How to Tell If Your Home Has Asbestos (And What to Do Next)
Many homeowners don’t realize that asbestos could still be lurking in their homes. Used extensively in construction materials throughout the 20th century, asbestos was valued for its fire resistance, durability, and insulation properties. However, when disturbed, asbestos fibers become airborne and pose serious health risks.
If you own an older home, it’s essential to know how to identify potential asbestos-containing materials, the risks involved, and the safest way to handle it. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the signs of asbestos, how to confirm its presence, and what steps to take if you find it.
1. Where Asbestos is Commonly Found in Homes
Homes built before the 1980s are the most likely to contain asbestos, though some homes built later may still have certain asbestos-containing materials. Here are the most common areas where asbestos can be found:
Interior Materials:
• Ceiling Tiles & Popcorn Ceilings – Many homes feature textured ceilings with spray-applied asbestos coatings.
• Floor Tiles & Vinyl Sheet Flooring – Asbestos was commonly mixed into flooring adhesives and backing materials.
• Wall Insulation & Pipe Insulation – Older insulation in walls, attics, and around pipes may contain asbestos fibers.
Exterior Materials:
• Roofing & Siding Shingles – Some asphalt roofing materials and cement siding contained asbestos.
• Gutters & Downspouts – Older cement-based gutters may have asbestos fibers mixed in.
• Window Putty & Door Seals – Found in older windows, fire doors, and gaskets.
Behind the Scenes:
• HVAC Duct Insulation – Asbestos was used in duct wrap and pipe insulation for fire resistance.
• Basement & Boiler Room Materials – Heat-resistant asbestos materials were often used around furnaces and water heaters.
2. How to Identify Asbestos in Your Home
Asbestos is not always visible to the naked eye. Many asbestos-containing materials look similar to modern materials, making it hard to identify without professional testing. However, here are a few warning signs that may indicate the presence of asbestos in your home:
✅ Your Home Was Built Before 1980 – The older the home, the more likely it has asbestos-containing materials.
✅ Cracked or Deteriorating Ceiling Tiles – If your ceiling tiles look aged, discolored, or friable, they could contain asbestos.
✅ Damaged or Peeling Vinyl Flooring – Many older linoleum and vinyl tiles contain asbestos backing, which becomes dangerous when damaged.
✅ Crumbling Insulation Around Pipes & Ducts – Loose or flaking insulation could contain asbestos fibers.
✅ Roofing or Siding Looks Old & Cement-Like – Some older roof shingles and siding panels were made with asbestos cement.
🚨 Important: You cannot confirm asbestos just by looking at it. A professional asbestos inspection and lab testing is the only way to know for sure.
3. The Dangers of Asbestos Exposure
When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, cut, or broken, tiny fibers become airborne. These fibers cannot be seen or smelled but can be inhaled, leading to severe long-term health issues.
Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure:
• Mesothelioma – A rare but deadly cancer affecting the lungs and abdomen.
• Asbestosis – A chronic lung disease caused by asbestos fiber inhalation.
• Lung Cancer – Long-term asbestos exposure significantly increases lung cancer risk.
• Respiratory Problems – Even short-term exposure can cause wheezing, coughing, and chest pain.
🚨 Risk Level: Intact asbestos materials may not pose an immediate risk, but once disturbed, they become extremely hazardous.
4. What to Do If You Suspect Asbestos in Your Home
If you think your home has asbestos, do NOT attempt to remove it yourself. Handling asbestos without proper equipment can release fibers into the air and contaminate your home.
Follow These Steps:
✔ Step 1: Avoid Disturbing the Area
• Do not sand, cut, or break apart materials you suspect contain asbestos.
• Avoid sweeping or vacuuming debris that may contain asbestos.
✔ Step 2: Call a Certified Asbestos Inspector
• A licensed asbestos professional can test materials and confirm if they contain asbestos.
• If asbestos is found, they will assess the condition and recommend removal or encapsulation.
✔ Step 3: Hire a Professional Asbestos Abatement Company
• If removal is necessary, only hire a certified asbestos abatement contractor to handle the job safely.
• They will use specialized equipment, containment measures, and HEPA filtration to ensure fibers do not spread.
✔ Step 4: Ensure Proper Disposal
• Asbestos waste must be disposed of at approved hazardous waste facilities.
• Professional asbestos contractors handle transportation and disposal safely.
Don’t Take Risks with Asbestos
Asbestos exposure is a serious health hazard that should never be ignored. If your home was built before 1980 and you suspect asbestos-containing materials, the safest course of action is to schedule an inspection with licensed professionals.
At Regional Environmental Demolition Inc. (R.E.D.), we provide certified asbestos inspections, testing, and safe removal services throughout Western New York, including Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Our team follows strict safety protocols to ensure asbestos is removed properly and your home is safe.
Concerned about asbestos in your home? Contact R.E.D. today for professional asbestos testing and removal services. Protect your health and your property with expert abatement solutions.
