- AlexERX
The Dangers of Ignoring Asbestos in Older Homes
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If your home was built before the 1980s, there’s a chance it contains asbestos—and that’s not something you want to ignore. Asbestos was once a go-to material for insulation, flooring, and even ceiling tiles because of its fire resistance and durability. But here’s the catch: when disturbed, asbestos can become a serious health hazard.
At ERX (Emergency Restoration Xperts), we’ve seen firsthand how asbestos exposure can impact families and businesses. Whether you’re planning renovations or just concerned about your home’s safety, understanding where asbestos hides, why it’s dangerous, and what you should do about it is critical.
What Is Asbestos and Where Is It Found in Older Homes?
WateAsbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that were commonly used in home construction until the late 20th century. It’s heat-resistant, strong, and great for insulation—which is why builders used it everywhere.
Common Places Asbestos Can Be Found in Older Homes:
🔹 Popcorn ceilings – That textured ceiling in your home? It might contain asbestos.
🔹 Vinyl flooring & tiles – Older vinyl flooring and adhesives often contain asbestos.
🔹 Pipe insulation – Wrapped around pipes to prevent heat loss but can release fibers if damaged.
🔹 Roof shingles & siding – Used for fire resistance but can break down over time.
🔹 Drywall joint compound – Found in the seams of walls and ceilings.
🔹 HVAC duct insulation – Older duct systems might have asbestos-lined insulation.
If your home was built before 1980, there’s a chance it contains asbestos in one or more of these areas.
Why Is Asbestos Dangerous?
YouAsbestos isn’t dangerous when left undisturbed. But the second it’s damaged or crumbling, those tiny asbestos fibers become airborne—and that’s where the real danger starts.
Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure:
⚠️ Mesothelioma – A rare but deadly cancer linked directly to asbestos exposure.
⚠️ Lung cancer – Prolonged exposure increases your risk of lung cancer, especially for smokers.
⚠️ Asbestosis – A chronic lung condition caused by inhaling asbestos fibers over time.
⚠️ Respiratory problems – Shortness of breath, coughing, and lung scarring from inhaled fibers.
The scary part? Symptoms can take decades to appear, meaning many people don’t realize they’ve been exposed until it’s too late.
Signs Your Home May Have Asbestos
Since asbestos was widely used, it’s not always obvious when your home contains it. Here are some warning signs to watch for:
🔸 Your home was built before 1980 – If your house was built before the 1980s and hasn’t been renovated, asbestos-containing materials may still be present.
🔸 Crumbling drywall or insulation – Asbestos fibers can be released if old walls or insulation deteriorate.
🔸 Worn-out flooring tiles – Old vinyl tiles breaking apart? They could contain asbestos.
🔸 Popcorn ceiling deterioration – If your ceiling is cracking or peeling, it may contain asbestos.
What to Do If You Suspect Asbestos in Your Home
DO NOT attempt to remove or disturb asbestos yourself. If you suspect asbestos in your home, take these steps instead:
1️⃣ Avoid disturbing materials – Don’t drill, cut, or break materials that may contain asbestos.
2️⃣ Call a professional for testing – Licensed asbestos inspectors can test your home and confirm if asbestos is present.
3️⃣ Seal off the affected area – If materials are damaged, limit access to the area until a professional assesses it.
4️⃣ Consider asbestos abatement or encapsulation – Professionals can safely remove or seal asbestos-containing materials to prevent exposure.
At ERX, we specialize in asbestos testing, abatement, and removal to ensure your home is safe and up to code.
Asbestos and Home Renovations: What You Need to Know
Planning a remodel? STOP before you start knocking down walls or pulling up flooring—you could be releasing asbestos fibers into the air.
Before Renovating an Older Home:
✔ Schedule an asbestos inspection – A professional can assess high-risk areas before work begins.
✔ Hire licensed asbestos removal experts – DIY removal is dangerous and illegal in many places.
✔ Use proper containment methods – If asbestos is found, specialized containment and filtration systems must be used during removal.
✔ Dispose of asbestos properly – Asbestos waste must be handled according to strict disposal regulations.
If you’re planning renovations, ERX can help with asbestos inspections and removal, ensuring your project is safe.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Asbestos Removal?
Unfortunately, most homeowners insurance policies do NOT cover asbestos removal unless it was damaged by a sudden event like a fire, storm, or burst pipe. However, if asbestos is discovered during repairs from covered damage, your policy may help with removal costs.
Check your policy and contact your provider to see what’s covered. Need help? ERX works with insurance companies to assist homeowners with asbestos-related claims.
How ERX Can Help with Asbestos Testing & Removal
At ERX (Emergency Restoration Xperts), we provide professional asbestos testing, abatement, and removal services to keep your home and family safe.
✅ Certified asbestos inspections – We locate and test suspected asbestos materials.
✅ Safe asbestos removal – Our trained professionals use specialized equipment to remove asbestos safely.
✅ Encapsulation services – When removal isn’t possible, we seal asbestos materials to prevent fiber release.
✅ Post-removal air quality testing – We ensure your home is safe after asbestos removal.
If you suspect asbestos in your home, call ERX at (866)-217-7903 for an inspection today!
Final Thoughts
Ignoring asbestos in an older home isn’t worth the risk. While it might not be an immediate danger, disturbing asbestos-containing materials can lead to serious health problems down the road.
If you think your home has asbestos, don’t panic—just don’t touch it. Call ERX at (866)-217-7903 for a professional inspection and removal services. We’ll make sure your home is safe and asbestos-free so you can breathe easy.
FAQs About Asbestos in Homes
Q: How do I know if my home has asbestos?
A: The only way to be sure is through professional testing. If your home was built before 1980 and has old insulation, flooring, or ceilings, it’s worth having an inspection.
Q: Is asbestos dangerous if it’s not disturbed?
A: No. Asbestos is only hazardous when damaged or airborne. If it’s in good condition, it’s usually best to leave it alone.
Q: Can I remove asbestos myself?
A: No! DIY asbestos removal is extremely dangerous and can expose you and your family to harmful fibers. Always hire a licensed professional for removal.
Q: How much does asbestos removal cost?
A: Costs vary based on location, amount of asbestos, and complexity of removal. Prices typically range from $1,500 to $10,000, depending on the job.
Q: Does homeowners insurance cover asbestos removal?
A: Not usually. Insurance may cover removal if asbestos was damaged by a covered peril like a fire or storm. Check your policy for details.
Q: What should I do if I find crumbling asbestos material in my home?
A: Do not touch it! Seal off the area and call a professional immediately to assess and handle the situation safely.
