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:

1. Roof felt and shingles
2. Loose, blown-in insulation such as vermiculite
3. Incandescent light fixture backing
4. Roof gutters can be made of asbestos cement
5. Artificial fireplace logs and ashes
6. Acoustic tiles
7. Deck under-sheeting
8. Asbestos pad under the fireplace hearth
9. Pipe insulation
10. Main panel and fuse box; each fuse wire has an individual asbestos flash guard
11. Door and gasket covers
12. Backing behind recessed lighting
13. Can be found in stucco
14. Soffit boards can be made of asbestos cement or asbestos insulating board
15. Textured or stipple-coated walls and ceilings
16. Asbestos cement board siding and undersheeting
17. Outlets and switches
18. Gypsum board filling compound, and patching and joint compound for walls and ceilings
19. Window putty
20. Flooring: vinyl tiles and linoleum sheet flooring: flooring adhesive
21. Downpipes can be made of asbestos cement
22. Insulation on electrical wires
23. 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.