You’ve finally bought that charming fixer-upper, the one with character and an unbeatable location. You’re excited to get started, but before you dive into tearing up old carpets and knocking down walls, there’s an important issue to consider: asbestos.

Asbestos is a serious health risk found in many older homes. While it can be easily overlooked, exposure during renovation can lead to major health problems.

Don’t worry, though, by taking the right precautions, you can safely handle any asbestos risks and keep your renovation project on track.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to identify asbestos, the dangers it presents, and the steps you need to take to stay safe during your renovation.

Why Asbestos Lurks in Old Homes

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that was once hailed as a miracle material. Manufacturers loved it because it resists heat, fire, and chemicals so well. For decades, they used it in thousands of construction products.

If your home was built before the 1980s, there’s a good chance it has asbestos, as it’s common in older homes.

The Big Picture: Almost 48% of the houses still standing in the U.S. were built before 1980. That’s a lot of potential for older materials.
The Decline: Regulations began limiting its use in the 1970s and 80s, but stockpiles of old materials meant it sometimes showed up in construction as late as the early 1990s.

The good news is that if materials containing asbestos are in good condition, meaning they are undisturbed and sealed, they don’t typically pose a risk. The danger comes when you start a renovation and break them apart, releasing tiny, invisible fibers into the air. This is when the risk of asbestos exposure skyrockets.

Where to Watch Out for Asbestos

Asbestos wasn’t just used in one place; it was everywhere. To keep you and your renovation crew safe, you need to know the common hiding spots of asbestos in old homes.

Attics and Walls: Look out for vermiculite insulation, especially the Zonolite brand. The EPA estimates up to 70% of vermiculite sold in the US between 1919 and 1990 may be contaminated with asbestos.
Flooring: Vinyl floor tiles, as well as the backing and adhesive used for vinyl sheet flooring, often contained asbestos. You can release fibers when sanding or scraping these materials.
Ceilings and Walls: Textured paint and patching compounds used on walls and ceilings until 1977 commonly contained it. This includes the infamous “popcorn ceilings.”
Pipes and Ducts: Asbestos-containing paper or tape was a popular choice for insulating steam pipes, boilers, and furnace ducts.
Roofing and Siding: Some shingles and siding materials are made of asbestos cement.

Your Safety Plan: How to Avoid Asbestos Exposure

You don’t need to wrap yourself in a hazmat suit and run away, but you do need a solid plan. The key to avoiding dangerous asbestos exposure during a renovation is not to disturb the material.

Test Before You Touch

This is the single most important step. You cannot identify asbestos just by looking at it.

Get a Professional Inspection: Before you plan any demolition, hire an accredited asbestos professional. They will take samples of suspicious materials and send them to a lab for analysis.

Do Not DIY Sampling: Disturbing the material yourself to take a sample could expose you to the exact asbestos you are trying to avoid. Leave the testing to the experts who have the correct protective gear and methods.

Leave Good Condition Materials Alone

If the inspection finds asbestos in materials that are currently in good shape and won’t be affected by your renovation, the best approach is often to leave them alone.

The EPA recommends this approach. For example, if you have vinyl asbestos floor tiles in good condition, it’s safer to install new, modern flooring right over them rather than tearing the old ones out.

Call in the Pros for Removal

If a material you plan to disturb tests positive for asbestos, you must hire a trained and accredited asbestos abatement contractor to remove it.

Avoid DIY Removal: This is not a weekend project. Improper removal is the quickest way to create widespread contamination. Professionals use specialized techniques such as wetting the material to prevent fibers from floating, sealing off the work area, and using HEPA vacuums for cleanup.

They Know the Rules: Contractors also know the federal, state, and local regulations for disposal, ensuring the hazardous material is handled legally and safely.

Take the Essential First Step Today

Renovating an older home is exciting and truly a labor of love. Just remember that the old-world charm of your house comes with caveats. You need to safely transform your living space without putting anyone at risk of asbestos exposure.

Be proactive, budget for testing and potential abatement, and always be cautious. You have all the information you need to make smart decisions and ensure your renovation is not only beautiful but also safe and healthy.

Are you ready to start your renovation with all the safety protocols in place, so you know what might be hiding in your dream home’s walls? Don’t risk accidental asbestos exposure.

Contact The Brickkicker, a trusted name in home inspection. We provide you with valuable insights to make informed decisions.

Our certified inspectors conduct thorough, detailed examinations to identify potential hazards, including areas where asbestos is commonly found in older homes. Get the peace of mind you deserve. Call us now.

Renovating an Older Home? Here’s How to Stay Safe from Asbestos Exposure