Asbestos was once a widely used material in construction due to its fire-resistant and insulating properties. However, as we now know, asbestos exposure poses serious health risks, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. Many older buildings, especially those constructed before the 1980s, contain asbestos in various forms. For property owners, identifying asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in these buildings is crucial to ensure safety and comply with regulations.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to spot asbestos in older buildings and explain when it’s time to call in a professional abatement service.
Common Areas Where Asbestos is Found in Older Buildings
Asbestos was used in a wide variety of building materials, and it can still be found in older structures. Here are some of the most common places where asbestos might be present:
1. Insulation Materials:
Asbestos was frequently used in thermal insulation products, especially around pipes, boilers, and ducts. Look for old pipe wraps, attic insulation, or insulation around heating systems.
2. Flooring Tiles:
Vinyl tiles and linoleum flooring, especially those made before the 1980s, often contain asbestos. Asbestos was used in both the tiles and the adhesive backing (mastic) used to install them.
3. Roofing and Siding Materials:
Asbestos was commonly used in roofing shingles and siding due to its durability and resistance to weathering. Older roofing felt and cement-like siding materials may also contain asbestos.
4. Ceiling Tiles and Textured Coatings:
Asbestos was added to certain ceiling tiles and spray-on ceiling textures (like popcorn ceilings) to enhance fire resistance. If your building has textured ceilings from before the 1980s, there’s a chance they may contain asbestos.
5. Cement and Plaster:
Asbestos was added to cement products and plaster to increase strength and fire resistance. It can be found in wallboard, sheetrock, and joint compounds in older buildings.
6. Old Appliances and Electrical Components:
Older furnaces, stoves, and electrical wiring insulation may also contain asbestos. The material was used to insulate wiring and as a fireproofing element in some appliances.
Signs That Your Building May Contain Asbestos
If your property was built before 1980 and has not undergone significant renovations, there’s a good chance asbestos may be present. However, identifying asbestos by sight alone is not possible; it requires laboratory testing to confirm the presence of asbestos fibers. Here are some signs that you may have asbestos-containing materials in your building:
• Age of the Building: If your building is several decades old, it’s more likely to contain asbestos materials.
• Uninspected Building Materials: Areas like basements, attics, or behind walls that haven’t been inspected may still have asbestos insulation or other materials.
• Damaged Materials: Asbestos is most dangerous when materials are damaged or disturbed. Crumbling, peeling, or fraying insulation, ceiling tiles, or siding can release asbestos fibers into the air.
When to Call a Professional Asbestos Abatement Service
Asbestos is most dangerous when it becomes airborne, as inhaling the tiny fibers can lead to serious health issues. If you suspect your building contains asbestos, it’s essential to contact a certified professional for an inspection. Only a trained specialist can safely collect samples and determine if asbestos is present.
Here are situations when you should definitely call a professional asbestos abatement service:
• Before Renovation or Demolition: If you’re planning any major renovation or demolition in an older building, have it inspected for asbestos first to avoid releasing fibers into the air.
• Damaged Materials: If you notice any wear, tear, or damage to potential asbestos-containing materials, such as crumbling insulation or broken tiles, it’s time to call in a professional immediately.
• Real Estate Transactions: If you’re buying or selling an older property, having an asbestos inspection can help avoid legal issues and ensure the property is safe for the next occupants.
Why You Should Never Attempt DIY Asbestos Removal
Removing asbestos is a dangerous job that requires specialized training and equipment. Attempting to remove asbestos yourself could disturb the material and release harmful fibers into the air, putting you and others at serious risk. Improper disposal of asbestos waste can also result in legal penalties.
Hiring a professional asbestos abatement company ensures that the material is handled safely and disposed of properly according to local, state, and federal regulations.
Protect Your Property and Health
Identifying asbestos in older buildings is crucial for maintaining a safe environment. While asbestos was once a common building material, its dangers are now well-known. If you suspect asbestos is present in your building, don’t wait to act.
Contact Regional Environmental Demolition Inc. (R.E.D.) at (716) 284-3366 for a professional asbestos inspection and abatement service. Our team is fully certified and trained to safely manage asbestos in your property.
