If your house was constructed prior to 1990, you could be harbouring an unwanted resident—and we don't refer to a nosy neighbour or an occasional spider. We're discussing asbestos, a then-trendy building component that is now recognized as a dangerous health risk.
Asbestos was employed for generations for its fire-resistant and insulating properties, as well as its cost-effectiveness. However, we now know better. Asbestos fibres can release health hazards when disturbed, and they can lead to lung diseases and cancer. It's for this reason that asbestos abatement has now become an important aspect of keeping a home safe and updated.
Whether you are starting a renovation or simply wondering what lies beneath the surface in your home, here is a list of 10 everyday building materials which may have asbestos present if your property was constructed prior to 1990.
Once deemed cutting-edge, popcorn ceilings abounded from the 1950s to the 1980s. The texture masked imperfections, and it also dampened noise, but a number contained asbestos. Scraping or sanding a popcorn ceiling can release hazardous fibres if one does not take proper safety measures.
Tip: Before you ever lay a hand on your ceiling, test it first.
The fluffy-looking insulation you see in your attic could be vermiculite, a mineral that is heated when it expands. Sadly, most vermiculite on the North American market was mined from a Libby, Montana, mine that was contaminated with asbestos. You might have greyish-gold-tinted, popcorn-looking insulation at home. Leave it alone!
Flooring during the mid-century era tended to employ vinyl tiles that contained asbestos, particularly the 9-inch tiles. Furthermore, the black mastic (adhesive to glue them down) also contained asbestos on a regular basis. Pulling up old tiles the DIY way often caused trouble—literally.
Drywall itself was never the issue—it was finishing products and joint compound that frequently contained asbestos. Older houses often had plaster walls, which might contain asbestos fibres, particularly when used for decorative textures.
Remodeling? That wall may be more than simply outdated—it may be unsafe.
Heaters from decades ago frequently employed asbestos-filled paper or tape for duct insulation and to retain the heat. With time, it can harden and begin to flake off into your air system. Oh my!
Solution: Inspect HVAC components prior to starting replacement or repair work.
Robust, flame-resistant, and affordable fibre cement siding was a wonder. The wonder ingredient? Asbestos. Used in exterior wall panels and stucco underlayers, they may still be present in old houses. Drilling, sawing, or removing them can release fibres.
Asbestos was wrapped over boilers and hot water pipes to contain heat. It may be seen as a white or gray wrapping, or a solid plaster-like substance. This insulation may be harmed by aging or moist conditions, which can often be found in basements or crawl spaces.
Don't touch it if it's worn or crumbling. It can be removed safely by demolition contractors.
Roofing material is something we don't get to see close-up, but it's another source. Several types of asphalt shingles and underlayments on pre-1990 buildings contained asbestos for fire and durability.
Your roofer will always inspect first for asbestos materials when planning to replace a roof.
The putty which sealed your windows or the caulking which surrounded your bathtubs may seem innocuous, but part of it contained asbestos. With time, materials containing asbestos can weaken, particularly near heat or damp, and release fibres when scraped or sanded.
Love sitting by the fireplace? Be aware that materials found near fireplaces—some bricks, boards, and heat shields—could have contained asbestos due to their protective characteristics against heat. If you are undertaking a fireplace remodel, make certain to inspect the materials used within the perimeter.
If your home contains any product mentioned above, and particularly if they're broken or you're getting renovations done, the most secure action is to bring in a professional asbestos inspector. They'll safely sample them and report whether or not asbestos is present.
If it is, don't panic. Asbestos abatement is a tightly regulated industry here in Canada, and licensed demolition contractors can safely and lawfully remove or contain asbestos. Doing it yourself is not only risky—it could be illegal, too.