Asbestos In Residential Attics

Common exposure scenarios attic renovation.

Asbestos in residential attics.

Insulation heating ducts ceilings especially popcorn ceilings vinyl flooring roofing drywall and plaster are just a few examples of common asbestos containing materials in older buildings. Although asbestos is no longer widely used in construction it is still present in many rental properties built before 1981. Older brakes and foreign made brakes may contain asbestos. Ralph loves working on his 1965.

It was likely brought home from work at a factory or salvaged from some other type of building. Floor tiles ceiling tiles vermiculite insulation in attics and walls roofing and siding artificial ashes and embers in gas fireplaces textured paint and patching compounds banned in 1977. For decades asbestos was used during the construction of residential homes for its durability ability to resist fire and high temperatures and excellent insulation properties. Attic insulation in older homes may contain asbestos that could fall through ceiling cracks.

Brake dust in home garage. Get residential commercial encapsulation cleanup disposal estimates. Homeadvisor s asbestos removal cost guide gives average abatement prices per sq ft in ceiling or floor tiles vermiculite attic insulation roofs ducts pipes or drywall. But just because your insulation is old doesn t mean it is dangerous.

In homes built prior to 1975 asbestos is most commonly found as thermal insulation on basement boilers and pipes. One of the most common materials containing asbestos fibers is attic and wall insulation. Asbestos is actually a natural fiber so if your attic insulation looks like wool there is a slight chance that it will contain asbestos. There is one primary source of asbestos attic insulation.

There are other sources of asbestos in attic insulation but this single source significantly outpaces the others the primary source of asbestos attic insulation is from a specific mine in montana operated for 70 years by the libby company according to the environmental protection agency. Unfortunately it can also be found in a myriad of other household materials including. In older homes specifically asbestos may be found in many different materials from pipe insulation to flooring adhesive to roof shingles. There are many different kinds of wool like insulation that are man made and do not have asbestos but if your attic insulation looks like wool than it is best to be safe and have it tested by a professional.

Other places you might find asbestos are. When disturbed tiny abrasive asbestos fibers are easily inhaled which damages lung tissue and can cause cancer. The insulation was sold under the brand name zonolite.