Does My Ceiling Contain Asbestos?
Whether you have just moved into an older home or you have been living in it for years, you want to make sure that it is a safe environment for you and your family. Which means you’ve probably asked the question, “Does my ceiling contain asbestos?” While a home built before the mid-1980s may offer charm and character, you might be concerned about the safety of some of the building materials used, like an asbestos ceiling.
What is Asbestos? Can My Ceiling Contain Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that was used in commercial and home construction because of its strength, heat resistance, and flexibility. Some of the products made with asbestos include pipe insulation, shingles, floor tiles, roofing, and yes, ceilings. Older ceilings frequently contain asbestos fibers.
Why was asbestos used for these materials? Asbestos provides many benefits in ceiling construction such as fireproofing, soundproofing, and added strength. It was a popular building material before it became clear that it also poses serious health hazards. When materials that contain asbestos are broken, crushed, or disturbed in any way, the asbestos fibers are released into the air. Inhaling these fibers, especially over an extended period, can lead to severe health problems.
What Types of Ceilings Contain Asbestos?
Ceilings are among some of the most popular products that were made with asbestos. Not all types of ceilings, even if built before the 1980s, contain asbestos. Two types of ceilings known to contain asbestos are ceiling tiles used for drop ceilings and spray-on textured ceilings. These (likely) asbestos ceilings are commonly known by the following names:
These type of ceilings containing asbestos were popular due to their ability to easily hide imperfections, their fire resistance, and their ability to absorb sound. If this type of ceiling is in your home and has not been replaced since the 80s, then you may have asbestos in your ceiling.
How Do I Know If There Is Asbestos in My Ceiling?
You can’t tell if there is asbestos in your ceiling just by looking at it. However, there are steps that you can safely take to infer whether or not your ceiling contains asbestos:
- Visually inspect ceiling tiles. If you can identify that they are made of fiberglass, it is likely not an asbestos product.
- Look for the manufacturer’s stamps on ceiling tiles or packaging. Tile that was built or installed before the mid-1980s requires further asbestos testing.
- Determine the age of your home. If your home was built before the mid-1980s, your textured ceiling or ceiling tiles might contain asbestos.
- Determine the age of your ceiling. Textured ceilings or ceiling tiles installed before the mid-1980s may contain asbestos.
If you suspect that your ceiling contains asbestos, you can submit a sample of the ceiling for an at-home asbestos testing. Due to the hazards associated with disturbing asbestos, it is best to use a professional for asbestos inspection services.
What Does Asbestos Ceiling Material Look Like?
Asbestos refers to a group of 6 fibrous minerals falling under two categories: serpentine and amphibole. Serpentine asbestos fibers form layered sheets, while Amphibole asbestos features rigid, straight fibers.
These fibers are microscopic, and according to the Centers for Disease Control, asbestos can be released into the air when a surface containing asbestos is disturbed. You will not be able to identify asbestos fibers with the naked eye. An asbestos abatement specialist will need to be called to test and identify if asbestos is present.
Based on tile size, manufacturing date, texture, and color you may be able to determine if the possibility of asbestos is present. For more information on how to identify asbestos tiles, popcorn ceilings with asbestos, and how to identify asbestos outside the home read our blog What Does Asbestos Ceiling Material Look Like?
What Do I Do If There Is Asbestos in My Home?
If your DIY at-home asbestos testing kit reveals that there is asbestos in your ceiling, there are several ways to proceed. First, you should take the following safety precautions:
- Handle with Care: Do not scrape, break, or crumble the ceiling. Avoid placing furniture in a position that may touch or scrape the ceiling.
- Limit Access: Seal off the room with the asbestos-containing material using plastic sheeting and tape. Cover vents, doorways, and any other openings to prevent asbestos fibers from spreading.
- Consult an Asbestos Pro: Reach out to a licensed Chicago asbestos abatement professional for a FREE consultation to assess the situation. Let the experts determine the best course of action for your specific situation.
- Follow Professional Advice: If removal is necessary, let the professionals handle it. DIY asbestos removal is risky and may violate local regulations.
Abatement professionals will develop a safe removal, containment, and disposal plan. Follow their recommendations.
How Do I Remove a Ceiling Containing Asbestos?
If you value the health of those in your home then mismanaging an asbestos removal is not something you want to risk. The only safe way to remove asbestos from your home is to use a professional asbestos removal service. This is because certified Chicago asbestos professionals will use commercial grade safety equipment to seal the area and extract the asbestos containing materials. Using these certified ensure that asbestos is contained or removed safely.
Asbestos Project Management offers asbestos removal services to homes and businesses located in northern Illinois. Whether you need asbestos removal services in your residential properties, commercial properties, municipal buildings, or industrial structures APM can help you out.
What Is An Asbestos Encapsulation?
One solution for asbestos in your ceiling is to encapsulate, or cover, the asbestos-containing material with a special kind of vinyl paint. That way, it can’t release asbestos fibers. This method does not remove asbestos, it seals off the asbestos fibers and achieves a safe asbestos-free environment.
However, asbestos encapsulation is not better than removal, and we usually favor removal. Encapsulation just saves the problem for another day, and can cost you more down the road. You may still need to remove it, or if you sell your home you will need to disclose the encapsulation which can lower your home’s value.
What Happens During A Chicago Asbestos Removal?
Chicago asbestos removal should be done by professionals, they will safely remove your ceiling using specialized equipment and protective materials. During the asbestos removal process, make sure you are not in the home, any furniture in the room should be covered with plastic, and the air conditioner or heating unit in the home should be shut off. When you partner with APM for Chicago asbestos services we explain the entire process, give you an estimated timeline and make sure protecting your family’s health is paramount. You can check out our client testimonials from our past projects to hear what other Illinoisians are saying.
How to Know When to Encapsulate, Remove, or Demolish Asbestos
With the help of a certified asbestos abatement company, you can be recommended a safe asbestos removal process. For example, if your area of concern has been untouched, has no wear or tear, and can easily be sealed up (walls, floors, or other flat services) it is likely an asbestos encapsulation will be recommended.
When you are selling your home and find asbestos or are planning to perform renovations to an area containing asbestos materials a removal may be recommended.
Because asbestos has been used in a wide range of building materials it is important to always get a certified asbestos abatement professional’s opinion. Asbestos removal is not a DIY-friendly project. In fact, Asbestos Removal, Is One of America’s Deadliest Jobs!
How Asbestos Project Management Can Help If You Googled “Does My Ceiling Contain Asbestos?”
If you have been googling “Does my ceiling contain asbestos?”, don’t worry. Our team is fully equipped and prepared to remove asbestos-identified fibers from your home. Our team follows all of the industry and government safety regulations and ensures that we have everything we need to get the job done safely and effectively.
For nearly three decades, Asbestos Project Management has been serving the counties of Cook, DuPage, Lake, McHenry, Kane, Will, and Kendall. We are the Chicago asbestos removal company you will want to work with.
Asbestos Project Management’s priority is you and your safety. We respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We are fully licensed and insured, our complete staff is trained and certified in OSHA, IEPA & IDPH, ad we always provide fast, knowledgeable, and reliable services.
If the asbestos-containing material in your Illinois home is in good condition, do not tamper with it. However, if you believe you may have asbestos in your home and would like an asbestos test and inspection done, contact Asbestos Project Management today.
Back To Blog