Many homes built before the 1980s contain building materials that may include asbestos. During much of the 20th century, asbestos was widely used in construction because it is durable, heat resistant, and an effective insulator.
Because of these properties, asbestos was added to a wide variety of materials used in residential construction. Although the use of asbestos has been heavily restricted, many older homes still contain materials that include asbestos fibers.
Homeowners planning renovations or repairs in older homes should be aware of the potential presence of asbestos before disturbing older materials.
For decades, asbestos was considered a valuable building material due to its strength and fire-resistant properties.
Asbestos was commonly used in residential construction because it helped improve:
• Fire resistance
• Durability of building materials
• Insulation performance
• Sound reduction in ceilings and walls
Because of these benefits, asbestos was incorporated into many products used in homes built before the early 1980s.
Asbestos may be present in a variety of building materials throughout older homes.
Some common locations include:
• Vinyl floor tiles and adhesives
• Pipe insulation around heating systems
• Popcorn ceiling texture
• Cement siding on exterior walls
• Roofing materials
• Insulation around boilers and furnaces
• Ceiling tiles
If these materials are present, professional asbestos testing can help determine whether asbestos fibers are present.
Renovation projects in older homes can increase the risk of asbestos exposure if materials containing asbestos are disturbed.
Activities that may release asbestos fibers include:
• Removing old flooring
• Scraping ceiling textures
• Cutting into walls or ceilings
• Demolition work
• Removing insulation
You can learn more about when asbestos becomes dangerous if fibers are released into the air.
Because asbestos fibers are microscopic, it is not always possible to confirm the presence of asbestos simply by looking at a material.
Some materials may appear similar to modern products that do not contain asbestos.
You can learn more about how to identify asbestos in common building materials found in older homes.
Before beginning renovation work in an older home, testing can help determine whether asbestos is present.
Testing typically involves collecting a small sample of the material and sending it to a certified laboratory for analysis.
Professional asbestos inspection and testing helps homeowners make informed decisions before disturbing potentially hazardous materials.
HB Environmental Services provides asbestos inspection, testing, and removal services throughout the St. Louis area.
Our team works with homeowners, contractors, and property managers to safely identify asbestos-containing materials and determine whether removal is necessary.
If you are planning a renovation or demolition project and suspect asbestos materials may be present, contact HB Environmental Services to schedule professional evaluation.
Call (314) 310-0102 or request service through our contact form.
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If you have questions about asbestos removal or testing, you may find helpful information on our Asbestos FAQ page.
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