How Do You Know If Your Old Home Has Asbestos in It?

Homes built before 1980 frequently used asbestos in building materials because it resisted heat and fire. You might find it in pipe insulation, attic insulation, vinyl floor tiles, ceiling textures, and siding. Even if a material looks intact, it can still contain asbestos fibers.

The risk comes when those materials are disturbed during renovations, repairs, or water damage cleanup. If you have an older home, especially one with original features, treat suspect materials with caution. Don't scrape, sand, or remove them without checking first.

If a material tests positive, leave it alone if it's in good condition and not being disturbed. Intact asbestos poses little risk. If it's damaged, crumbling, or you need to remove it for repairs, hire a professional asbestos abatement contractor. That work requires special training and equipment.

Never try to remove asbestos yourself. The fibers are tiny and can stay in the air for hours, putting you and your family at risk. The pros who handle asbestos removal follow strict safety protocols to contain and dispose of it properly.

• Don't touch or disturb suspect materials
• Keep children and pets away from damaged areas
• Seal off the room if material is crumbling
• Hire a professional for testing and removal
• Wet down debris to minimize fiber release if you must handle it

The main health risk from asbestos is inhaling fibers over time, which can lead to lung disease. If you feel unwell after potential exposure, see a doctor. For most people, a one-time encounter with intact asbestos is not a major concern, but repeated exposure is.

If spring storms cause roof or water damage in your area, check older homes for asbestos before any repair work. Knowing what's in your walls and floors helps you plan safe renovations and protects everyone in the household.