How Can I Tell if My Building Contains Asbestos?

Vintage buildings have their benefits and charms, but they can also come with dangers as well. If you buy an older home or building, it may contain some amount of asbestos. Asbestos was a “miracle” material for many years, used in construction to prevent fires, provide insulation, and strengthen building materials. Unfortunately, asbestos also causes serious health issues when breathed in, leading to serious conditions like lung cancer and mesothelioma. So, you may be asking yourself, how can I tell if my building contains asbestos? Luckily, there are several ways to identify the threat of asbestos and safely deal with it to ensure your family remains safe and healthy. Keep these suggestion in mind during your next home upgrade.

Asbestos Identifiers

Buildings containing asbestos tend to share certain characteristics. Here are a few things to watch out for.

Construction Dates

Age is often your first red flag about the potential threat of asbestos. If your building was constructed before 1980 (when the use of asbestos in construction was banned), it may contain asbestos somewhere. Installation of asbestos slowed down in the 1970s as its dangers became more apparent. Note the age of the building. Unless it has gone through previous extensive renovations, it might contain asbestos.

Insulation

Old-style insulation materials are a potential location for asbestos. Asbestos insulation was often in attics, placed within walls, and even wrapped around pipes. If you notice grayish material in these areas, be cautious—they likely contain asbestos.

Flooring

Old tiles, particularly vinyl and linoleum ones that measure 9 x 9 inches, may contain asbestos. Often, such flooring is safe if left undisturbed, but it’s generally a good idea to replace it. Before updating or renovating your basement, be sure to check for asbestos tiling.

Roofing and Siding

Flame-proof roofs and walls may sound like a good idea, but asbestos-based tiles, shingles, and siding carry their own threat. Leave them alone or leave their removal, disposal, and replacement to professionals.

Ceiling Tiles and Textured Paint

“Popcorn” and other textured paint applications often conceal the threat of asbestos. Test them before attempting any DIY removal methods. As an extra warning, old paint may contain lead. If scraped or stripped, the paint may release the lead into the air.

Next Steps

We’ve addressed the question, “How can I tell if my building contains asbestos?” If you suspect your building contains asbestos, don’t touch it or try to remove it yourself! Contact and hire a professional asbestos removal professional immediately. They will inspect the property and take samples for testing. If they find any, they’ll advise you on the best way to abate or remediate asbestos in your building. Good luck and good health!