Where to Look for Asbestos in Old Houses
Where to Look for Asbestos in Old Houses
Do you know what are the possible areas asbestos are commonly found? Sometimes, it is not an easy task to do as asbestos cannot be readily seen on the surface. If you suspect asbestos in your home, it is often not just confined to one space. It is important to get a home inspection before beginning any DIY renovation projects if your home was built before 1980. So, we have put together a list on where to look for asbestos in old houses. Hopefully, by examining each single item in the list, this can help you become aware if asbestos is present in your home before you start your renovation.
A list of the parts of old houses where one might find asbestos:
- Roof felt and shingles
- Loose, blown-in insulation such as vermiculite
- Incandescent light fixture backing
- Roof gutters can be made of asbestos cement
- Artificial fireplace logs and ashes
- Acoustic tiles
- Deck under-sheeting
- Asbestos pad under the fireplace hearth
- Pipe insulation
- Main panel and fuse box; each fuse wire has an individual asbestos flash guard
- Door and gasket covers
- Backing behind recessed lighting
- Can be found in stucco
- Soffit boards can be made of asbestos cement or asbestos insulating board
- Textured or stipple-coated walls and ceilings
- Asbestos cement board siding and undersheeting
- Outlets and switches
- Gypsum board filling compound, and patching and joint compound for walls and ceilings
- Window putty
- Flooring: vinyl tiles and linoleum sheet flooring: flooring adhesive
- Downpipes can be made of asbestos cement
- Insulation on electrical wires
- Heat reflector for wood store
Once, you are done going through each one of the list and you are convinced there is asbestos in your home, it is important to call for an asbestos abatement professional to do the job. Most contractors in the Lower Mainland British Columbia do offer a reasonably low cost estimate or service for asbestos abatement. Most of the asbestos removal companies have wide service areas in Greater Vancouver. So, never ever attempt doing the asbestos removal yourself. Always get help from a trained professional that has knowledge and experience in the proper disposal of the material to prevent any untoward incident of environmental contamination on any nearby urban or rural communities. Like mold, asbestos is a major health concern. Awareness of its hazard and impact on one’s health is important to prevent any type of future illness. Take the proper steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. Contact BC Green Construction and Demolition today for a free quote for asbestos abatement project.