Homeowner’s Guide To Asbestos
At A43 Architecture, we strive to create safe and healthy environments for our clients to live and work in. However, we are aware that some homeowners may unknowingly be living in homes that contain asbestos, a toxic substance that can cause serious health issues. It's important for homeowners to be aware of the risks associated with asbestos exposure and take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety. While Asbestos should not be an issue in new builds, it could be a problem with renovations. In the article below from The Lanier Law Firm, you can read about the dangers of asbestos exposure, how to identify it in your home, and what steps to take if you suspect it is present.
Before 1986, asbestos was widely used in the construction of residential homes. Common products made with asbestos included asphalt or cement roofing shingles, vinyl floor tiles, wall and ceiling insulation, and drywall. If a product is disturbed commercially (drilling or sanding) or naturally (earthquake or severe storm), it can release dangerous asbestos fibers.
Asbestos is the name given to six silicate mineral fibers that occur naturally in the earth’s crust. It has been widely used in industry, residences, and consumer products. The individual fibers are microscopic and can be seen only with an electron microscope.
Why was it used in homes?
Often referred to as a miracle mineral, these virtually indestructible fibers have been widely used in home construction for insulation, fireproofing, soundproofing and much more. Asbestos is abundant and inexpensive. By the 1930s, it had become an important component of residential construction.
Common places to find asbestos in homes and buildings
Asbestos was used in more than 3,000 building products throughout most of the 20th century. The most common occurrences of residential asbestos in older homes built prior to 1986 are described below. All of these products can release dangerous asbestos fibers if they are sawed, sanded, drilled, cut, worn, or otherwise damaged.
Roofing shingles or siding made of asphalt or cement
Asbestos blankets and tapes used to insulate steam pipes, hot water pipes, boilers and furnace ducts
Floor tiles made of vinyl, asphalt and rubber, plus the adhesive used to install these products and the backing on vinyl sheet flooring
Products used in conjunction with woodburning stoves, furnaces or coal stoves, including door gaskets, surrounding wall insulation and decorative elements such as fake embers in gas fireplaces
Soundproofing and decorative material sprayed onto walls and ceilings, including popcorn ceilings, popular from the 1960s to the 1980s
Acoustic ceiling tiles
Construction compounds:
Plaster
Joint compounds
Textured paint
Adhesives
Caulking
Household products such as fireproof gloves, stove-top pads, ironing board covers, curtains, and certain hairdryers. Many homeowners paid premium pricing for asbestos curtains, which were marketed for their fire retardancy and sound dampening qualities.
Wallpaper manufactured before the 1980s, especially with a vinyl finish, and its corresponding adhesive
Wall and ceiling insulation
Transite asbestos furnace flues, which are lined with asbestos. These tend to deteriorate over time, flake apart and collapse. Throughout this process, asbestos can be back drafted into the home.
Drywall, drywall mud, and tapes
Electrical panel housing
Asbestos Testing
Asbestos testing is used to rule out or confirm the presence of asbestos and, if present, whether the asbestos is hazardous. It becomes hazardous when it is disturbed or damaged. Crumbly or easily torn asbestos, also known as friable asbestos, is always hazardous if it is not enclosed. However, well-maintained, intact asbestos does not release fibers into the air and is therefore not considered a threat to human health.
Asbestos testing is the only way to confirm the presence of asbestos. Asbestos removal companies require testing prior to removal.
Read the full guide from the Lanier Law Firm HERE
Curious about navigating the challenges of a remodel or renovation project? Give A43 Architecture a call at 307-249-8650