Identifying and Avoiding Asbestos
Asbestos is a word we hear often when discussing homes and can exist in places you may not be aware of. Here’s how to identify it, and what to do about it.
Where Asbestos Is Found?
Any amount of asbestos is hazardous. The percentages contained can very between manufacturers. Asbestos is in sheet vinyl and vinyl tiles. It’s also in linoleum, and laminate. People may not be aware that it’s additionally in flooring adhesives such as paper-like backing and mastic (adhesive/glue). Of course, the most common places are in wall plaster and vinyl wallpaper. It could be in roof shingles as well, but it’s best to a licensed asbestos inspector to test and confirm asbestos presence. Slate shingles are the most hazardous. There’s more asbestos content in slate shingles than asphalt. Before 1980, plaster and textured ceiling was often mixed with asbestos fibers, which was utilized because asbestos is durable and strong, along with its flame retardant ability and natural insulation. Modern popcorn/textured ceilings are generally ok.
Friable Asbestos
When dry asbestos containing material, or ACM, is crushed or crumbles in the hand easily, it releases fibers into the air. This is what’s known as friable asbestos. Materials degrade over time, the way that textured ceiling before the 1980s might have. This is what causes the dryness and friability. Duct tape and pipe wrapping used on asbestos are flexible. When they are touched or moved, they tend to waft asbestos particles into the air. The contact and adhesive makes dry material airborne. Particularly high in percentage of fibers is contained in the pipe wrapping. They can have anywhere from 65-85%. When vermiculite insulation is disturbed, the random fibers in it can get airborne just as easily.
When To Call an Inspector
If you have any suspicion that material contains asbestos at all, call a licensed asbestos inspector, along with a project supervisor. This is especially true if think it may have been made airborne, or in other words, friable. If the property you want to sell was constructed before 1989, that’s definitely another reason to call. The inspection process may slow your sale process down if anything is found. Pre-1989 property is also a reason to contact inspectors if you’re planning any renovations on your home. Plumbing may also involve asbestos, as well as any other “act of nature” that could have disturbed existing asbestos.
To learn more about how this affects your family and home please call us at 812-327-1127 for a free estimate today.