Asbestos In Residential Attics

One of the most common materials containing asbestos fibers is attic and wall insulation.

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. 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. However these positive traits are outweighed by the health hazards associated with asbestos exposure which includes the risk of developing mesothelioma cancer. Although asbestos is no longer widely used in construction it is still present in many rental properties built before 1981.

In homes built prior to 1975 asbestos is most commonly found as thermal insulation on basement boilers and pipes. Get residential commercial encapsulation cleanup disposal estimates. In older homes specifically asbestos may be found in many different materials from pipe insulation to flooring adhesive to roof shingles. 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.

Common exposure scenarios attic renovation. 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. Ralph loves working on his 1965. 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.

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. Other places you might find asbestos are. Unfortunately it can also be found in a myriad of other household materials including. In those rare cases the asbestos containing materials used for insulation were manufactured for some other purpose.

It was likely brought home from work at a factory or salvaged from some other type of building. Brake dust in home garage. The insulation was sold under the brand name zonolite. 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. Older brakes and foreign made brakes may contain asbestos. But just because your insulation is old doesn t mean it is dangerous.