Asbestos In Residential Attics

In homes built prior to 1975 asbestos is most commonly found as thermal insulation on basement boilers and pipes.

Asbestos in residential attics.

But just because your insulation is old doesn t mean it is dangerous. 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. However these positive traits are outweighed by the health hazards associated with asbestos exposure which includes the risk of developing mesothelioma cancer. 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.

One of the most common materials containing asbestos fibers is attic and wall insulation. Get residential commercial encapsulation cleanup disposal estimates. Brake dust in home garage. In older homes specifically asbestos may be found in many different materials from pipe insulation to flooring adhesive to roof shingles.

Other than vermiculite it s actually quite rare to find thermal insulation in residential attics that contains asbestos. There is one primary source of asbestos attic insulation. 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. Attic insulation in older homes may contain asbestos that could fall through ceiling cracks.

Unfortunately it can also be found in a myriad of other household materials including. When disturbed tiny abrasive asbestos fibers are easily inhaled which damages lung tissue and can cause cancer. Although asbestos is no longer widely used in construction it is still present in many rental properties built before 1981. Common exposure scenarios attic renovation.

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. Asbestos is actually a natural fiber so if your attic insulation looks like wool there is a slight chance that it will contain asbestos. Older brakes and foreign made brakes may contain asbestos. In those rare cases the asbestos containing materials used for insulation were manufactured for some other purpose.

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. The insulation was sold under the brand name zonolite. 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.