release
- Seal off the room from children and pets
- Call a qualified asbestos inspector
- Wait for lab results before any renovation
Safe Removal and Cleanup
Removing asbestos is a job for trained professionals who follow strict safety rules. They wear protective gear, wet the material to keep fibers down, and dispose of waste in approved containers. If you are doing a renovation, you need to remove asbestos before any demolition work begins.
Sometimes asbestos is found during a water damage repair, like when you tear out a ceiling that has a textured coating. In that case, stop the work and let the asbestos professional handle the area. The water damage pros can continue once the asbestos is cleared, but they will not touch the material themselves.
What to Do If You Find Asbestos
If you discover or suspect asbestos in your home, do not panic. Leave the material alone and keep everyone away from the area. You can cover it with a sealant or plastic sheeting as a temporary measure, but do not break or sand it.
Your next step is to contact a local asbestos testing and removal service. They can assess the situation and tell you the safest way to proceed. For other home issues like water damage, you can still work with the pros, but make sure the asbestos is handled first.
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Call Now (214) 730-5993Frequently asked questions
Can I remove asbestos myself?
Removing asbestos yourself is risky and often illegal. Disturbing it can release harmful fibers into your home and your lungs. A professional has the right equipment and disposal methods. Even small amounts need proper handling, so always hire a qualified asbestos removal service.
Does every old home have asbestos?
Not every old home contains asbestos, but it is common in homes built before 1980. The only way to know for sure is to have building materials tested. If your home is from that era, assume asbestos might be present until tests prove otherwise.
What if asbestos gets wet from a leak?
Wet asbestos is less likely to release fibers, but it can still be dangerous if damaged. Do not touch it or try to dry it with a fan. Call an asbestos professional to inspect the area. After they clear it, you can address the water damage with the pros.