
Asbestos is everywhere! It is naturally occurring, but where is it commonly found in your home? Asbestos-containing materials were used in homes across the United States. These mineral fibers were used because of the durability, low cost, and fire resistance. These qualities made it perfect for construction purposes. Over time these items begin to wear down, and problems of exposure arise. Asbestos exposure is also imminent if you do remodels or renovations where the mineral is present. The only way to know for sure is through asbestos testing and asbestos inspections.
Interior Areas
Several areas in your home could contain asbestos. From ceilings to flooring, your home could have asbestos everywhere! Before a remodel, have a professional check your home and perform a test if necessary. Some of the interior areas that contain asbestos include:
- Flooring
- Ceilings
- Tile
- Caulking
- Wallpaper
- Insulation
Exterior Areas
Asbestos was used on the exterior of homes because of its fire-resistant properties. It was mainly used on roofs because it is durable and cost effective. Below are some of the exterior areas that could contain asbestos:
- Roofing
- Shingles
- Siding
- Adhesives
- Wire Coatings
Flooring
Flooring is one of the main places asbestos was used in homes. The natural properties of these silicate minerals made them the perfect material for flooring. Floors get a lot of traffic, and asbestos-containing building materials were able to stand up to the traffic. As flooring becomes older, it tends to break down and become damaged. This causes asbestos fibers to float freely through your home, causing exposure.
The above areas all are at risk for containing asbestos. To be sure, have a professional asbestos removal company complete a test on your home. It is the best way to find out if your home does have asbestos. It is important that a test is completed before you do any home remodels or renovations!