Common Places Asbestos Is Found in Older Buildings

If you purchased an older home or are working in one, you might be wondering where asbestos is found or where you should look to potentially identify asbestos locations. A common building material up until about the 1970s, asbestos in homes takes many forms. It could be used in a variety of settings, from the ceilings to the floors, and within the structure as well. 

Asbestos was a commonly used building material because of its durability and fire resistance, but at the time, no one knew that it could cause severe illness and cancer. Because of those health risks, it is important to identify and be aware of any asbestos material that may be in your home or a building you’re working on.

What Is Asbestos? 

Asbestos in homes comes in many forms, but at its core, it is a naturally occurring mineral fiber originally found in soil and rocks. The fiber is milled and then made into many different types of building materials. You can find asbestos locations all across America. Asbestos was used in all sorts of materials because it is durable, fire and heat-resistant, and has excellent insulating properties.

The presence of asbestos does not inherently mean an individual will be stricken with disease. However, when and where asbestos is found, extra precautions must be taken, as disturbed asbestos poses health risks. For example, if there is asbestos in tile, it is safe until it is disturbed, whether over time it begins to deteriorate and shift from its original placement, chipping off, or it is disturbed through a removal process because someone willingly wants to replace it. 

Why Is It Dangerous?

Asbestos in homes is dangerous because if it is disturbed and someone is exposed to it, they could suffer from serious health problems down the road. Health risks associated with asbestos include lung disease, mesothelioma, lung scarring, and lung cancer. There is often a long latency, meaning you can be exposed but not experience or develop symptoms for a decade or more. This is why it’s critical to protect yourself in places where asbestos is found or in known asbestos locations.

Common Places Asbestos Is Found in Older Buildings

Asbestos in homes isn’t a cause for concern, as it was widely used at various stages of construction and, when undisturbed, does not cause harm. However, over time, materials can degrade, which can result in them being disturbed naturally. This is why it’s important to know where asbestos is found in your home or at least be aware of common asbestos locations.

1. Insulation Materials

The insulating properties of asbestos made it a highly desirable product to be used in attic insulation because it stopped hot air from rising and escaping a home. It was also commonly used to protect other materials from the heat emitted by pipes, which are common in boiler systems that use hot water to provide warmth. Asbestos is also commonly used to insulate HVAC ducts. 

2. Flooring Materials

We’ve all seen the brown, mottled linoleum tiles in older stores, commercial buildings, and even in some older homes. While the tiles themselves are made of linoleum, they were often adhered to the floor with asbestos, or in some cases, there was an additive in the linoleum tile to give it strength. Mastic flooring adhesive is another asbestos-containing material that you can find.

3. Ceilings and Walls

Another spot where asbestos is found is in the ceilings and walls of older buildings. Popcorn ceilings, a very popular trend in the 1970s, were often made with asbestos. Ceiling tiles, particularly acoustic tiles, were made with asbestos due to their insulating and noise-reducing properties. Walls are another asbestos location where the material is frequently found in joint compound and drywall materials.

4. Roofing and Exterior Materials

Although not quite as common as tile and ceilings, asbestos locations can include roofing and exterior materials, such as roof shingles and the felt underneath. Exterior materials like siding, where asbestos boards may have been used, soffits, and fascia are all places where asbestos is found.

5. Pipes and Mechanical Systems

Because asbestos offered superior insulation at the time, it was often used as an insulating material in cement pipes. In mechanical systems, asbestos locations include HVAC ducts, pipe wraps and lagging, and even in gaskets and seals. Asbestos could be lurking anywhere, but these are common asbestos locations.

What to Do If You Suspect Asbestos

If you suspect asbestos in homes you’re working or living in, it is best to leave the material undisturbed so you are not exposed. Contact a licensed professional who can safely test and remediate the area. 

No matter where asbestos is found, there are two ways of dealing with it: abatement and encapsulation. Abatement means that the materials containing asbestos are carefully removed and disposed of properly. Encapsulation means that any and all asbestos in homes is sealed with a protective sealant. Removal is often preferred because encapsulation still leaves the opportunity for it to eventually become exposed. 

In both instances, whether abatement or encapsulation, it must be done in accordance with the United States EPA and OSHA regulations, as well as state regulations. In Illinois, asbestos mitigation companies should be certified by the Illinois EPA and the Illinois Department of Public Health. Compliance is essential because of how dangerous this material can be if disturbed. This is why hiring a licensed professional to deal with asbestos in homes is imperative.

Contact a Licensed Professional Today

If you’re concerned you might have asbestos, leave it to the professionals to test and find out! Best case, you don’t have asbestos. The worst case, you do have asbestos, but the good news is that you won’t be dealing with it, putting your own health and safety at risk. Contact Asbestos Project Management for your free estimate today!